Afiyet Olsun! A taste of Istanbul has come to Taman Tun Dr Ismail, thanks to this cosy new Turkish-run cafe, where a concise menu supplies several intriguing specialities that work well for a comforting meal.
Begin with brunch: If you're searching for a refreshing change from Western-style Big Breakfasts, then check out this Turkish breakfast, a satisfying platter that showcases not only beautifully runny eggs, sausages & potatoes (all the in the foreground) but also olives, traditional sliced sucuk spiced sausages, feta cheese & flat bread. Recommended for RM19.
Scrambled eggs get a mouthwatering makeover in this savoury 'menemen' (remember the name; it's well worth trying), a traditional recipe that features ravishingly creamy eggs cooked with tomatoes & peppers. Indulgently tasty, a triumphant treat for egg lovers. RM9 (prices at Istanbul Turkish Cafe are easy on the wallet).
Most of the breakfast dishes - including this classic bagel-like 'simit' (RM5), fresh-tasting, sesame-crusted bread rings with a thick, substantial bite & pleasant chewiness, partnered with butter & jam - are available to order until noon, but customers can probably request them for lunch too if the outlet's not too busy.
In the afternoon & at night, Istanbul Turkish Cafe moves into even heartier fare, like wraps stuffed with hand-minced adana kebab (chicken, beef or lamb), served with fries & a salad (RM15-RM20, depending on the customer's choice of meat) ...
... & the distinctively shaped Turkish pizza (RM16), a doughy delight that's well-topped with minced meat & cheese, best consumed piping-hot, potentially sufficient for two to share.
Meat-seekers can opt for the beef & lamb kofte, tender & well-flavoured meatballs served with both mashed potatoes & rice for a plate that's loaded with both protein & carbs (RM20).
We know there are many fans of falafel out there: Istanbul Turkish Cafe serves a respectable rendition, very crispy on the outside, packed with smashed chickpeas within. RM15.
Save space for sweets; Eline Saglik to cafe owner Deniz, his wife, chef & the rest of the team here for hosting this lunch. Istanbul Turkish Cafe is still a bit of a hidden secret, secluded on one of TTDI's less-travelled back-streets, but we think we'll be hearing more about it in the months ahead.
The Turkish theme courses through the beverages; naturally, there's Turkish coffee, but there are also Turkish fruit juices (cherry, apricot & pomegranate). Even the mineral water comes from Turkey.
Turkish Cafe Istanbul TTDI
12, Jalan Wan Kadir 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
Open morning through night everyday (closed only for Friday afternoon prayers)
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