Turkish cuisine is a harmonious blend of flavors deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions. The cuisine is influenced by Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Mediterranean cultures. The cooking tradition of Turkey has a unique historical heritage and uses a vibrant variety of natural ingredients, leading to a unique fusion of East and West.
You can find various Turkish restaurants in Islamabad serving everything from traditional kebabs and pide to modern fusion dishes. One of the best places to experience authentic Turkish cuisine in Islamabad is Nazarr- The Taste of Istanbul. The restaurant offers platters, kebabs, and desserts made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The interior of Nazarr is decorated with warm colors and Turkish motifs, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The tables are spaced well apart, so you can enjoy your meal in peace and quiet. The service is attentive and warm, and the food is delectable. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends, Nazarr is the perfect place to experience the flavors of Istanbul.
Top 5 Authentic Turkish Cuisine at Nazarr
Pide
Turkish Pide is most popular throughout the world. It is a type of flatbread that is made with a simple dough of flour, water, yeast, and salt, and it is then baked in a wood-fired oven. Pide can be topped with a variety of fillings, including meat, vegetables, cheese, or eggs.
One of the most popular types of pide is lahmacun. Lahmacun is made with a thin layer of pide dough that is topped with ground lamb, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. It is then baked until the dough is crispy and the toppings are cooked through.
Turkish Kunefe
Künefe, usually pronounced as “koo-neh-feh,” is a delicious Turkish dessert that delights the senses with its irresistible combination of textures and flavors. This traditional Turkish dessert is made with shredded wheat pastry, filled with soft, stringy cheese, and then baked and drizzled with a sweet syrup. It is often garnished with crushed pistachios. Kunefe is thought to have originated in the Arab world, but it is now a popular dessert throughout Turkey and the Middle East. It is often served hot, straight from the oven, with a dollop of creamy kaymak or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Turkish Doner
Turkish Doner Kebab is one of Turkey’s most famous street foods and is becoming increasingly popular in other countries worldwide. Made of thinly sliced, roasted meat stacked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is typically lamb, beef, or chicken, and it is seasoned with spices such as cumin, garlic, and paprika. The meat is cooked slowly over a heat source and shaved off the rotisserie as it cooks. Turkish Doner Kebab can be served in various ways, but it is most commonly served in pita bread with vegetables and sauces. The vegetables typically include tomatoes, onions, and lettuce, and the sauces typically include garlic sauce and yogurt sauce.
Turkish Durum
Durum is a Turkish wrap made with lavash or yufka flatbread and is typically filled with grilled meat, such as döner kebab, chicken, or lamb. Normally, you’ll find a choice of chicken, beef, or lamb as the protein base, each marinated with a unique blend of spices that infuse them with rich, savory flavors. The art of crafting the perfect Turkish Durum lies in the assembly.
The thinly sliced, grilled meat is placed onto the warm flatbread, followed by a colorful array of ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes pickles. A dollop of yogurt-based sauce, tahini, or spicy chili sauce is generously drizzled over the filling to enhance the taste. Then, it’s all skillfully rolled into a tight, cylindrical wrap, creating a handheld delight that’s both satisfying and portable.
Adana Kebabs
Adana kebab is a popular Turkish dish made of finely minced lamb or mutton seasoned with chili peppers, cumin, paprika, and salt. The meat is then grilled on skewers over an open flame until cooked and charred. Adana kebab is typically served with pita bread, grilled vegetables, and a yogurt sauce. The name “Adana” refers to the city where the dish originated in Turkey. Adana kebab is known for its spicy flavor, which comes from the chili peppers used in the marinade. The meat is also very tender and juicy, thanks to the high-fat content of the lamb or mutton.
Conclusion
Islamabad is a city with a rich and diverse culinary scene, and Turkish cuisine is a major part of it. There are many authentic Turkish restaurants in Islamabad where you can enjoy classic dishes such as kebabs, pide, and baklava. If you are looking to discover authentic Turkish cuisine in Islamabad, I recommend checking out the Nazarr- The Taste of Istanbul in i8 Markaz Islamabad. With a bit of planning, you can quickly discover authentic Turkish cuisine in Islamabad and enjoy a truly memorable dining experience.
