🔗 Share this article Each Culinary Artist Should Study At This Spot’: Unassuming Turkish Dining Spot Earns Fourth on Ranking of London’s Top Dining Destinations. Whenever compiling a roll of London’s finest dining spots, one might expect well-known Michelin-starred venues. However, tucked high among these culinary titans is a simple salonu located in a distant area of north London. A Shocking Accolade The small Turkish eatery, concentrating in the specialties of Mersin, a port city on Turkey’s southern coast, has been named the fourth top restaurant in the city by a prominent culinary publication. This recognition has left the proprietors totally surprised. “I am utterly shocked,” states a proprietor, pointing to his parents’ relentless work that led to their humble place earning such a lofty position on a prestigious 99-strong list. A Appeal of Simplicity This small shop, which was a basic cafe before its transformation into a buzzing destination, has kept much of its earlier charm. It accommodates just over 20 people and, beyond the impressive live cooking show, the layout remains largely unchanged. “It’s a compact and cozy spot,” comments the owner. The Star Dish: Tantuni However, it is all about the fare, and this establishment certainly delivers. The eatery’s eponymous dish, tantuni, is a uncomplicated delight. Choice of meat—whether lamb or chicken—is prepared via steaming to maintain a tender quality. The meat is then tossed into a massive pan with spices and oil, which are incorporated in gradually. When the meaty mixture starts to simmer, freshly made lavaş—a soft bread—is slapped on top to absorb all the juices. Finely sliced onions and a handful of parsley are added before the flavourful meat is folded securely inside. It is usually enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon or some tangy accompaniments. The end result is a powerful burst of taste, with gentle hints of sumac, punchy onions and spicy, paprika-laced oil bringing it all in harmony. Beyond the Basic Tantuni Another option is yoğurtlu tantuni, where the meat-filled lavaş is sliced and crowned with yogurt, tomato sauce and cooked, nutty browned butter. The prominent food critic labelled this dish “among London’s few perfect, no-notes dishes”. When it comes to dessert, the eatery’s künefe goes down a treat. It is coated in lighter syrup than usual, resulting in it a more intense, toastier and not overly sweet flavour. Rising Above the Titans Remarkably, this unassuming restaurant has outplaced several renowned three-Michelin-starred establishments. It finds itself near the peak of the list, following other notable dining destinations. While two people could easily leave the restaurant full for below £25, equivalent experiences at luxury establishments can cost many times that price. The Ethos of Heart The restaurant is also part of several Turkish restaurants included and is located well outside the city’s most expensive zones. “It’s not concerning luxury. London is an pricey city. It is belief that in an expensive place you’re going to have the top service and finest food but I don’t subscribe to that,” states the owner. “In my view what is crucial is hospitality, friendliness and somewhere you can be yourself and be calm.” This view is shared by the list’s compiler, who stated that if he was in a position of power, he would “require to make every chef in London train at this spot as a masterclass, to show them the dangers of overcomplication, and to demonstrate what is possible if you do only a handful of – or three – things to their absolute best”. A Path of Hard Work Unlike most chefs running kitchens in the list’s highest ranks, the driving force behind the food did not train at elite restaurants. “I am very proud of our restaurant and our mum,” adds her son. Many restaurants require years to find their footing, but this eatery first launched seven years ago. Its acclaim is due to long, grinding, seven-day weeks of effort. “My mum used to be really tired. She would buy ingredients in the morning and create the food in the afternoon. All of it is made by hand; she would handle all of this. She is a single mother and she balanced a social life but her friends would come here to encourage her. She was raising children and a house to care for as well. Each of these roles shaped her into what she is now: a remarkable person,” he reflects. A Achievement for the People The restaurant’s accolade is bound to have meaning beyond its own walls. “I believe many people would be proud, as I am, because the Turkish community is a huge part of London,” says the owner, pointing out the wider importance of this gastronomic achievement.