🔗 Share this article Each Chef Must Train At This Spot’: Modest Turkish Eatery Secures Fourth on List of London’s Leading Food Spots. When curating a roll of London’s best dining spots, one might foresee well-known high-end names. However, tucked high among these gastronomic titans is a unpretentious salonu found in a outlying part of northern London. An Surprise Accolade The little Turkish restaurant, specialising in the street food of Mersin, a metropolis on Turkey’s southern coast, has been named the 4th top restaurant in the capital by a respected food magazine. The recognition has left the family totally shocked. “I’m completely astonished,” remarks a proprietor, pointing to his parents’ relentless work that resulted in their small restaurant securing such a high position on a notable 99-strong list. The Character of Simplicity This small shop, which used to be a basic cafe before its conversion into a sought-after spot, has kept much of its original feel. It seats just over 20 people and, aside from the impressive live cooking performance, the interior remains essentially unchanged. “It is a small and stocky space,” says the owner. A Star Offering: Tantuni In the end, it’s all down to the cuisine, and this eatery definitely excels. The restaurant’s signature dish, tantuni, is a straightforward joy. Choice of meat—lamb or lamb or chicken—is cooked with steam to keep a moist, juicy quality. The meat is then tossed into a massive pan with flavours and oil, which are mixed in gradually. Once the savoury mixture bubbles up, handmade lavaş—a soft bread—is slapped on top to soak in all the flavours. Thinly sliced onions and a dash of parsley are added before the savoury meat is rolled neatly inside. The wrap is usually eaten with a drizzle of lemon or some tangy accompaniments. The end result is a powerful punch of flavour, with soft hints of sumac, punchy onions and rich, paprika-red oil bringing it all in harmony. Other Than the Basic Tantuni Patrons can also try yoğurtlu tantuni, where the savoury lavaş is cut up and topped with yogurt, tomato sauce and cooked, nutty browned butter. A prominent food critic labelled this dish “among London’s few ideal, faultless dishes”. When it comes to a sweet finish, the restaurant’s künefe proves a delight. It is coated in less syrup than is typical, resulting in it a more intense, nuttier and not overly sweet flavour. Surpassing the Stars Remarkably, this unassuming restaurant has outplaced several illustrious three-Michelin-starred establishments. It finds itself just behind the peak of the list, just after other high-profile dining destinations. Whereas two people could readily leave this place satisfied for under £25, comparable experiences at top-tier establishments can run into significantly more than that amount. The Ethos of Warmth The restaurant is also part of several Turkish restaurants listed and is located well beyond the city’s prime zones. “It is not focused on luxury. London is an expensive city. It is belief that in an expensive place you’re going to have the finest service and best food but I don’t believe in that,” states the owner. “In my view what is paramount is warmth, kindness and a place you can be yourself and be calm.” The philosophy is echoed by the list’s editor, who stated that if he were in a role of power, he would “make it mandatory to make every chef in London visit this spot as a final lesson, to show them the traps of overthinking, and to reveal what is achievable if you do a few – or three – things to their very best”. A Story of Dedication In contrast to many chefs running kitchens in the list’s top ten, the driving force behind the food did not work at elite establishments. “I feel truly happy of our shop and our mum,” says her son. Many restaurants take years to find their footing, but this one first launched seven years ago. Its popularity is due to relentless, seven-day weeks of work. “My mum was really tired. She would buy ingredients in the morning and make the food in the afternoon. All of it is handmade; she would do 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. All of these duties shaped her into what she is now: a remarkable person,” he says. A Recognition for the People The restaurant’s accolade is bound to echo beyond its own doors. “I believe numerous people would be happy, as I am, because the Turkish community is a huge part of London,” notes the owner, emphasising the greater significance of this gastronomic honour.