A Turkish named TAS

Double dipped? What are you talking about?

George Costanza (Seinfeld episode “The Implant”)

Usually if you want good Turkish food you end up in Dalston. But I found good reviews about TAS, an Anatolian Turkish cuisine in Waterloo. The place opened in 1999, and now they have more than 15 restaurants. The place was completely packed, happy faces, a loud and noisy atmosphere impregnated with great aromas.

The Place

The best way to eat Turkish cuisine is sharing so we ordered a several dishes to play with. We started with some cold and hot meze. The Cacik was great, I loved the mint, cucumber, and garlicky yoghurt base dip, full of flavour. Then the hummus kavurma, amazing, topped with sautéed lamb it’s like a hummus reloaded. The kalamar, a battered marinated squid, good, nicely done. Kanat, some chicken wings, ok no fuss no glory. Finally, the icli kofte, lovely, great flavours of these lamb and wheat balls.

Hummus time

Double dipping

Icli Kofte

For the main show we got their mixed grill, the Iskender, great flavours. The scallop cooked with onions, and cabbage in a wine creamy sauce, it was definitely the weakest link of the night, the scallops were miniature, almost baby scallops, and a bit dry. Then we moved to Hunkar Begendi, grilled aubergine puree with cheese and of course lamb, really good, nice flavours and good combination. Finally as a side the great Bademli, a lovely almond rice that I couldn’t stop eating.

Scallops

Hunkar Begendi

A great night, good service, and lovely food. Highly recommended if you want to avoid the trip to Dalston.

Candle light

TAS

T: 020 7928 2111

Turkish Cuisine

Approx Damage: £25pp

Area: Waterloo

Borough: Southwark

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Persian Cuisine in Covent Garden

You dip the way you want to dip. I'll dip the way I want to dip 

George Costanza (Seinfeld episode “The Implant”) 

A month ago I was with my friend Gabriel wandering around Covent Garden and after failing to get into the new American burger joints he recommended to try Simurgh. The first Iranian restaurant in London, cozy, friendly, warm. The décor quite characteristic for a moment remind me the British Museum. Menu based on fresh ingredients and Persian cuisine. As entertainment Friday and Saturday you can enjoy belly dancing from 8:30pm to 9:00pm 

The decor

We started the night with the Sini to share. A Persian mezze with different starters including Mirza Ghasemi (aubergines in tomato and garlic), Masto Kheyar (yoghurt based dip with mint and garlic), Chicken Oliveh (a mix of potato with shredded chicken, and mayo), Ghel Ghely (spicy meatballs with saffron and tomato sauce), and sweet & sour olives. The mezze was really nice, all nicely executed, my favourite the meatballs, and the aubergine. 

The mezze

Sini

For main I shared with Marisol the Persian Grill. A typical mixed grill with Joojeh (chicken marinated with saffron and lemon), Koobideh (minced lamb with tomato sauce, onions, and garlic), Chenjeh (diced lamb with the same tomato sauce), and Tiger prawns. Lovely dish, plenty food for two, really nice flavours, my favourite definitely the Chenjeh. 

Persian grill

If you’re into Persian cuisine with lots of spices, dishes based on tomato sauce with touch of saffron, nice mezze with deep and dense dipping sauces, and hearty gilled meats, Simurgh is your place. Ok service, good food, and decent pricing.

Simurgh

T: 020 7240 7811

Persian Cuisine

Approx Damage: £20pp

Area: Covent Garden

Borough: City of Westminster

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The Best Kebab in London

There's this voice inside of me going "You're doing it! You're doing it!" And then she started to cry, and I weakened a bit, I almost relented, but the voice, Jerry, the voice said "Keep going, keep going. You're almost out!" It's like I was making a prison break, you know. And I'm heading for the wall, and I trip and I twist my ankle, and they throw the light on you, you know

George Costanza (Seinfeld episode “The Ex Girlfriend”) 

That’s probably a difficult title to get. There are so many places, basically every corner you have a kebab parlour, you can get this mix grills and kebabs from established Indian  restaurants like the famous Tayyabs to the local joints that opens till late nights like Flame. One recommendation I usually got from my good friend Talyor was Bosphorus Kebabs in South Kensington. I’ve been there a couple times so it was about time to write a review. 

The Place

The menu

Bosphorus is a Turkish Kebab Restaurant that opened in 1974. High quality fresh produce is their only secret, they prepare their chicken and lamb daily. The way to go it’s the mix grilled, lamb and chicken shish, lamb kofte, and doner kebab toppings. The grill is fresh, nice flavours, good seasoning, and good value, everything you would expect to have.

The shish

The grill

They are open until 12pm so if you want to try fresh kebabs head to South Kensington, are they the best kebab in London? Probably not but they are quite good.

Satellite view

Bosphorus Kebabs
T: 020 7584 4048
Kebab Parlour
Approx Damage: £10pp
Area: South kensington
Borough: Kensington & Chelsea

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