‘Every Culinary Artist Must Train Here’: Humble Turkish Eatery Earns Fourth on List of London’s Best Food Spots.

When curating a roll of London’s finest restaurants, one might anticipate renowned award-winning names. Yet, situated high among these culinary heavyweights is a simple salonu found in a far-flung area of northern London.

An Shocking Accolade

This compact Turkish spot, specialising in the culinary delights of Mersin, a metropolis on Turkey’s southern coast, has been named the fourth top restaurant in the metropolis by a influential culinary publication. This accolade has made the owners totally surprised.

“I am totally shocked,” says a proprietor, pointing to his parents’ relentless work that led to their modest place achieving such a high spot on a notable 99-strong list.

A Charm of Modesty

This little venue, which started as a basic cafe before its change into a sought-after food hotspot, has kept much of its former feel. It fits just more than 20 people and, aside from the impressive live cooking display, the layout remains essentially unchanged. “It is a small and stocky place,” notes the owner.

The Star Creation: Tantuni

However, it is focused on the cuisine, and this restaurant definitely succeeds. The eatery’s namesake dish, tantuni, is a simple delight. The meat—either lamb or chicken—is prepared via steaming to maintain a moist, juicy texture.

It is then thrown into a massive pan with seasonings and oil, which are added in gradually. When the meaty mixture bubbles up, handmade lavaş—a soft bread—is laid on top to take in all the juices. Thinly sliced onions and a handful of parsley are placed before the savoury meat is folded securely inside.

The wrap is often enjoyed with a drizzle of lemon or some pickles. The outcome is a powerful slap of flavour, with subtle hints of sumac, sharp onions and rich, paprika-red oil tying it all in harmony.

Beyond the Classic Tantuni

Patrons can also try yoğurtlu tantuni, where the meat-filled lavaş is sliced and crowned with yogurt, tomato sauce and rich, nutty brown butter. The leading food critic described this dish “a part of London’s few ideal, faultless dishes”.

When it comes to sweets, the restaurant’s künefe is a delight. It is soaked in lighter syrup than usual, imparting it a richer, toastier and not overly sweet taste.

Surpassing the Stars

Notably, this unassuming restaurant has outplaced several illustrious three-Michelin-starred restaurants. It finds itself close to the peak of the list, following other esteemed dining destinations.

Whereas two people could easily leave this place full for below £25, comparable tasting menus at top-tier establishments can run into significantly more than that figure.

The Creed of Heart

It is also part of several Turkish restaurants featured and is found well beyond the city’s prime zones. “It’s not about luxury. London is an expensive city. It is belief that in an high-cost place you’re going to have the finest service and finest food but I do not believe in that,” says the owner.

“I believe what is crucial is warmth, kindness and somewhere you can be yourself and be calm.”

This sentiment is shared by the list’s editor, who stated that if he were in a position of authority, he would “insist to have every chef in London visit this spot as a finishing school, to show them the traps of excess, and to show what is achievable if you do only a handful of – or three – things to their absolute best”.

The Journey of Hard Work

Unlike most chefs managing kitchens in the list’s top ten, the head chef behind the food did not work at Michelin-starred restaurants. “I feel really happy of our restaurant and our mum,” says her son.

Many restaurants need years to become successful, but this eatery first launched seven years ago. Its success is owing to long, grinding, seven-day weeks of dedication.

“My mum used to be really tired. She would go shopping in the morning and create the food in the afternoon. All of it is handmade; she would handle all of this. She is a single mother and she balanced a life outside work but her friends would come here to support her. She had children and a house to look after as well. Each of these responsibilities made her into what she is now: a brilliant person,” he says.

A Achievement for the People

This restaurant’s recognition is likely to echo outside its own premises. “I think many people would be pleased, as I am, because the Turkish community is a significant part of London,” says the owner, pointing out the greater meaning of this gastronomic achievement.