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Get ready to explore the amazing flavors of Turkish food right here in the U.S. - New York City and New Jersey! We're diving into three special Turkish dishes: Kebab, Iskender, and Doner. Each one is packed with taste and tradition, offering a delicious adventure for your taste buds. If you ask me which one is my favorite, it is definitely the Iskender!
Turkish cuisine is a culinary mosaic woven from centuries of cultural exchange and culinary innovation. From the bustling markets of Istanbul to the tranquil villages of Anatolia, each dish tells a story of tradition, heritage, and hospitality. Join us as we delve into the origins and rich history of three iconic Turkish dishes!
Kebab: Grilled Goodness
Originating from the nomadic tribes of Central Asia, Kebabs have been a staple of Turkish cuisine for centuries. These skewered delights were traditionally cooked over an open flame, allowing the meat to soak up the smoky aroma of the grill. Over time, Kebabs evolved to incorporate a variety of meats, spices, and cooking techniques, reflecting the diverse landscape and culinary heritage of Turkey.
Kebab is a "big deal" in Turkish cuisine. And guess which city is popular for its Kebabs? Adana - where my father originally comes from! During my childhood, we ate Kebab every weekend in a restaurant, where they served it with traditional Turkish alcohol: Raki! It is all about juicy meat and tasty spices cooked on a grill to perfection. Maybe that's why my number one among those three is Iskender, and I've had more than enough! Here's how it is made:
Marination: The meat, like lamb or chicken, gets a flavor boost from spices, yogurt, and olive oil. This makes it super tender and tasty.
Skewering: The marinated meat is put on skewers with veggies like peppers and onions. Then, it's grilled slowly until it's just right.
Serving: Once cooked, Kebabs are served hot with rice, salad, and sauces. It's a mix of flavors that'll make your mouth water!
Best Kebabs in NYC
A la Turka: Enjoy the rich flavors of perfectly grilled kebabs in the heart of NYC, each bite bursting with authentic Turkish spices and high-quality ingredients. From tender lamb to juicy chicken, their menu offers a tantalizing array of kebab options that are sure to satisfy everyone. One of their signature dishes is the chicken shish kebab, but I personally prefer the lamb kebab!
NAR Restaurant NYC: Located in the heart of New York City, offers a delightful journey into the flavors of Turkish cuisine. From their inviting ambiance to their extensive menu, they promise an authentic dining experience. It could also be good for a date night. Other than their delicious kebab, you should also give their squash blossoms a chance!
Tava Turkish and Mediterranean: You can explore the vibrant flavors of Turkey with their diverse menu, including sizzling kebabs, savory mezes, and more in Brooklyn, NY. Other than their Adana Kebab, Kofte Kebab could also be a good choice.
Best Kebabs in New Jersey:
Bosphorus Restaurant: Located in Lake Hiawatha, Bosphorus Restaurant offers a scenic setting and a menu brimming with Turkish favorites. Their selection of kebabs, prepared with high-quality ingredients and authentic spices, is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. They have even won an award for the best Middle Eastern / Turkish food in New Jersey!
Jersey Kebab: Have you checked out Jersey Kebab in Collingswood? They're whipping up some seriously tasty kebabs that are definitely worth a try. It's like taking a quick trip to Turkey without leaving town!
Namli Mediterranean & Turkish Cuisine: Looking for a taste of Turkey in New Brunswick? Namli Mediterranean and Turkish Cuisine has got you covered. Their menu boasts a delightful array of Turkish specialties, from savory kebabs to zesty mezes. Definitely deserves a shot!
Iskender: Flavor Explosion
Iskender, named after its creator, Iskender Efendi, is a culinary masterpiece that traces its roots back to the historic city of Bursa. Legend has it that Iskender Efendi combined leftover meat, bread, and sauces to create this flavorful dish, which soon became a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Today, Iskender remains a symbol of Bursa's rich culinary heritage, with each bite offering a taste of tradition and nostalgia.
If you try it out, I assure you that you will be full for the next 6 hours, maybe even more! It's made with grilled meat, bread, and yummy sauces. Here's how it's done:
Meat Prep: Thin slices of grilled lamb or beef are seasoned and cooked on a spit. They're super flavorful!
Bread: Soft flatbread is toasted lightly to add a tasty crunch.
Assembly: The toasted bread is topped with slices of meat and covered in boiling butter and tomato sauce. You also get yoghurt on the side and it is really refreshing near a hot meal! In my opinion, this is what makes the flavors pop!
Best Iskenders in NYC
Sophra Grill: It's been a favorite dinner spot for years, offering both takeout and dine-in options. With its warm hospitality and mouthwatering dishes, Sofra never disappoints... Customers in general, and me personally, love their delicious food, especially the Iskender, lahmacun, lentil soup, and their desserts. You can check out their website!
Lezzet: Here, you can enjoy the cozy ambiance, Turkish music, and delicious bread with olive oil to start. They have really generous portions and a beautiful presentation. Of course, Iskender is a must-try dish! If you ask my favorite after Iskender, it is the lamb chops!
Istanbul Kebab House: I already mentioned this place, but i can't oversee their quality in Iskender! Despite its small space, the warm welcome adds to the authenticity. You can enjoy fast, fresh, and flavorful dishes like the Lamb Doner and Chicken Adana Kebab. But of course, don't miss their standout Iskender dish! With great service and friendly staff, Istanbul Kebab feels like home away from home to me.
Best Iskenders in New Jersey
Hudson Kebab House: If you have been searching for consistently tasty Turkish dishes, this is the perfect place in West New York. Other than their delicious Iskender, I love the chicken shish kebab and their generous portions. Friendly staff make dining in or ordering takeout a pleasure. Their satisfying salads and mouthwatering baklava also deserve a chance.
Beyti Kebab Restaurant: With over 30 years of serving delicious food, their newly remodeled space offers a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. Their mouthwatering Iskender is perfectly crafted to satisfy my cravings. Other than that, their Beyti Kebab, which gives them the name, is also delicious. You can check their website here.
Efes Mediterranean Grill: From homemade hummus to flavorful lamb dishes, each bite is a delight. Be sure to try their renowned Iskender kebab and mouthwatering baklava for dessert afterward. With attentive service and a cozy atmosphere, Efes promises a memorable dining experience, and they have three different spots in New Jersey: one in Brunswick, one in Princeton, and one in Jersey City!
Doners: Street Food Love
Doner kebabs, with their origins in the bustling streets of Istanbul, have become synonymous with Turkish street food culture. Introduced by Turkish immigrants in the 20th century, Doners quickly gained popularity across Europe and beyond, thanks to their delicious simplicity and on-the-go convenience. Today, Doner stands to dot the streets of cities worldwide, offering a taste of Turkey's vibrant culinary landscape to hungry passersby.
If you have ever visited Germany, you should have seen them in every corner! Personally, I like the German version more, but that's definitely a personal preference. They are kind of different though: While the meat is at the forefront in the Doner made in Turkey, the sauce is more dominant in the German version. They put so much sauce and lots of extra ingredients that even if the meat is bad, you can't taste it! As I said, Doner kebab is the ultimate street food in Turkey, and it is a hit in NYC and in New Jersey too. It is made by stacking seasoned meat on a vertical rotisserie. Here's how it is served:
Rotisserie Cooking involves layers of meat, such as lamb or chicken, being cooked slowly on a spit. The outside gets crispy, while the inside stays juicy.
Serving Style: Once cooked, the meat is sliced thin and served in a wrap or on a plate with rice and veggies. It's a quick and tasty meal you can enjoy on the go!
Best Doners in NYC
Agora Turkish Restaurant: It is located in Manhattan, where its doner, also known as gyro, steals the show. The hostess warmly welcomes you to their cozy space, which offers outdoor seating. I started with freshly made hummus and smoky baba ganoush, followed by their flavorful Shepard Salad. At the finale, I completed my dining experience with their doner, and it was amazing.
Turco Mediterranean Grill: While its menu boasts a variety of options, including fresh salads and mezze, its doner steals the show. Unlike traditional New York fare, Turco's doner is served inside freshly baked bread, adding a unique and delicious touch to this classic dish.
The Halal Guys: Step into the heart of New York City's bustling streets and you'll likely encounter the iconic yellow carts of The Halal Guys. They are specialized in platters and sandwiches featuring beef doner, falafel, and chicken. Their beef doner, made with seasoned meat sliced thinly, is a standout, complemented by fresh and flavorful veggies. But what truly sets their dishes apart is their signature sauces.
Best Doners in New Jersey
Doner Point: With a menu boasting delights like lentil soup, spicy esme, babaganoush, haydari, and their signature doner wrap, every bite is a culinary journey. One standout dish is the lentil soup, a personal favorite. Combined with attentive service and a clean ambiance, this place deserves a chance!
Dayinin Yeri: While everything was delicious, the highlight was undoubtedly the flavorful doner kebab sandwich, bursting with savory goodness. To complement the meal, I enjoyed a traditional Turkish coffee, which provided a perfect ending to the culinary journey. Here is a link to their website.
Dervish Turkish Restaurant: Their flavorful doner adds a savory touch to your meal. Delight in tender meats served in the mixed grill, complemented by a tasty selection of appetizers including hummus and crispy calamari. The salmon is a standout, offering an exquisite tenderness that will leave you craving more. Don't miss the chicken stew dish, bursting with flavor and warmth. As you can see, I have tried a lot of things here!
Turkish cuisine is all about delicious flavors and rich traditions. Whether you're biting into a juicy Kebab, savoring the layers of Iskender, or enjoying a Doner on the street, each dish tells a story of Turkish hospitality and culinary expertise. So come join us on a journey through the vibrant world of Turkish delights right here in the U.S.!
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