Brisbane has a number of cosy Turkish restaurants where you can experience genuine food from the region.
Here are just a few:
Ahmets - with locations at Bulimba, South Bank and Victoria Point. Layered in the luxurious textures and deep colours of Turkish rugs, you can feel like you are in Turkey in the midst of Brisbane. All the food favourites are on the menu of these licensed restaurants.
Caravanserai sits atop Dornach Terrace in West End and the rich interior often overflows with people, music and atmosphere. Casual and BYO with hearty serves, it's a long-time winner.
Efes One at Albion is Brisbane's oldest Turkish restaurant. On Friday and Saturday nights you'll be treated to displays of belly dancing and anyone game is welcome to join the dancers on the floor. Take a good appetite as the servings are generous. Try a real Efes Turkish beer.
Mado at South Bank has outdoor dining or choose a table inside the highly decorated restaurant on Tribune Street. Mado serves halal food.
To start the meal, a meze plate includes a selection of dips, bread, olives and other small serves of food to be an appetizer. Dolma (stuffed vine leaves) are a traditional Turkish food.
Main courses can include sliced kebab meats. Of course, a doner kebab is a popular Turkish take-away option, wrapped in pita bread. You'll find dozens of stores selling kebabs in Brisbane.
For dessert, there are the well-known sweets of baklava and of course, Turkish delight (a pink, rose water flavoured sweet jelly).
Light tasty Turkish bread is not reserved for Turkish restaurants anymore. In fact, it's a staple, sold in most supermarkets now. For a great local product, try the Turkish bread from Nomad bakery, baked in Virginia Brisbane.
The flavours and tastes of Turkish cuisine overlap with other Mediterranean cuisines such as Greek.
