🔗 Share this article All Chef Ought to Learn At This Spot’: Modest Turkish Eatery Secures 4th on List of London’s Best Dining Destinations. When assembling a roll of London’s top eateries, one might expect renowned Michelin-starred names. But, nestled prominently among these culinary heavyweights is a simple salonu found in a distant part of north London. An Shocking Honour The compact Turkish restaurant, concentrating in the specialties of Mersin, a metropolis on Turkey’s southern coast, has been crowned the fourth finest restaurant in the capital by a influential food magazine. This recognition has made the proprietors utterly shocked. “I am utterly shocked,” says a proprietor, pointing to his parents’ dedication that culminated in their modest place earning such a lofty position on a notable 99-strong list. The Character of Simplicity The little venue, which used to be a basic cafe before its transformation into a popular destination, has maintained much of its earlier charm. It seats just over 20 people and, aside from the dazzling live cooking display, the interior remains essentially unchanged. “It’s a tiny and intimate place,” notes the owner. The Star Dish: Tantuni Ultimately, it’s all down to the fare, and this establishment definitely delivers. The restaurant’s namesake dish, tantuni, is a simple delight. The meat—lamb or lamb or chicken—is prepared via steaming to keep a moist, juicy consistency. The meat is then added into a massive pan with spices and oil, which are mixed in gradually. As the meaty mixture starts to simmer, homemade lavaş—a thin, flexible bread—is slapped on top to take in all the flavours. Thinly sliced onions and a sprinkling of parsley go inside before the tasty meat is wrapped neatly inside. The wrap is usually consumed with a drizzle of lemon or some pickles. The end result is a mighty burst of flavour, with soft hints of sumac, sharp onions and red, paprika-infused oil tying it all together. Beyond the Classic Tantuni There is also yoğurtlu tantuni, where the savoury lavaş is cut up and topped with yogurt, tomato sauce and cooked, nutty browned butter. The respected food critic called this dish “a part of London’s few flawless, impeccable dishes”. When it comes to sweets, the restaurant’s künefe goes down a delight. It is coated in lighter syrup than usual, giving it a deeper, more aromatic and more balanced flavour. Surpassing the Stars Interestingly, this modest restaurant has outplaced several renowned three-Michelin-starred establishments. It finds itself near the summit of the list, following other notable dining destinations. Whereas two people could readily leave this place full for under £25, equivalent experiences at high-end establishments can run into significantly more than that amount. The Philosophy of Heart It is also among several Turkish restaurants featured and is located well outside the city’s central zones. “It is not concerning luxury. London is an expensive city. It is expectation that in an expensive place you’re going to have the best service and top food but I do not agree with that,” states the owner. “I feel what is paramount is hospitality, friendliness and a place you can be yourself and be calm.” This philosophy is echoed by the list’s curator, who remarked that if he was in a role of power, he would “make it mandatory to have every chef in London visit this restaurant as a final lesson, to teach them the dangers of overthinking, and to show what is attainable if you do a few – or three – things to their absolute best”. The Path of Dedication In contrast to many chefs heading kitchens in the list’s top ten, the mastermind behind the food didn’t train at fancy restaurants. “I am really happy of our restaurant and our mum,” concludes her son. Numerous restaurants take years to establish themselves, but this eatery first opened its doors seven years ago. Its success is due to long, grinding, seven-day weeks of dedication. “My mum would be really tired. She would go shopping in the morning and prepare the food in the afternoon. All of it is prepared manually; she would do all of this. She is a solo parent and she had a life outside work but her friends would visit to support her. She had children and a house to care for as well. Each of these responsibilities shaped her into what she is now: a exceptional person,” he reflects. A Achievement for the Community This restaurant’s success is bound to have meaning beyond its own doors. “I think numerous people would be pleased, as I am, because the Turkish community is a huge part of London,” says the owner, highlighting the wider meaning of this culinary triumph.