‘Every Chef Ought to Learn Here’: Humble Turkish Eatery Secures 4th on Ranking of London’s Top Food Spots.

When compiling a list of London’s top restaurants, one might anticipate well-known award-winning venues. But, nestled prominently among these culinary titans is a simple salonu located in a far-flung part of northern London.

A Unexpected Honour

This little Turkish eatery, specialising in the specialties of Mersin, a city on Turkey’s south coast, has been crowned the 4th finest restaurant in the metropolis by a respected gastronomic guide. This recognition has left the owners completely surprised.

“I am completely surprised,” states the family member, referring to his family’s relentless work that resulted in their humble shop securing such a prominent spot on a prestigious 99-strong list.

The Character of Simplicity

This compact space, which started as a simple cafe before its change into a popular food hotspot, has maintained much of its earlier charm. It fits just over 20 people and, aside from the dazzling live cooking display, the setup remains mostly unchanged. “It’s a compact and cozy place,” says the owner.

The Namesake Dish: Tantuni

Ultimately, it is all about the cuisine, and this restaurant more than excels. The restaurant’s namesake dish, tantuni, is a straightforward joy. Choice of meat—either lamb or chicken—is cooked with steam to maintain a tender texture.

It is then thrown into a massive pan with seasonings and oil, which are added in bit by bit. When the meaty mixture starts to simmer, homemade lavaş—a soft bread—is slapped on top to take in all the flavours. Finely sliced onions and a dash of parsley are added before the flavourful meat is wrapped neatly inside.

It is often consumed with a drop of lemon or some pickles. The outcome is a powerful punch of flavour, with gentle hints of sumac, bold onions and red, paprika-infused oil bringing it all together.

Beyond the Basic Tantuni

Patrons can also try yoğurtlu tantuni, where the savoury lavaş is cut up and topped with yogurt, tomato sauce and rich, nutty brown butter. A respected food critic called this dish “a part of London’s few ideal, faultless dishes”.

For dessert, the restaurant’s künefe goes down a delight. It is coated in a more modest amount of syrup than is typical, resulting in it a deeper, more aromatic and not overly sweet profile.

Outranking the Giants

Notably, this unassuming spot has outplaced several celebrated three-Michelin-starred restaurants. It finds itself close to the peak of the list, just after other high-profile dining destinations.

Whereas two people could easily leave this place satisfied for under £25, comparable experiences at luxury establishments can start at many times that price.

A Creed of Hospitality

It is also among several Turkish restaurants listed and is located well beyond the city’s most expensive zones. “It is not concerning luxury. London is an expensive city. There is an assumption that in an high-cost place you’re going to have the top service and best food but I do not believe in that,” explains the owner.

“I feel what is most important is friendliness, a welcoming atmosphere and a place you can be yourself and be calm.”

The philosophy is supported by the list’s editor, who remarked that if he were in a role of authority, he would “insist to have every chef in London visit this restaurant as a finishing school, to show them the traps of overthinking, and to reveal what is achievable if you do just one – or three – things to their utmost best”.

The Path of Hard Work

Unlike most chefs running kitchens in the list’s highest ranks, the mastermind behind the food didn’t apprentice at fancy establishments. “I am very happy of our shop and our mum,” concludes her son.

A lot of restaurants take years to find their footing, but this one first launched seven years ago. Its acclaim is owing to tireless, seven-day weeks of work.

“My mum would be extremely tired. She would buy ingredients in the morning and prepare the food in the afternoon. Everything is made by hand; she would manage all of this. She is a single mother and she balanced a social life but her friends would support her to help her. She was raising children and a house to manage as well. Each of these responsibilities made her into what she is now: a remarkable person,” he shares.

An Accomplishment for the Community

The restaurant’s accolade is bound to resonate beyond its own walls. “I think many people would be pleased, as I am, because the Turkish community is a significant part of London,” notes the owner, emphasising the wider importance of this culinary achievement.