Great atmosphere for having good times. Waiters are also very friendly and helpful. Food quality was good.

Effect of English summer – your stomach is giving you warning signs, it’s just got dark some time back, you check up the time and you realise it that it’s 11.00 pm and it’s been more than 7 hours you had eaten something. You are hungry and all outlets nearby are either closed or are already beyond their last order timing. What to do, what to do? Roam about checking out some place to pick up something to feed yourself. And just like magic you find an outlet which you had been seeing daily (but never noticed) while taking the tube from the Great Portland Street Tube Station.

Lo and behold there is Istanbul. Yes, Istanbul in London, no not the Turkish capital but a small café and bistro serving Turkish delicacies. Best part they serve till midnight. You would find this quaint little outlet bang opposite the Great Portland Street Tube Station.

Again don’t expect luxurious ambiance. The ambiance is simple with simple and attractive décor which will take you back to Turkey.

Me the fussy eater who had never had eaten Turkish food was willing to go ahead and take the plunge only because the tummy was on break point. Shakily I asked the team member if they were serving food – the reply was yes. Now the doubting diva that I am, was afraid – what to eat what to eat.

Again the one of the team members – an elderly gentleman of Turkish origin was more than happy to help-Try our Turkish tea and what would you prefer vegetarian or non- vegetarian. Vegetarian (though I am a non-vegetarian) off course. He smiled – yes of course. And out comes the menu with a basketful of vegetarian dishes. I am confused – what would be palatable, what can I eat and yes how much I would like to spend. I played safe and ordered for a Falafel and Hummus. (Yes I couldn’t push myself to try something else).The gentleman smiled – sure.

Within a few minutes, I had a pot of Turkish Tea in front of me. Hey this is no tea – yes Turkish Tea is not your regular tea – it’s more like herbal concoction. Along came a bowl of olives in olive oil and a bowl of bread. A few minutes later came my order. I was at my wits end thinking how would I finish a pot of tea – the gentleman understood my predicament; would you mind if I share some tea with you? No sir – (I was happy I would not waste).

Sharing led to good conversation on Tea tradition in Turkey. I ended my meal, paid and was ready to leave with a lighter heart and some lovely information.



The team had ensured that I didn’t feel uncomfortable and kept on checking if I needed anything.

So was this the end? No, I liked the food and realised that it is quiet close to our Indian food, though less spicier – probably some dishes came to India from that region and we added our own spices – voila and we had those lovely Awadhi and Mughlai dishes.

On my last day in London, I visited them again in afternoon. This time a met a lovely Turkish girl (this café is like a family business and everyone is related to each other) and a jolly Middle aged Turkish man who was happy to pose on camera. I was brave enough to try a ‘Lamb Shish Wrap’ which is served with sweet chilli sauce and chips (the chips are not wafer thin they are more like potato wedges) with Turkish Tea (yes I realised its health benefits).

The quantity and quality of food is great. For light eaters like me there was no way I could finish the meal. I requested them to pack the leftover for me which the girl happily did. I clicked a few pictures of their décor – I can’t carry back the food, but surely I can carry back lovely memories.

A good option and not too heavy on pocket – best part bang opposite the tube station.