Chef Sezai Zorlu brings authentic Turkish dishes into the casual scene.
After years of success at the fine Turkish dining establishment Turkuaz, Chef Sezai Zorlu created Warung Turki by Turkuaz in 2015, serving authentic Turkish dishes in a more laid-back setting.There are three floors, meticulously decorated with fabrics, antiques and other interior elements from Turkey plus a semi-VIP space on the second floor’s mezzanine that can host up to 12 people. The third floor is where the hype happens, with an up and coming bar serving cocktails, a DJ, and even a belly dancer every Friday and Saturday. Drink some Cay Tea, sip the fresh Warung Turki Lemonade, or smoke one of the many Sheesha available, including some homemade flavors. If you prefer there’s also a VIP space that can be closed off and can host up to 20 people.
Still on the third floor, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat Sunday Brunch every week. Forget buffet style, here a waiter will go around bringing appetizers, main courses and desserts in baskets. The menu changes depending on the chef, so always expect surprises.
Warung Turki serves dishes that can easily be found in food stalls in Turkey, presented beautifully with special flavors. For an appetizer, Zeytinyagli Humus and Babaganuc are popular dips served with Pide, the bread used in Turkizh pizza. The former has more texture with a nutty taste, while Babaganuc is sweet and sour with a hint of spice. In the dessert department, the three slices of Baklava per serving is perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Even when you’re feeling full, the mouthwatering main courses might make you change your mind. Kuzu Pirzola, moist and savory pieces of lamb chops, marinated overnight and grilled served with butter rice, is among the favorites. Soganli Tavuk is a simple but charming dish with chicken and butter rice. For fish lovers, Bademli Balik is pan-grilled fillets of marinated Dover sole.
If you order a Kebab during your visit, you might be asked whether you mean Shawarma, the dish prepared by stacking and slicing vertically marinated meat. But perhaps you do mean a Kebab, which consists of minced meat cubes instead.
Jl. Kemang Raya No. 18A Jakarta
T: +62 21 290 55 898/99
[email protected]
Photos by Kiky Y. Basuki
