The Best Turkish Kebab in Istanbul!

I stopped over in Istanbul for 2 days before flying to Bulgaria to attend a friend’s wedding. I visited Istanbul over 10 years ago, so it’s not the first time ever. We arrived quite late and were quite hungry after the flight and the journey to the hotel. Our hotel Grand Naki hotel, thankfully, has a restaurant attached to it. I thought that we had to have kebab, well we are in Turkey! Thankfully, I asked for a recommendation from the waitress…. and she recommended Testi Kebab, which I ordered. The best Turkish kebab EVER.

What is Testi Kebab?

Testi Kebab, also known as pottery kebab, is a traditional Turkish dish where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot. This ancient cooking method infuses the ingredients with rich flavours, resulting in incredibly tender meat. The slow-cooking process ensures that the meat remains juicy and succulent, making every bite a delight.

The Spectacular Presentation

The experience begins with the arrival of the clay pot at your table, sealed and set aflame. This dramatic presentation immediately captures our attention. In fact, the entire restaurant’s attention! The waitress handles the flaming pot, adding to the anticipation. There was some music, some dancing, basically a whole show of the waitress playing with fire and handling the pot. As the flames die down, the pot is cracked open right before our eyes, releasing a wave of mouth-watering aromas.

The Taste Test

We tried both the beef and lamb versions of Testi Kebab. Each variation was cooked to perfection, with the meat so tender it practically melted in our mouths. The vegetables, infused with the meat’s juices and spices, provided a delightful balance of flavours. The beef was rich and hearty, while the lamb offered a delicate, slightly gamey taste that was equally delicious. It was just DELICIOUS. We ate it together with Turkish rice vermicelli.

Why You Should Try Testi Kebab

Eating Testi Kebab at Grand Naki Restaurant is more than just a meal; it’s a whole experience. The combination of the unique cooking method, the dramatic presentation, and the delicious taste make it a must-try dish when in Istanbul. In fact, we tried the Testi Kebab in some other places (after our free walking tours!) and we thought the Testi Kebab at Grand Naki was still the best.

We ate it in a few different places, but we had to come back to the Grand Naki Restaurant for our last meal in Istanbul as it was just that good.

Conclusion

Istanbul is famous for its kebab, but the Testi Kebab is a standout. Its tender, flavourful meat and the exciting presentation make it a memorable dining experience. So, when you find yourself in this historic city, make sure to savour the magic of Testi Kebab. It’s an Istanbul experience you won’t want to miss!

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