🔗 Share this article ‘Every Chef Ought to Study At This Spot’: Unassuming Turkish Dining Spot Earns 4th on Roll of London’s Best Food Spots. Whenever curating a roll of London’s top dining spots, one might foresee renowned award-winning establishments. However, situated high among these culinary giants is a simple salonu located in a outlying part of north London. A Shocking Honour The small Turkish restaurant, specialising in the specialties of Mersin, a city on Turkey’s southern coast, has been declared the fourth finest restaurant in the capital by a prominent gastronomic guide. The accolade has left the family completely astonished. “I’m utterly surprised,” states the owner’s son, referring to his parents’ dedication that culminated in their small restaurant securing such a lofty spot on a notable 99-strong list. The Character of Modesty This little venue, which used to be a simple cafe before its change into a popular spot, has retained much of its original character. It seats just over 20 people and, except for the dazzling live cooking show, the layout remains mostly unchanged. “It is a tiny and intimate space,” comments the owner. The Star Offering: Tantuni Ultimately, it’s all about the cuisine, and this eatery certainly delivers. The eatery’s namesake dish, tantuni, is a simple delight. The meat—lamb or lamb or chicken—is cooked with steam to keep a moist, juicy texture. The meat is then thrown into a massive pan with seasonings and oil, which are added in slowly. As the savoury mixture heats through, freshly made lavaş—a soft bread—is slapped on top to soak in all the juices. Finely sliced onions and a dash of parsley go inside before the flavourful meat is wrapped securely inside. The wrap is often consumed with a drizzle of lemon or some tangy accompaniments. The end result is a strong slap of flavour, with subtle hints of sumac, sharp onions and red, paprika-infused oil pulling it all together. Beyond the Classic Tantuni Patrons can also try yoğurtlu tantuni, where the meat-filled lavaş is chopped and finished with yogurt, tomato sauce and rich, nutty brown butter. A respected food critic labelled this dish “among London’s few perfect, no-notes dishes”. For a sweet finish, the restaurant’s künefe is a delight. It is coated in a more modest amount of syrup than found elsewhere, giving it a more intense, toastier and more balanced taste. Outranking the Titans Notably, this modest restaurant has been placed higher than several illustrious three-Michelin-starred restaurants. It finds itself just behind the summit of the list, trailing other high-profile dining destinations. Whereas two people could readily leave the restaurant stuffed for under £25, similar meals at luxury establishments can start at many times that amount. A Philosophy of Warmth It is also part of several Turkish restaurants included and is located well beyond the city’s central zones. “It is not concerning luxury. London is an pricey city. It is expectation that in an high-cost place you’re going to have the top service and finest food but I don’t subscribe to that,” states the owner. “I believe what is paramount is friendliness, friendliness and somewhere you can be yourself and feel calm.” The philosophy is shared by the list’s curator, who remarked that if he were in a position of power, he would “make it mandatory to have every chef in London come to this restaurant as a masterclass, to teach them the pitfalls of overthinking, and to reveal what is achievable if you do a few – or three – things to their very best”. A Journey of Dedication In contrast to many chefs running kitchens in the list’s highest ranks, the driving force behind the food did not train at fancy establishments. “I am truly proud of our shop and our mum,” concludes her son. Many restaurants take years to establish themselves, but this eatery first launched seven years ago. Its acclaim is owing to relentless, seven-day weeks of effort. “My mum used to be extremely tired. She would go shopping in the morning and create the food in the afternoon. Each item is made by hand; she would manage all of this. She is a solo parent and she had a life outside work but her friends would come here to help her. She had children and a house to look after as well. Each of these responsibilities forged her into what she is now: a brilliant person,” he reflects. An Recognition for the Culture This restaurant’s success is set to echo beyond its own premises. “I believe numerous people would be happy, as I am, because the Turkish community is a significant part of London,” concludes the owner, highlighting the wider significance of this culinary honour.