Doy Doy Gaziantep specialities

Doy Doy Restaurant is situated in the Sakarya neighbourhood just off the Salamis Road. In their spacious air-conditionned dining area, Erdal and his family serve specialities from Gaziantep, Turkey. Gaziantep is world-famous for its culinary excellence, slow-cooked dishes using traditional pottery and infused with spices. Try Ali Nazik, for example, a rich tomato-based lamb stew over a smoked aubergine (eggplant) and yoghurt puree, or any of the variety of spicy fragrant stews cooked in clay pots. And then, of course, there are all the kebabs: Adana, lamb shish, chicken, liver, even aubergine. And lahmacun: crispy flatbread spread with a spicy meat and tomato topping. Pides and soups, salads and wraps, the menu is extensive.

And we haven't even started on the desserts! Gaziantep is the home of the pistachio and the vibrant green colour of the nuts used in Doy Doy's sweet dishes are proof that they are authentically sourced. A must-try is künefe, a glorious syrup-soaked hot dessert made from delicate pastry strands (kadayıf) filled with cheese and topped with ground pistachio nuts. It sounds crazy, but it is heaven! Everything is cooked in front of you in pristine open kitchens. Erdal is the epitome of kindness, highly recommended.