Where can I find Turkish restaurants in UAE?

Ah, the irresistible allure of Turkish cuisine, a symphony of flavors that travels far beyond the Anatolian heartland! The good news is, the UAE has truly embraced Turkish food culture, offering a fantastic array of restaurants that range from upscale, modern interpretations to charming, authentic eateries that transport you straight to the streets of Istanbul or Gaziantep. You’ll find everything from hearty kebabs and succulent grills to delicate mezes, flaky börek, and, of course, that delectable baklava.

Dubai’s Thriving Turkish Food Scene

Dubai, being a melting pot of cultures, boasts an incredibly vibrant Turkish restaurant scene. You’re spoilt for choice, whether you’re craving a traditional breakfast or a lavish dinner.

• Bosporus Turkish Cuisine: This is arguably one of the most well-known Turkish restaurant chains in the UAE, and for good reason. With multiple branches across Dubai, including popular spots like The Dubai Mall, The Beach (JBR), and City Walk, Bosporus offers a comprehensive menu that covers all the classics. Their slogan, “Your Bridge to Turkey,” perfectly encapsulates their mission to bring authentic Turkish flavors to the emirate. You can expect generous portions of kebabs, delectable mezes like hummus and baba ghanoush, and traditional desserts. Their breakfast spread, usually featuring a wide array of cheeses, olives, jams, and fresh bread, is a particular highlight.
• Günaydin: For those who appreciate exceptional grilled meats, Günaydin is a must-visit. Originating from Istanbul, this “meatery” has a prime location in Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, offering stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. Günaydin is renowned for its high-quality cuts of meat, expertly prepared and cooked to perfection. Their shashlik and various kebab options are incredibly popular. It’s a great spot for a more upscale Turkish dining experience.
• Zou Zou Turkish & Lebanese Restaurant: Offering a delightful fusion of Turkish and Lebanese cuisines, Zou Zou has gained immense popularity in Dubai, with a prominent branch in The Dubai Mall. This restaurant is known for its energetic ambiance, sometimes featuring live fire shows for their steak dishes. Their menu is extensive, combining the best of both worlds, from Turkish pide and kebabs to Lebanese manakeesh and shawarma.
• Mado: If you have a sweet tooth, Mado is practically a household name for Turkish desserts, especially their famous dondurma (Turkish ice cream) and baklava. While they are famous for their sweet treats, Mado also offers a variety of savory Turkish dishes, including menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs), börek, and simit. They have several branches across Dubai, including The Dubai Mall and City Centre Mirdif.
• Turkish Village Restaurant: Located in Jumeirah, this restaurant aims to provide an authentic, home-cooked Turkish meal experience. They emphasize traditional recipes and a cozy ambiance, making you feel like you’re dining in a Turkish home. It’s a good spot to try a wide range of Turkish dishes in a relaxed setting.
• CZN Burak: Headed by the famous Turkish chef Burak Özdemir, this restaurant in Downtown Dubai combines traditional Anatolian flavors with a modern twist and a touch of theatrical flair. Known for its massive portions and lively atmosphere, CZN Burak attracts a large crowd eager to experience his unique culinary style.

Turkish Delights in Abu Dhabi

While Dubai might have a larger concentration of Turkish restaurants, Abu Dhabi also offers some excellent choices for those craving authentic Turkish flavors.

• Bosporus Turkish Cuisine: Just like in Dubai, Bosporus has a significant presence in Abu Dhabi, including a branch at Abu Dhabi Mall. It’s a reliable choice for a consistent and authentic Turkish dining experience, offering a similar menu of kebabs, mezes, and traditional Turkish breakfast options.
• Hatay Turkish Restaurant: This restaurant aims to bring the rich culinary heritage of the Hatay region of Turkey to Abu Dhabi. They pride themselves on using fresh ingredients to create flavorful and authentic dishes, from succulent kebabs to savory mezes and delectable desserts. It’s a great spot to experience regional Turkish cuisine.
• Chagh Kabab: For a more casual yet authentic experience, Chagh Kabab is a well-regarded spot in Abu Dhabi, known for its delicious kebabs and grilled meats. It’s a favorite among locals looking for straightforward, tasty Turkish food.
• Pasha Turkish Restaurant: Pasha is another excellent option for an Anatolian culinary journey in Abu Dhabi. It offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with Turkish crowd-pleasers like fresh bread, mezze, and a variety of kebabs.

Sharjah’s Authentic Turkish Flavors

Sharjah, with its strong community focus, also has a growing number of Turkish restaurants that cater to diverse tastes.

• Saray Sultan Turkish Restaurant: This establishment is often cited for its extensive menu and elegant setting, offering a wide array of kebabs, including impressive mixed grill platters that allow you to sample various perfectly cooked meats.
• Mado: You’ll find Mado in Sharjah as well, offering its renowned desserts and a selection of savory Turkish dishes, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
• The Bosporus: Similar to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, The Bosporus has established its presence in Sharjah, promising an authentic Turkish dining experience with its signature dishes and warm hospitality.

What to Expect: Common Turkish Dishes to Savor

When exploring Turkish restaurants in the UAE, here are some must-try dishes to enhance your culinary journey:

• Kebabs: Beyond the ubiquitous Adana and Urfa kebabs, look for iskender kebab (thinly sliced doner meat served over pita bread with hot tomato sauce and yogurt) and beyti kebab (minced meat kebab wrapped in flatbread).
• Mezes: Don’t skip the cold and hot mezes, which are appetizers. Popular choices include ezme (spicy tomato and walnut dip), haydari (garlic yogurt dip), cig kofte (raw meatball-like dish, often served in a vegetarian version with bulgur), and various stuffed vegetables.
• Pide and Lahmacun: These Turkish flatbreads are akin to pizzas. Pide often comes with a boat-like shape and various toppings like minced meat, cheese, or spinach, while lahmacun is a thinner, round flatbread topped with spiced minced meat, vegetables, and herbs.
• Börek: A flaky pastry made with thin layers of dough, often filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat. It makes for a delicious snack or a light meal.
• Döner: While available everywhere, an authentic Turkish döner kebab served in fresh bread is a true delight.
• Desserts: Beyond baklava (layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup), try künefe (a warm, sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup and topped with pistachios) and sütlaç (rice pudding).
• Drinks: Complement your meal with traditional Turkish tea or a strong Turkish coffee, often served after your meal.

The Turkish restaurant scene in the UAE is robust and diverse, ensuring that whether you’re seeking a casual meal or a fine-dining experience, you’ll find an authentic taste of Turkey. This comprehensive guide has been carefully prepared by the www.few.ae team, aiming to lead you to your next memorable Turkish meal in the Emirates.