Nişantaşi is Egypt’s Love Letter to Turkish Food

Say what you will, but Turkish food hasn’t done well when it comes to building a reputation for itself in Egypt like Syrian or Lebanese food. One restaurant that has been fighting the good fight when it comes to Turkish cuisine is Nişantaşi. For the past few years, the eatery has been synonymous with everything Turkish food. Fancy some simit for breakfast? Nişantaşi. What about Kuşbaşı pide for lunch? Also Nişantaşi. Kağıt Kebabı for dinner? Nişantaşi, duh. Known for their family recipes and lively atmosphere, the restaurant comfortably sits atop the Iron Throne of all things Turkish, ruling over the cuisine in east Cairo.

You don't just get your meal served to you, you get a whole show

To the first-timer, Turkish food is full of unfamiliar names (what’s a SAc Tavuk, pretty please?), but you already know everything that's on the plate. Yoghurt. Eggplant. Tomatoes. Lamb. Tons of olive oil. These are ingredients we all know and love. The Turks just do it better. When it comes to Nişantaşi’s menu, the limit does not exist because they have everything. The mezzes are a meal on their own – from the Humus Tursulu which sees everyone's favourite dip making love to olive oil and vegetables, to Zengin from the Humus Tursulu which sees everyone's favourite dip making love to olive oil and vegetables, to Zengin where red peppers mix with parsley creating a detectable spread you’ve never thought about having before.

The mains at Nişantaşi are every carnivore's dream come true

Nişantaşi’s meaty mains are just as wonderful as the vegetables. Tuzda, made of delicious and tenderised lamb shank and seasoned with unique herbs and spices is undoubtedly going to be one of the juiciest meats you will ever have. We also  recommend having their Beyti Sarma where kebab takes centre stage and gets rolled in homemade bread and served with labneh and fresh garlic. Yum.

The dessert looks out of this world

What makes Nişantaşi shine is the fact that they don’t just focus on their food, they want their customers to have a superb experience all around. That is exactly why they always have magicians and caricatures and more during weekends to make sure everyone’s living their best life. Also, who doesn’t want a drawing of themselves while eating Tepsi Kebab?

You can find them in New Cairo at Cairo Festival City Mall and Nasr City at Citystars. For more info, make sure to head to their website via www.nisantasi.com.eg.