Iranian Restaurant in Istanbul- Gilan

This I think is the restaurant that excited me the most in my three years of being back in Istanbul. Gilan Restaurant and Cafe!!! Discovered by none other than my mom, it's located in Acibadem on the Asian side. Don't think it's too far if you live on the European side!!! It's definitely worth the trip. You will have an amazing journey with the owner and chef of the restaurant Fehiman Hanim, discover brand new flavors and learn more than you could imagine about Iranian food and culture. I had been to Tehran and Shiraz in Iran for 7 days back in 2003 but I never had the chance to taste these dishes. What makes this restaurant truly special is that you get to eat food that you can only find in Iranian homes and dishes that are not served in restaurants!

The place is very small. A few small tastefully and simply decorated tables inside with more in the little garden in front of the restaurant. I visited the restaurant on a Friday evening and we were the only customers. The Chef owner and her pleasant waiter from Fikirtepe were excellent. It reminded me of the BYOB (bring your own beer) restaurants in Philadelphia where the restaurants were very small and specialized in particular areas or ethnic foods and had to be the best in their field so that they could compete. The young waiter of Gilan was so proud of his little restaurant and its dishes, so much so that, even the tea was not to be missed. He insisted that my diabetic mom had to taste the desert. She was very happy he had insisted after she tasted Fehiman Hanim's Zerde, a light traditional Iranian desert with saffron, rose water and rice (even the rice is imported from Iran). 

Khoresht Geymeh

For our main courses we ordered Fesenjan, Ghormeh Sabzi and Khoresht Geymeh all served with Iranian plain and saffron rice.

Fesenjan is made from very finely ground walnuts that are stewed for hours. It's available with beef or chicken.

Ghormeh Sabzi is a vegetarian dish made of Iranian vegetables. Has a tangy flavor. This is not a great word to describe food but the word that I am left with is broad. I think this dish left a broad range of falvors in my mouth, all combined together but still distinctly tastable.

Ghormeh Sabzi

Khoresht Geymeh is a ground beef dish made with chik-pea looking beans. These beans are imported from Iran and taste have a taste that falls between lentils and chickpeas. The dish is served with French fries. I was a bit surprised at first to see french fries but they are an excellent accompaniment to the dish. I recommend mixing the dish with the fries and eating them together. Last but not least, in addition to Zerde we also had sircine for desert, made from eggs, flour and saffron, sprinkled with powdered sugar. I highly recommend it all. Looking very much forward to my next visit.

All said, you must go to meet Fehiman Hanim, a Turkish lady who has spent over 30 years in Iran and seen Iran during the Shah days, revolution and through recent days up until 4 years ago when she returned back to her home country with her family.

Address:  Acibadem Mahallesi, Umut Sokak, 3/D, Acibadem, Istanbul
Phone: 0 216 325 6615

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Easy ad Thai with shrimp and squid

I hope my Thai friends won't hate me for this but I finally managed to create an easy Pad Thai recipe that is good enough to bring me back memories of the food from Bangkok. I think this recipe will make Thai food lovers who are distant from Thailand and good Thai restaurants happy enough!



(P.S.: Sorry for the bad picture, this was cooked impromptu and I had to photograph it with my phone).

Soak rice noodles for 15 minutes in boiling water (with the heat off), drain and set aside.

Heat 1 table spoon of vegetable oil in a wok.
Stir fry 1 half mooned onion with two minced cloves of garlic
Add 1 table spoon of red pepper flakes
Add 1 cup of julienned red peppers
Add in the squid and shrimp and stir fry for just another minute (not more otherwise the seafood will overcook!)
Add in the noodles
Add in 1 cup of sweet chili sauce (can be found in most grocery stores, even in Turkey, in the Asian food section)
Add 2 table spoons fish sauce
Mix in 3 spring onions cut in 2cm pieces
Season with salt
Squeeze 1 lime into the noodles and mix everything together
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and ground peanuts and enjoy!!!

Que Tal - an Istanbul Tapas Bar

Two years ago it was hard to find a single good tapas bar. Now they seem to be opening one by one. Today, I want to tell you about Que Tal, the newest tapas bar in Istanbul which actually does have a bar with tapas! The owners are Ayca and Burcu, two young Istanbulites who have had close encounters with Spain and the world of food and who will be the ones greeting you when you enter their new little restaurant.

The place is a small cozy restaurant located just around the corner form Tunel on the main road that comes up to Tunel from Sishane. Just the right distance away from the craze of Tunel and Asmali Mescit but close enough to feel its energy, Que Tal offers a very pleasant atmosphere. The staff seems happy and to enjoy not only what they are doing but also what they are serving.

I tasted their Sangria, full of citrus flavors, not too sweet, and dangerously smooth that leaves you asking for more. I recommend the mini koftes (I know these are Turco tapas, but they are good). "Que Tal", also an item on the menu, essentially roasted mashed garlic with olive oil and herbs was I think the star of the night. We also ordered lightly sauteed chickpeas, cold tapas platter (variety of olive, red pepper and bean pasted tapas served on small toasts), and sauteed shrimp served with a chili sauce. All highly recommended. Ayca told us that they are expanding the menu and I am looking forward to my next visit to try their new additions.

In short, it's a friendly small restaurant away from all the chains and characterless locations, offering a menu in which you will surely find your flavor of choice.

You can get the most up to date vibe on Que Tal from their facebook page.

Address: Ilk Belediye Cad. No:5/A, Tünel, İstanbul

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