My first Syrian food experience was with my dear friend Dalia, a Syrian-American who whips up her own culinary creations. Dalia's Green Lentils and Rice recipe will soon be featured here, because again this recipe delivers in a way I never knew possible. Stay tuned for said recipe!
Our visit to Şam Şerif restaurant was spectacular. Our group of expats was especailly grateful for Dalia's Arabic skills because not all of this restaurant's staff are fluent Turkish speakers. It should be stated that it is not strange to be in Istanbul and not speaking Turkish. During any part of the year, on any day of the week, you can hear any number of languages being spoken the streets of Istanbul: German, Dutch, English, Arabic, Farsi... |
Our party of five knew to come hungry to this feast, and we were not disappointed. As our table quickly filled up with appetizers of hummus and mutabbal. My favorite appetizer was fattoush, a Levantine bread salad made from fried pieces of pita bread served over a fresh vegetable salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and green and red peppers.
As for our main course, we indulged in kibbeh, a fried bulgur ball stuffed with spiced ground lamb, and a Syrian-version of rice pilaf filled with flavors of rich olive oil, turmeric, and maybe even a hint of nutmeg. We ordered our pilaf with chicken on top; the chicken was perfectly cooked - juicy and succulent.
I encourage you to visit Şam Şerif restaurant and taste for yourself the wonders of Syrian cuisine! Şam Şerif's address: Molla Gurrani Mah. Turgut Ozal Cad., No 60/a (Millet Cad) Fatih Istanbul, Turkey, 34093 Istanbul, +90 212 542 5661.
As for our main course, we indulged in kibbeh, a fried bulgur ball stuffed with spiced ground lamb, and a Syrian-version of rice pilaf filled with flavors of rich olive oil, turmeric, and maybe even a hint of nutmeg. We ordered our pilaf with chicken on top; the chicken was perfectly cooked - juicy and succulent.
I encourage you to visit Şam Şerif restaurant and taste for yourself the wonders of Syrian cuisine! Şam Şerif's address: Molla Gurrani Mah. Turgut Ozal Cad., No 60/a (Millet Cad) Fatih Istanbul, Turkey, 34093 Istanbul, +90 212 542 5661.
Molla Gurrani Mah. Turgut Ozal Cad., No 60/a (Millet Cad)
Fatih - Istanbul, +90 212 542 5661
Fatih - Istanbul, +90 212 542 5661