Unsung Heroes: Turkish and Tunisian

When you’re going out for a meal, what’s your go-to cuisine? Grabbing a spot of lunch, what do you choose? For a takeaway treat, what is on speed dial? We all know the nation’s favourites, of Chinese, Indian, Italian and Thai, and far be it for us to persuade you away from Leeds’ many tasty providers of such dishes. But… now the landscape has widened and the city has expanded to include many lesser known worldly delights, we shine a light on some of the unsung cuisine heroes who have brought their home food to the mouths of Leeds; this time, we travel to Turkey and Tunisia. 

Turkish cuisine is not new to the UK eater, however it is largely misunderstood. In the past, and perhaps the present, one might associate it with the dirtiest late night indulgence that is the doner kebab. Whilst there is some truth in this, the delicacies and variants of authentic Turkish food reach far beyond, into fresh and rich territories that remain a mystery to many. Here are some great Leeds places to unlock it….

Starting in the country’s capital, or at least its namesake Leeds trio of cafe, bakery and grill, Istanbul. The former is a mishmash of a menu, pleasing the Call Lane crowd it overlooks with adapted versions of ottoman origins such as chicken shawarma and falafel wraps, also available in Kirkgate Market’s bakery, but it is the latter in Horsforth that provides a more traditional experience. Here the likes of slow cooked apricot lamb and oven baked stuffed aubergine begin to showcase the flavours and aromas of the real Turkey. 

Other Leeds suburbs have places providing these pleasures for the senses too. The Turkuaz in Rawdon hits heavy on the koftes and beytis amongst a menu that delivers boldly without forgetting its location. Ephesus in Rodley is much acclaimed, and similarly presents us with dishes that are familiar but different, lifted a level; iskender, ezme, sasuka and more pack in meaty, herby, spicy goodness, with a delicate touch.