TURKISH delight

Tower Bridge, London's gateway to exotic foods is explored by Michael Somerville

tucked away in one of London’s best kept secrets lies Kilikya’s – a Mediterranean cuisine serving traditional Turkish pastries, meze, famed organic coffee and a smart selection of Turkish deli. I found this eatery in tranquil St Katharine’s Dock; home to millionaire yacht owners, wealthy visiting tourists and the ever-present curious visitor. The dock has been a part of London’s impressive marina landscape for over 150 years and features a four star hotel, shops, the Good Food market, restaurants and an 18th century pub which attracts people from all over the capital.

Kilikyas Tower Bridge Turkish Restaurant
Recently launched by Ali Eren Balikel, who grew up in the ancient Kilikya region of Turkey, the restaurant is gaining a foothold in the hearts and minds of Londoners. Kilikya’s coffee is proving a popular choice for those keen to sample a more exotic flavour for their palate. Brewed with cardamom spice added to finely grounded and pulverised coffee beans in demitasse cups, it is a million miles away from your high street Cup O’ Joe.

“If you prefer to cool down after an afternoon of racing round the capital on a summer’s day, Kilikya’s offers organic smoothies, frozen yoghurt and freshly squeezed juices in various exotic flavours

“If you prefer to cool down after an afternoon of racing round the capital on a summer’s day, Kilikya’s offers organic smoothies, frozen yoghurt and freshly squeezed juices in various exotic flavours.” Opt for the blueberry, mango, papaya and grape smoothie and you’ll soon be feeling refreshed and full of energy again!

Another tasty and altogether richer option for brunch is the lavish Tirramisu Tondo- layers of hot sponge soaked with espresso coffee and liquor, filled with zapaglione cream. The desert is served with a knowing smile by one of the friendly waitresses…

Kilikyas Turkish Coffee Tower Bridge
Kilikya’s prides itself on its wide range of grilled sea food and pasta dishes with the Biber Dolmer catching our eyes (stuffed pepper with minced beef, onion and tomato served with yoghurt and mixed salad) at a reasonable £8.95. If you’d like something a little lighter without compromising the traditional Turkish experience, the Vegetarian Musakka is a good option; roasted aubergine, tomatoes, onion and herbs create a delicious dish full of flavour. You can also order classic Mediterranean Soguk Mezeler dishes which include Humus and Tarama for £2.30, whilst fennel seeds, oregano, basil, garlic and cinnamon herbs and spices are found in the Mucver, Ezme and Tabule appetizers. Take-away options are also available.

The restaurant is situated in a truly gorgeous part of the world, a place where you can escape the hectic tourist scene of Tower Bridge but with its romantic peaks still visible in the distance. A friendly and reliable service in a modest establishment, Kilikya’s fits well alongside the luxury and extravagance present in one of the more vibrant London marinas.

Kilikya’s
Unit C3 Ivory House
St. Katharine’s Dock
London
E1W 1AT

t: 020 7488 0813 or 07702 292 510
w: www.kilikyas.com

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