Just a ten minute walk from Witham Station, Turquoise is a cosy little Turkish spot on Guithavon Street. Inside, the walls are painted the titular colour and Turkish lanterns hang from the ceiling. Simple wood furnishings and a laid-back atmosphere make this the perfect setting for a casual meal of delicious, authentic Turkish food. The space is modest but still has enough space for groups, as this cuisine is best enjoyed socially.
As is traditional, mezze here is split into hot and cold. From the cold section, you’ll find familiar favourites like olives, hummus and tzatziki, as well as options that might not be as familiar. These include saksuka (fried cubes of aubergine with tomato, green peppers and garlic), ali nazik (garlicky, charcoal grilled aubergine) and kisir (a salad similar to tabbouleh). Hot starters, meanwhile, include the pan-fried king prawns, grilled halloumi and various kofte (grilled mince skewers).
If it’s meat you’re after, be sure to try the mixed shish which features chicken breast and lamb cubes, chargrilled on skewers with pilaf rice and salad. More adventurous diners might want to try the fresh lamb’s liver with marinated onion, while vegetarians can enjoy dishes like falafel, imam bayildi or mucver (fried courgette and feta fritters).
To accompany all these grilled delights, we recommend ordering some salads, such as the walnut and pomegranate syrup option, or the shepherd’s salad, which features cucumber, onion, pepper, tomato, feta and olives. Other sides include rice, pickled peppers, fries and seasonal vegetables.
To finish, the classic go-to is baklava, although there are other options too, including Italian ice cream and tiramisu. For a truly special end to the meal, pair your dessert with some port or muscat. There is also a range of spirits, wine and beers to enjoy with the meal, and a children’s menu too.