A NEW WARM AND COZY TURKISH CAFE WORTH CHECKING OUT

Are you more into savory or sweet? Actually, they satisfy both palates

It’s no secret we love visiting and sharing our own finds and hidden gems with our readers and our latest discovery inside Deerfields Mall is no exception!

Strategically located beside Carrefour Hypermarket at the first level of Deerfields mall in Shamama, Saraydan Café opened its doors to the public a just few months ago.

The Café decor

Saraydan is a Turkish word that refers to “From the Palace” and the general ambience inside the café is rich and warm with comfortable colorful turquoise sofas, walls covered with mirrors, paintings and Ottaman lights.

Detailed attention has been put into the decor of this first of its kind Turkish café in Abu Dhabi with everything from floor to ceilings handpicked from Turkey, such as the colorful ceramic tiles, rugs, chandeliers and all crockery.

The café’s menu

If you are obsessed with traditional Turkish cuisine, this is definitely a spot to visit anytime of the day as the menu – limited on purpose – will appeal to your tastebuds with Turkish classics cooked in home-style manner. With Turkish chefs on board, the menu has been crafted using some tips and tricks borrowed by Turkish grandmas and visitors will get to experience an authentic Turkish family cuisine.

Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it is with no surprise we were told it is served all day long.

Invited to discover the café’s menu at lunch time, we were lucky enough to taste and share different appetizers and mains and it actually was an excellent experience that will have us back soon.

Next time you swing by there, there are a few items that are a must-try: the Bureks with cheese were fresh and tasty, we also liked the thin crepe looking classic appetizer filled with spinach and cheese.

Usually not fans of vine leaves, their thin and warm Turkish version actually convinced us. They are stuffed with rice and mince meat and best enjoyed with a yogurt sauce served beside.

For the mains, the Turkish pilaf rice was delightful with its pine nuts and black currants added a delicate sweet taste. It came alongside with lamb shank marinated with rosemary and oregano.

The thinly rolled dough filled with spiced ground beef called mantis are a must-have on the list and we liked that they were served a bit spicier than usual with a chili sauce, mint flakes and garlic yogurt.

It also was our first time trying Kasarli Koftie, with the kofte filled with cheese and fresh salty fries served aside. Another nice pick!

The desserts selection

The shelves surrounding the café are filled with so many appetizing Turkish desserts that you must make room for these paired with a Turkish coffee or tea obviously.

We loved the cute way the waiters bring your café on a golden tray with a chocolate on the side and a cute small glass of water. It makes you feel like having a Turkish tea party with many varied desserts!

From Baklavas in different versions (Ozel, Asiyan with walnuts, Cevizli, Doloma, Nuska Dilimi or a new chocolate), to Trelice caramel (a soft and spongy cake with milk that is light and just slightly sugared), profiterolls, Sutlac and Keskul, there are many tantalizing options to choose from.

Our preferred dessert though was the cheese kunufa served sizzling hot in an individual round metallic plate and topped with the unbeatable thick and creamy homemade ice cream that uses the mastic ingredient.

This café has us hooked and we will head back soon, starting from their breakfast.

SARAYDAN CAFE | Al Shahama | Deerfields Mall, Level 1 near Carrefour | +971 2 563 21 33

 

 

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