WARUNG TURKI, AN OASIS OF MEDITERRANEAN TURKEY IN THE HEART OF KEMANG
Step into the lovingly built “Little Turkey in Kemang” and savor one-a-kind
authentic regional Turkish home cooking featuring legacy family recipes.
Jakarta, 2019 — Tucked away in a quiet corner within the popular Kemang enclave in South Jakarta sits Warung Turki – Shisha Lounge, an oasis of Mediterranean Turkey like no other in the world. Occupying a slim, three-storey building just off the perennially busy Kemang Raya thoroughfare, Warung Turki – Shisha Lounge has been delighting countless patrons’ palate and captured their imagination since 2015.
Just like its opulent sibling, Warung Turki – Shisha Lounge put together the best dining experience available in Jakarta and beyond, unmatched in its authenticity, value for money, and comfort. Diners will be treated to a host of culinary and sensory experience, which will remain in good memory long after their visit to the restaurant. Upon entering Warung Turki, guests are first greeted by the restaurant’s signature wood-fired clay oven displaying a fiery “eye of the devil” ember over its mouth; a product of passion from the proprietors who wish to bring authentic Turkish culinary culture to Jakarta.
The whitewash oven, fitted with a chimney extending all the way to the ceiling, is fueled exclusively by real wood (Kayu Kopi and Kayu Rambutan), which makes for a rare combination for a Middle Eastern Turkish restaurant. The one-of-a-kind oven serves as the restaurant’s central cookery and beating heart of the kitchen’s activity, slow-grilling or baking sumptuous dishes such as Firinda Kuzu Incik, lamb shank with baked mushroom, shallots and garlic served with butter rice; Pide, traditional Turkish village-style thin pizza; Kagit Kebab, wood oven-baked minced meat with chili and tomatoes and Chef Sezai’s favorite childhood food; or all-time favorites Zeytinyagli Humus (chickpeas and tahini with olive oil) and Babaganouc (grilled aubergine, tomato, chili pepper, garlic, olive oil).
Continuing the journey, patrons will be further mesmerized by the display of myriad antiques and artifacts bedecking the restaurant’s interior, including the mysterious pigeonholes lining up the walls alongside the stairs. “These pigeon holes represent a 4,000-years old tradition from Cappadocia,” Yanti Subianto, proprietor of Warung Turki, said, “when people brought pigeons into the region to make the land fertile. At Warung Turki, we’ve taken care to ensure that every detail is presented as authentic as possible, in a relaxed, casual environment.
Enjoy the best Shisha available in Indonesia under the rooftop patio-styled third floor while relaxing to the tunes of daily live music (except Wednesdays) and belly dancer performances every Friday and Saturday. Grab a microphone and join in a chorus of impromptu jam sessions taking place every day during Warung Turki’s famous nightly karaoke nights or dig in to melt-in-your-mouth, world-famous desserts and finger foods such as Baklava or the vegetarian-friendly Sutlac, a creamy cold rice pudding topped with cinnamon powder. Wash it down with your favorite drinks, from wine to soft drinks to a range of traditional Turkish teas served in warmed pots.
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Warung Turki welcomes all walk-ins but reservations are highly recommended. Private rooms, caterings, and bookings are available upon request. For more information, please visit www.warungturki.com or call +62 21 290 55 898, +62 21 290 55 899 or +62 819 0558 0238.
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