If you are on the hunt for authentic Turkish cuisine in Singapore, look no further than Alaturka Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant.
Located along Bussorah Street in Kampong Glam near Bugis, I first came across the restaurant when it was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand.
The name “Alaturka” represents “in the traditional Turkish style”.
Then I realised it has been serving these traditional dishes since 2005, with a focus on quality and authenticity.
No gimmicks – Alaturka strives to keep it as authentic as home-cooked Turkish food.
Walking in, I loved the cosy, unpretentious space – decorated with Turkish lamps, patterned tiles, and traditional textiles.
Diners will feel welcomed into a home-like setting that feels as warm and inviting as the food it serves.
Menu-wise, it reflects a dedication to quality ingredients and traditional recipes.
The flavours are bold yet balanced, and the dishes are thoughtfully prepared to showcase the essence of Turkish cuisine.
Here’s more on Alaturka’s recommended offerings:
Meze Tabagi (from $28.00)
The Meze Tabagi is a sharing platter that sets the tone for a communal and flavourful dining experience.
It features a medley of classic Turkish appetisers: Hummus, Babaganoush, Granny’s Cacik, Muhammara, Patlican Salata, and Tarama Salata.
The crowd-favourite is the Hummus with earthy creaminess, while I was pleasantly surprised with the smoky richness of the Babaganoush made from chargrilled eggplant.
The Granny’s Cacik which is a cooling yoghurt dip infused with cucumber, mint and lemon zest, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the tangy and nutty Muhammara, a vibrant red pepper and walnut spread.
Special mention goes to the Tarama Salata, a creamy fish roe dip which is really addictive (very interesting, reminded me of mentaiko).
Accompanied by fresh salata, feta, olives, and soft, warm Lavas bread, this platter invites diners to mix, match, and savour every bite.
Supreme Sampler ($75.00 for 2 pax, $150.00 for 4 pax)
If you come in a group, then I would highly recommend ordering the Supreme Sampler that showcases some of the best of Alaturka’s grilled offerings.
This platter includes a carefully curated selection: Biftek, Kuzu Pirzola, Adana Lamb, and Adana Chicken.
The Biftek is a premium grain-fed hanging tender steak sourced from Australian Grainville cattle. Marinated with thyme and garlic, this cut is juicy and so packed with flavour.
The Kuzu Pirzola, tender lamb chops airflown from South Australia, is surprisingly tender and not that gamey at all. Marinated with a blend of pul biber (Turkish chilli flakes) and black pepper, the chops strike a balance between smoky, spicy, and succulent.
Both the Adana Lamb and Adana chicken kebabs bring traditional Turkish spices to the forefront, grilled to achieve a slight smokiness, while retaining their tenderness.
Overall, I liked every component of this generous platter, and it’s worth having for every first-timer.
Marine Sampler ($105.00 for 2 pax, $195.00 for more)
If you prefer seafood, then get the Marine Sampler – a beautifully presented array of grilled and seared seafood.
The dish includes balik (fish), karides (prawns), and tava taraklari (pan-seared scallops).
The grilled fish, typically branzino or sea bream from Philosofish sustainably sourced from Greece, is lightly seasoned and grilled to highlight the fish’s natural flavour.
Limited in daily availability, you can also order the grilled fish as a standalone main.
Visneli Kofte ($32.00)
These beef meatballs are not your usual-sized ones. They are shaped like marbles, made to resemble cherries.
The meatballs are cooked with sour cherries, creating a rich and intriguing balance of meaty depth and fruity tartness.
I also learnt that this is a dish that those Anatolian grandmothers would make on the Asian side of Turkey.
Lavas ($7.50)
The Lavas, an elliptical balloon bread, is a show-stopper on its own.
Served fresh from the oven, the bread arrives puffed up, golden, and glistening from a light egg wash.
Breaking into the bread reveals a soft, airy interior that is perfect for scooping up dips like Hummus or Babaganoush. Or for pairing with grilled meats and vegetables.
Kunefe (from $15.00)
What is a Turkish meal without some traditional desserts?
Recommended is the Kunefe baked to a golden crisp, featuring shreds of buttered pastry encasing a soft, mildly salty cheese.
What I liked was that the syrup is not overly sweet, avoiding cloying flavours, allowing the buttery pastry and cheese to shine.
Served with cream or the traditional Turkish clotted cream kaymak, it offers a luscious, multi-textured treat.
Katmer ($15.00)
This flat, buttered pastry (which reminded me a little of prata) is layered with a generous spread of pistachio cream.
The pistachio filling is so smooth and fragrant, and goes very well with its crispy, flaky exterior.
Served with Turkish clotted cream kaymak which you can spread across the top layer.
Turkish Coffee ($7.00)
Prepared traditionally, this thick, aromatic brew is rich and bold, with a slightly grainy texture that adds to its character.
It is served unfiltered, allowing the grounds to settle at the bottom, and is best sipped slowly.
High Summer Cooler ($10.00)
A refreshing drink that is vibrant with tart cherry reduction, ginger infusion, and soda water.
This drink strikes a balance between tart, sweet, and spicy, making it as invigorating as it is enjoyable.
The restaurant’s price point falls on the moderate to higher end for casual dining, which some may find steep.
However, considering the portion sizes and the emphasis on sourcing quality ingredients make it feel justified.
The experience is particularly rewarding for those who value authenticity in both flavour and dining atmosphere. It is certainly among the finest Turkish restaurants in Singapore.
Alaturka Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant
15 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199436
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Reservations: https://www.alaturka.com.sg/reservations
