Turkish Kebab in Clay Jug

Aloha Everyone,

This signature dish of restaurants around Istanbul is an Anatolian specialty. Prepared in a clay jug, usually the dish is made with either lamb, beef or chicken with an assortment of vegetables.

Having enjoyed the gracious service of Nasif of Fuego Restaurant & Cafe on a previous visit, J.J. and I returned for their famous Kebab in Clay Jug.

While we waited, we feasted on their “puffed bread”. After 30 minutes or so, two of the servers brought out a heated steel plate which was placed in the center of our table.

The process of breaking the clay jug, removing its lid and pouring the content to the heated metal plate is part of eating this dish. Everyone watches in anticipation and cheers and claps when the content is poured out.

We compared it to the showmanship of Benihana of Tokyo. People dine there as much for the food as the entertainment. Yes, it was one of the memorable meals the two of us enjoyed in Istanbul.

Aloha -- Cathi