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Turquoise Turkish Restaurant

Posted on 30 January 2009 by Blogie in Restaurant  |  2848 views, 2 today

This Middle Eastern restaurant has been around since last year — and has already undergone a major renovation — but it was only recently that I finally got around to dining at Turquoise Turkish Restaurant. The first time was several days ago when two Egyptians, who now live in Davao, brought me there after a business trip. They said to me that Turquoise’s food is authentic Turkish cuisine, which made me wonder why some restaurant reviews I’d gotten sometime back weren’t very flattering…

A friend of mine suggested that it might be because Dabawenyos aren’t used to this type of cooking. Or it might be because the original state of this restaurant was not very inviting, so I heard. At any rate, as I’ve said, they’re freshly renovated now, and the interiors do look nice and comfortable.

Hummus & Lawash @ TurquoiseThe Turks have their own brand of kababs, shawarma, hummus and all that Mediterranean goodness. The dishes (even some of the names) are similar, but the style of cooking and, of course, the taste are different in a way that is quite pleasing. The hummus, for me, is perfect, and consistent, I must say, because both times I’ve been to Turquoise the taste was the same. If I were Turkish, the way I might describe it would be that it reminded me of the old country. And the lawash (pita bread) that they serve is simply delightful. (My only complaint: hummus just doesn’t photograph very well. :P )

I went back to Turquoise with Andrew, Jaime and Chattee the other day. All In One @ TurquoiseFor starters we got the Turquoise All In One (₱299), an assortment of samplers of their Abagannush, Acili Ezme, Mezze Istanbul, Pilaki, hummus and yoghurt. Of these, I love the abagannush the most. It’s eggplant with tomatoes in olive oil. Wrap it with hummus in lawash for best effect! The acili ezme is a tomato dip, slightly spicy and sour. The mezze istanbul — a mix of boiled potatoes, carrot, beans, egg and mayonnaise — looks like the regular salad that we’re used to, but with a distinctly Mediterranean taste. The pilaki is a cold bean salad, also with tomatoes (this one didn’t appeal much to me, though).

For my main course, I had their Inegol Kofte (₱159 for the 8-pc order). It’s a dish of meatballs shaped like small hotdogs. While I did like it, I think I like what Andrew ordered better: the Turquoise Cheesy Kofte (₱179), which is the same but is just one big meatball (also elongated) with a filling of mozzarella cheese. The latter was tastier, you see. Chattee and Jaime both got Chicken Shawarma (₱59), which was also quite good. Next time I’m back, I’m going to have their beef shawarma.

I want to mention that their rice is really good. I like the way that it’s cooked and flavored. There’s just one thing: I wonder why they put french fries on some of the dishes (like the kofte)…

According to Turquoise’s menu, Turks always have Ayran (₱50) with their meals. So to complete the experience, I had that yoghurt drink as well. And they’re right, it does go well with the spicy food! They serve ayran either sweetened or as is (which is sour). I suggest, if you don’t like it really sour, ask them to put only half of the sugar they normally use.

The service at Turquoise (both times I was there) was prompt, and the waiters seem to know the food that they serve. When I asked them about the dishes, our waiter knew enough to be able to explain them.

Turquoise Turkish Restaurant is at the ground floor (in front of National Bookstore) of SM City Davao, Ecoland, Davao City. I believe they also have a branch in Cagayan de Oro City. In Davao, their telephone number is 282-0168.

halalIt would be good for my Muslim readers to know that the meats served at Turquoise are certified halal.

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14 Responses to “Turquoise Turkish Restaurant”

  1. Tom Martin

    30 Jan 2009

    I have eaten there at least 15 times. A lot of food for the money. I have never had a bad dish and love the rice. Everytime I go I try to get something different. The staff has always been prompt and efficient. I certainly would send my friends there and for being a mall restaurant it is fantastic. A friend of mine is Muslim and he loves the food and a lot of his Muslim friends eat there. I do not know, but perhaps the food is more familar to them.

    Reply to this comment

  2. Blogie

    30 Jan 2009

    Ah yes, I forgot to mention that — the portions are huge, aren’t they?

    Reply to this comment

  3. Brendel

    3 Feb 2009

    Look delicious, esp. the sampler plate.

    Reply to this comment

  4. May

    4 Feb 2009

    must try also their Sultan’s serving.. Thought it was small for two persons to devour but golly! it was all worth it..sarap and good ambience..:d

    Reply to this comment

  5. riza

    5 Feb 2009

    baklava another uppers hehehe… i forgot the name of the other dessert the white 1… we also tried the sultan ____(something) LOVE it! the stuffed chicken also is now a party must have in our house.
    am so much in a happy mode having found your blog.

    Reply to this comment

  6. marygrace

    10 Feb 2009

    hi blogie! nice review – hope to try this resto on my nxt vacation. by the way, if u wondered why they put french fries with their kofta, dont be, ganun talaga pag arabic food :) sobra sobra :) minsan pa nga rice & french together with the kofta :)

    by the way, do you know what happen to ‘DFH’ davao’s food huntress? “) its been a long time na. di na sya nag paparamdam :)

    thanks

    Reply to this comment

    • Blogie

      10 Feb 2009

      Oh ok! Kaya pala may french fries… hehehe :D

      I’m also wondering about DFH. Really don’t know why she’s not updating her blog anymore…

      Thanks for dropping by!

      Reply to this comment

  7. Bruce

    25 Mar 2009

    Blogie,
    I have been there a few times now and have always enjoyed their food. I love their rice too. (not a filipino here)
    Last time I had the pleasure to meet the owner.
    I know your a coffee drinker, have you tried their Turkish Coffee? Mahmut (I hope I did not misspell his name) treated me and Elena to a cup. He even tried to tell our fortunes in the sediment.

    Reply to this comment

  8. tanginasarapgutom

    4 Apr 2009

    ang sultan plater is the best! include sis kebap,beef kebab and the grilled chicken that is my personal favorite. ang bago kasi and the rice ofcorse kakaiba ang bango pati grilled chicken. yumy yummmmmm yummmmmm.

    Reply to this comment

  9. mares

    28 Jun 2009

    i will be there this aug in time for the orchid festival, i’ll try to drop by this turkish resto…what will i order as a BEGINNER on turkish foods? the best one to order na so wala waste on food..pls help me..budget not more than Php1000.00 lang.

    Reply to this comment

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