Tasting Notes
Mar Kebab House is at Piyer Loti Caddesi 45 in the Emin Sinan quarter of the old city. It opens at 9 a.m. and runs until 2 a.m. Baklava and tea are brought to the table after the meal at no charge.
Grills and clay-pot dishes
Mar Spesiyal Et and Mar Spesiyal Tavuk are the house plates, next to beyti kebab, Adana, ali nazik, İskender, lamb chops, lamb shank and a Mezopotamya kebab. Testi kebab comes in lamb, beef and chicken versions, and there are two-person trays of mixed kebab and mixed chicken. Lamb ribs for two sit under international cuisine, with T-bone and other steaks, fajitas and a château briand for two.
Fish and meze
Fish is listed as grilled sea bream, sea bass or salmon, fried or marinated anchovy with olives, and whole fish for two, including salt-baked. Hot starters include octopus and prawns in clay pots, fried calamari and soups. The cold mezes include haydari, humus, aubergine dips and an octopus salad.
“Order one of the house plates or the lamb ribs for two, add ali nazik to share, and take the baklava that closes the meal.”
LR Kitchen — field note