Saray’s winter menu features a variety of comforting halaal Turkish dishes.
Saray Restaurant situated on the V&A Waterfront offers patrons a delightful trip through traditional Turkish cuisine. First opened back on Bree Street in 2016, it has since made its move to the Waterfront in 2021 and offers an authentic, halaal Turkish dining.
This winter, Executive Chef Veysel Boğan crafts a menu that brings you a selection of delicious dishes that are perfect for the colder months.
Just down the aisle from the Silo Hotel, Saray feels like a cosy corner of Turkey. Inside, you’ll find comfortable sapphire blue and green chairs, cosy velvet booths, and walls adorned with colourful mosaic tiles. The atmosphere is brightened up with beautiful handmade mosaic lamps that glow in lively colours, and screens around the room show off beautiful scenes from across Turkey.
This winter, Saray’s menu features a variety of comforting Turkish dishes, crafted with the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Here are some of the must-try winter favourites:
Winter Menu Highlights
1. Et Nazik and Tavuk Nazik
Tender beef or chicken laid on a smooth, smoky eggplant purée, all served in a warm clay pot—a perfect escape from the winter chill.
2. Adana Kebab
Prepared using a zirh, a traditional Turkish knife, the adana kebab is made with high-quality lamb and beef mince, expertly grilled on skewers, and served alongside a fresh salad, crispy chips, and fluffy rice.
“A zirh is a traditional Turkish cutting instrument, resembling a large, curved cleaver, specifically designed for finely chopping meat,” explains Chef Boğan. “It’s an essential tool in preparing dishes like adana kebab, allowing the chef to expertly slice the meat into very thin, even pieces. This technique not only ensures that the meat cooks evenly but also helps in blending the spices and fats more thoroughly, resulting in kebabs that are exceptionally flavourful and tender. The zirh is not just a culinary tool but a key part of the cultural art of Turkish kebab making.”
3. Dana Şaşlık
Paper-thin slices of beef fillet, marinated a day in advance, skewered and grilled to tender juiciness, and perfectly paired with fluffy rice.
4. Lahmacun
Featuring a traditional thin dough base topped with spicy beef mince, this meal is perfect for a quick lunch on the go or as a sharing option for groups.
5. Service With Clay Pot
Dive into this hearty dish where succulent meat and seasonal vegetables are slow-cooked in a clay pot to capture their essence and moisture, creating a comforting symphony of flavours. Choose between rice or bread to perfectly complement your meal.
6. Künefe
Finish your meal on a high note with a crispy, buttery pastry filled with oozing melted cheese, soaked in sweet syrup, and topped with crushed pistachios. It’s the perfect warm indulgence for chilly evenings.
7. Baklava
Indulge in Saray’s homemade baklava, featuring flaky, syrup-soaked layers interlaced with rich pistachios, perfectly paired with aromatic Turkish tea for a traditional winter treat.
“Turkish tea, made from dried tea leaves, not only offers a vibrant colour but also perfectly complements the sweet, flaky layers of baklava and the creamy richness of künefe at Saray,” says Chef Boğan.
“Here at Saray, each dish we serve is a testament to the heritage of Turkey,” Chef Boğan shares. “I began my culinary journey as a humble kitchen runner in Turkey, learning the foundational skills that have shaped my career. From those early days to establishing Saray, my goal has always been to create experiences that provide our guests with a glimpse into the heart of my homeland. We import spices and create gourmet sauces right here in our kitchen, offering flavours you won’t find anywhere else.”
Reservations
Email: Sarayreservations@gmail.com
Call: +27 828584210 or 066433391
Comments