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2009-11-09
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1stly I should point out that for some reason, all of the below Reviews belong to the 荃灣 shop - which carries a slight different concept than the main 旺角 shop. At Mongkok's 'I Love Istanbul', its an upstairs Cafe which 主打 TURKISH COFFEE AND TURKISH SWEETS, PLUS A FEW SAVOURIES AND SNACKS! ************** TURKISH COFFEE -I was only here for 1 thing and everyone already guessed rightly:TURKISH COFFEE..! This was made by one of the 靚仔 Turkish partners, whose photos are plastered all over the wall
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TURKISH COFFEE -
I was only here for 1 thing and everyone already guessed rightly:
TURKISH COFFEE..!
This was made by one of the 靚仔 Turkish partners, whose photos are plastered all over the walls! Imported although finely pre-grinded Turkish Beans were boiled using a Brass/Copper Cezve Pot. When this is served, it already has sugar added-in, as is traditional. It carries that wonderful aroma associated with old-world bazaar markets and perhaps a little spice, but somewhat toned down compared to a fresh-grinded version.
Upon tasting my 1st sip it was surprisingly a bit weaker also less acrid than any previous experience. It was quite balanced, sweet yet lacking the piquant spice influence, its even weaker than a concentreated Italian Espresso despite the cup's bottom layer inundated with sand-like coffee sediments. It also did not have any annoying, simultaneously 'bitter' yet high 'acidity' factor that one normally associates with brewed Turkish Coffee or perhaps more so with Greek Coffees. From my previous tastings, Turkish coffees are usually brought to the boil at least 2-3 times and forms an aerated Frothy Top, also a bit stronger in taste! Although I didn't experience these tonight nor a frothy top - it was for everyone's 'goodness' as it was compellingly addictive as is and suffers none of the weaknesses which usually deters me from downing Turkish Style Coffees without the usual 'cringe'! On the other hand, some might find it toned down and it also occurred as a thought : WHAT IF, the coffee beans were freshly grinded on the spot rather than vac-packed ...
TURKISH SWEETS -
Apparently, the most proper way to drink Turkish Coffee is to take a small sip, then down a mouthful of Cold Water, before devouring a melt-in-your-mouth, original Rose Water flavoured Turkish Delight! One of these is included with my coffee and it really works unbelievably well as a COMBO.... droooool..... No one had ever told me this 'trick' before - but now, I came away more educated than before!
I LOVE ISTANBUL regularly air-freight in fresh Turkish Sweets such as Cezerye (Nuts 軟糖) and the Turkish Delights of multiple nuts or fruitty Flavours, they're sold @ $20/100g, a bargain! I was given Complimentary Tastings of a few of their Cezeryes and Delights and must say, they're 100% authentic in taste and you wouldn't expect anything less.... I've already bought a few of these morsels for accompanying my next home-made Turkish Coffees, which I anticipate to make soon, seeing I happen to have a package of it at home by coincidence!
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SUMMARY: A Really Lovely Shop on the 13th Floor on a busy strip in Mongkok and definitely worth patroning. They also do a Fortunate Telling service by reading the drinking pattern and 'coffee-sediments' left over from the cup. Saves the trip to Temple Street.
As a side-note - they are partially related to the famous Turkish place 'Our Restaurant' in the street behind, which I serendipitously visited prior to finding this shop weeks ago, perhaps I should review there as well 1 day. However, the version of Shish Kebab they will serve in THIS upstairs cafe is not of the street-stall Doner type, but a Home-style type made from pan-frying the meat and salads, then stuffing them into Pita Bread Pockets rather than incorporated into rolled Lavash bread. (I personally find that in Hong Kong, the Kebab shops don't also serve this Pita Pocket version usually.... most overseas shops do both versions.) The reason for this discrepancy as explained to me by the friendliy lady is because, its not practical for home-cooks to make a real rotating Doner Kebab so compromises are taken, but rest assured - it'll be Authentically Turkish, just with a bit of a twist.
CAN'T WAIT FOR MY NEXT VISIT - RECOMMENDED.
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