Restaurant Review: Yemek Yemek
An unassuming delight in the heart of the city centre
13 St Stephen’s Road, Norwich, NR1 3SP. Telephone 01603 621355. Starters £4.95-£5.95; mains £9.90-£13.90; desserts £4.20–5.20 and wines from £4.20
Wait times- It is a small restaurant, so it is best to book in advance.
Suitable for the whole family.
In an wide, unassuming and busy road in the centre of Norwich and wedged between a laser tag centre and a barbers, is the much-loved Turkish restaurant, Yemek Yemek.
This restaurant is completely out the way, often completely missed by passers-by but stepping inside I immediately felt like I was walking into a welcoming family home. The atmosphere hit me, and the décor is so simple yet inviting. Housing only five tables the environment is intimate coupled with an inviting buzz set to the sound of gentle Turkish music.
It stands out in its charm and ability to host romantic dinners while at the same time accommodating large gatherings.
I took a seat by the window and despite looking out onto a traffic jam, I am transported to a quiet cobbled street of a local Turkish village. It may be the middle of winter but feel as though I am about to bask in the sun as I walk alongside the Mediterranean Sea.
The staff are welcoming and speak to me as though they have known me for years. It’s a family affair; with the husband waiting, and the wife home-cooking the food from their flat above.
After studying the menu and taking in all the incredible-sounding dishes I was ready to order.
For starter I picked my all-time favourite dish Kalamar, fried squid served with sweet chilli sauce. It was presented beautifully, and I was excited to tuck in. So, I was sad to find the squid chewy and the batter soft. Even the sweet chilli sauce could not cover my disappointment. In hindsight I should have chosen a more traditional Turkish dish; the cold meze selection was filled with wonderful choices.
Although I do not drink, I was impressed and took note of the popular Turkish wine offered on the menu, while I settled for a simple lemonade.
My main was diced lamb fried with tomato paste and herbs, served on homemade bread with yogurt and salad, known as Peri Tirdi.
The flavours were soft yet sharp. The tangy yogurt mixed with the sweet tomato sauce combined perfectly with the tender lamb. And mixed with the pitta it provided a beautiful combination of textures. I enjoyed each new mouthful more than the last. Whilst the side salad was a little disappointing, with limp leaves and soft tomatoes, it still managed to compliment the dish perfectly.
It was my first-time trying traditional Turkish food and I was simply blown away; I did not want the dish to end.
During the entire meal I completely forgot where I was, I got lost in the restaurant with burgundy painted walls, rustic wooden tables, traditional patterned chairs and intricate decorations, complimented perfectly by the dim lighting which sets off the mood. I was no longer in Norwich, sitting by the side of the road just ten minutes from my inner-city home. No, I was in another world.
I was so excited to try Baklava for dessert, the famous, traditional crunchy filo pastry curled and baked with pistachios and soaked in syrup and as suggested on the menu it’s ‘best eaten with your fingers!.’
The crunchy texture of the nuts compliments the soft and buttery texture that comes from the dough, and the syrup and lemon juice offer and sweat and tangy taste. It was one of the most mouth-watering desserts I have ever tried, but if you don’t have a sweet tooth, it may not be for you.
The menu is modestly priced for the quality and service you receive, and I can say for certain I will be coming again.
The food is exquisite, yet the restaurant and the staff remain unpretentious. My entire evening at this small gem in the middle of Norwich, was a welcomed break from the chaos of city life.
