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Whenever compiling a list of London’s best eateries, one might foresee renowned high-end names. However, situated high among these food giants is a unpretentious salonu situated in a outlying area of north London.

A Unexpected Accolade

The small Turkish spot, focusing in the street food of Mersin, a metropolis on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, has been declared the 4th finest restaurant in the metropolis by a prominent culinary publication. The accolade has left the proprietors totally surprised.

“I am totally shocked,” states the family member, alluding to his family’s dedication that led to their small shop earning such a prominent spot on a respected 99-strong list.

The Character of Modesty

The compact space, which used to be a basic cafe before its transformation into a buzzing spot, has maintained much of its original charm. It fits just over 20 people and, beyond the impressive live cooking display, the interior remains mostly unchanged. “It’s a small and stocky space,” notes the owner.

A Signature Offering: Tantuni

However, it’s all down to the cuisine, and this restaurant definitely succeeds. The restaurant’s namesake dish, tantuni, is a uncomplicated pleasure. Choice of meat—whether lamb or chicken—is cooked with steam to maintain a moist, juicy texture.

It is then added into a sizeable pan with seasonings and oil, which are incorporated in gradually. When the meaty mixture bubbles up, homemade lavaş—a pliable bread—is laid on top to soak in all the juices. Finely sliced onions and a sprinkling of parsley go inside before the tasty meat is wrapped securely inside.

It is usually enjoyed with a drop of lemon or some pickles. The outcome is a powerful burst of taste, with subtle hints of sumac, sharp onions and rich, paprika-red oil pulling it all in harmony.

Beyond the Classic Tantuni

There is also yoğurtlu tantuni, where the savoury lavaş is sliced and crowned with yogurt, tomato sauce and aromatic brown butter. The respected food critic described this dish “among London’s few flawless, impeccable dishes”.

When it comes to dessert, the eatery’s künefe proves a treat. It is soaked in a more modest amount of syrup than usual, resulting in it a deeper, nuttier and less sickly profile.

Outranking the Titans

Notably, this unassuming spot has been placed higher than several illustrious three-Michelin-starred venues. It finds itself near the peak of the list, just after other high-profile dining destinations.

Whereas two people could easily leave the restaurant full for under £25, similar meals at luxury establishments can start at many times that amount.

The Creed of Warmth

The restaurant is also one of several Turkish restaurants included and is found well beyond the city’s prime zones. “It is not about luxury. London is an pricey city. It is belief that in an high-cost place you’re going to have the best service and best food but I do not agree with that,” states the owner.

“In my view what is crucial is friendliness, friendliness and somewhere you can be yourself and feel calm.”

The sentiment is supported by the list’s curator, who suggested that if he was in a position of authority, he would “make it mandatory to make every chef in London come to this spot as a finishing school, to show them the traps of overthinking, and to reveal what is achievable if you do a few – or three – things to their very best”.

The Path of Perseverance

In contrast to many chefs heading kitchens in the list’s top ten, the mastermind behind the food did not apprentice at elite establishments. “I am really happy of our shop and our mum,” adds her son.

Numerous restaurants require years to establish themselves, but this eatery first started seven years ago. Its success is owing to tireless, seven-day weeks of work.

“Our mum would be really tired. She would buy ingredients in the morning and make the food in the afternoon. All of it is handmade; she would do all of this. She is a solo parent and she had a personal life but her friends would visit to encourage her. She was raising children and a house to care for as well. All of these roles shaped her into what she is now: a brilliant person,” he shares.

A Accomplishment for the People

This restaurant’s accolade is bound to resonate beyond its own walls. “I think a lot of people would be pleased, as I am, because the Turkish community is a significant part of London,” says the owner, highlighting the wider meaning of this culinary achievement.