Hit – Gigibabas
Posted on: June 29, 2011
I’ve been to Gigibabas before and loved it. So I was expecting great things the second (or maybe third?) time around.
And, boy, they did not disappoint!
First off, having a Turkish heritage and a mum who would give any Chef Hat restaurant chef a run for their money, I am very hard to impress when it comes to Turkish food.
The simplicity in which Gigibabas prepares and presents their dishes is the key to their amazing flavours. Smoked eggplant dip – which they call ‘babaghanouj’ is understated but hits you with that charcoaly, smoky eggplant flavour that is addictive. Although the bread it was served with could have a little fresher, it was still a creamy, flavoursome delight!
Now – before I go on – a quick gripe – Gigibabas is a Turkish restaurant, with a Turkish chef and eggplant dip is traditionally a Turkish dish… You’re with me still right?
Then WHY does it insist on calling “patlican” dip, babaghanouj? It’s not a Turkish name? Are they just pandering to the common theme? I suspect so – very disappointing. But, hey if that’s the only negative I got out of this visit, then I’m sure they’ll take it!
Eggplant salad with pomegranate – creamy, sweet and sour – awesome juxtapositioning of flavours.
Lamb cutlets and ribs – cooked to perfection with basic seasoning of salt and oregano. Melt in your mouth morsels of tender lamb.
Hellim cheese – the Cypriot-Turkish version of saganaki, deliciously crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside.
Octopus Salad – Zesty, soft soft soft and tender octopus. The combination of the dressing, salad and octopus was divine, a taste-bud-caressing dish!
On the whole – a superb experience and excellent european wine selection!
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