Efes
Ever since 1975 Kazim open the first Efes restaurant in London, the group has further expanded with even more locations. The formula was simple, source the freshest ingredients, keep the traditional Turkish flavours and enhance the flavours, even more, using charcoal grills.
Turkish grills are one of my favourite meals I get to take away. You can’t just replicate the taste without a charcoal grill. Travelling to Hackney is still a bit out of my way, but I’m lucky to have two Efes branches local to me.
Efes Stepney Green is literality opposite the station, seating covers the two floors. Evening visit I saw the table filled with families, couples, and business people. Interior is simplistic wooden table and chairs, and laser cut walls with fancy patterns.
What’s on the menu?
Grilled halloumi, falafels, Efes specials tabbouleh, mix meze, Russian salad, daily stews, salads, extensively list in the grilled section. Yoghurt kebabs, wraps and Turkish Pides, sharing platters, desserts you find popular chocolates and Turkish rice puddings.
Efes loves to get to know the guest, staff came around the tables to give samples of a new recipe for a new flavour for their lahmacun.
To start, the waiter came out with a bowl of salad, of greens and pickled cabbages, that been drizzled with balsamic vinegar glaze.
Kebabs
Mixed kebab £15.50 – 3 different kebabs came with a serving of rice, grilled peppers and tomatoes. So fragrant from the special seasoning heighten the nose. Cooked beautifully on the charcoal grill, charred on the edges and tender inside. The adana kebab stood out cooked on a three-foot long flat steel skewer stick, the meat mixture has minced lambed smoothed, cumin and garlic prominent in the spices. Chicken and lamb shish tasted better smothered in yoghurt and chilly sauce.
Staff and waiters were prompt with orders and getting the bill. It was a nice surprise to receive free Turkish tea and baklava before the bill came.
Address: 230 Mile End Road, London E1 4LJ
Telephone: 020 7790 8890