Turkish cuisine is richly flavored and quite varied, the result of being a confluence of many other cuisines, from the Balkans and Central Europe to the ancient cultures of the Middle East and Central Asia. Throughout Turkey, travelers can even enjoy a diverse array of regional foods. Yokohama residents can try many of these dishes in Ishikawa-cho at Ceyhan, a charming little restaurant run by friendly chef-owner Kemal Basmaci.
Fluent in English and Japanese, Basmaci has created a menu that will please guests of many different tastes and dietary restrictions. If you’re timid and just want to test it out, lunch is a great time to go, with several different sets starting from ¥900. They come with a variety of home-style food like red lentil soup, flavored rice, eggplant with yogurt sauce, a meat dish (lamb kebab, for example) or gözleme (Turkish flatbread). Some tasty (and healthy) ala carte items to consider are the Biber Dolmasi (stuffed peppers) or the simple Sigara Boregi, which are like Turkish spring rolls. Our vegan guest was happy to have the Meze, which are dips made with seasonal vegetables. In the evening, the three course menus are a little more expensive (¥3000~¥4000) but certainly more extravagant. There are quite a few tasty entree dishes, too, such as Iskender Kebab in yogurt and tomato sauce (¥1700) or Turkish-style pizzas (¥1300~).
The drink menu is not extensive, but satisfying enough. Turkish chai is actually the most popular item. For alcohol, there is Turkish beer, some wines like Cankaya and, of course, raki, the traditional Turkish alcohol. Soft drinks are also available.
Seating is limited to a small counter and a few tables. Ceyhan is definitely cozy and casual. Delicious, too! Come discover how much more there is to Turkish cuisine than kebabs.