As the crisp winter air covers Table Mountain, Saray Restaurant situated on the iconic V&A Waterfront becomes a sanctuary of warmth. This authentic Turkish diner offers a delightful trip through traditional Turkish cuisine. Since it first opened back on Bree Street in 2016, and then made its move to the Waterfront in 2021, Saray has won the hearts of both locals and tourists alike with its authentic Turkish dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere. This winter, Executive Chef Veysel Boğan crafts a menu that brings you a selection of heartwarming dishes that are perfect for the colder months.
Just down the aisle from the Silo Hotel, Saray greets you with a plush red carpet, inviting you into a space that feels like a cosy corner of Turkey. Inside, you’ll find comfortable sapphire blue and green chairs, cosy velvet booths, and walls adorned with colourful mosaic tiles. The atmosphere is brightened up with beautiful handmade mosaic lamps that glow in lively colours, and screens around the room show off beautiful scenes from across Turkey.
This winter, Saray’s menu features a variety of comforting Turkish dishes, crafted with the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Here are some of the must-try winter favourites:
Winter Menu Highlights
- Et Nazik and Tavuk Nazik Give in to the comforting taste of tender beef or chicken laid on a smooth, smoky eggplant purée, all served in a warm clay pot—a perfect escape from the winter chill.
- Adana Kebab Prepared using a Zirh, a traditional Turkish knife, the Adana Kebab is made with high-quality lamb and beef mince, expertly grilled on skewers, and served alongside a fresh salad, crispy chips, and fluffy rice.
“A Zirh is a traditional Turkish cutting instrument, resembling a large, curved cleaver, specifically designed for finely chopping meat,” explains Chef Boğan. “It’s an essential tool in preparing dishes like Adana Kebab, allowing the chef to expertly slice the meat into very thin, even pieces. This technique not only ensures that the meat cooks evenly but also helps in blending the spices and fats more thoroughly, resulting in kebabs that are exceptionally flavourful and tender. The Zirh is not just a culinary tool but a key part of the cultural art of Turkish kebab making.”
- Dana Şaşlık Enjoy the paper-thin slices of beef fillet, marinated a day in advance, skewered and grilled to tender juiciness, and perfectly paired with fluffy rice.
- Lahmacun Featuring a traditional thin dough base topped with spicy beef mince, this meal is perfect for a quick lunch on the go or as a sharing option for groups.
- Service with Clay Pot Dive into this hearty dish where succulent meat and seasonal vegetables are slow-cooked in a clay pot to capture their essence and moisture, creating a comforting symphony of flavours. Choose between rice or bread to perfectly complement your meal.
- Künefe Finish your meal on a high note with a crispy, buttery pastry filled with oozing melted cheese, soaked in sweet syrup, and topped with crushed pistachios. It’s the perfect warm indulgence for chilly evenings.
- Baklava Indulge in Saray’s homemade Baklava, featuring flaky, syrup-soaked layers interlaced with rich pistachios, perfectly paired with aromatic Turkish tea for a traditional winter treat.
“Turkish tea, made from dried tea leaves, not only offers a vibrant colour but also perfectly complements the sweet, flaky layers of Baklava and the creamy richness of Künefe at Saray,” says Chef Boğan.
For Reservations: Email: Sarayreservations@gmail.com Call: +27 828584210 or 066433391