Afiyet Olsun: Turkish (food) invasion

The opening of Sölen Istanbul could not have come at a better time. Pakistan has become enamored with Turkish soap operas and this is the first legit taste of Behlül (the East’s sedate version of Christian Grey). Personally, the only Turkish man on TV whom I have a soft spot for is Dr. Oz. But that’s another article for another blog.

China Kitchen’s 'Londonese' food

Before there were fancy Italian and French restaurants, there were Chinese restaurants. It was a family affair to take one day out of the week for a taste of the exotic. It wasn't just about the food either, there was an ambiance which made the experience more authentic - red paper lanterns, dim lights, the clink of porcelain soup spoons on porcelain bowls. 

The Deli: Five years and one great restaurant

On it’s fifth anniversary, The Deli has grown from a small sandwich shop to a bustling restaurant keeping true to its fresh is best philosophy.

The new interior is as inviting as the food and with its spacious renovations The Deli is celebrating its passion for gastronomy. 

It was five years ago that friends Tina Mehdi and Rabab Zaidi felt that takeout was scarcely fresh and fast, leading them to put their heads together to do something about it. Necessity is the mother of invention and that is what Tina and Rabab tried to do. Fresh bread, fresh ingredients and fresh salads made up the menu of their project which they called The Deli.

Cuisine Confidential

Ayaz Khan owner of Okra opens up about his restaurant, food trends and staying a small business

The exterior exudes rustic and homely yet exquisite fine dining awaits diners inside

The small alleyway that has been home to Okra for the past eleven years is a clogged artery come the weekend. Expensive cars with anything but yellow license plates crowd around the humble exterior. While the restaurant exudes a rustic feel the food could not be more refined. Humble is also the man that has been the sole proprietor of this establishment - Ayaz Khan. He speaks like a man who is still looking for perfection, while his diners may say that he has achieved and maintained it. An open kitchen invites one’s curiosity to gaze entranced at the deft movements and precision of the skilled chefs, all adorning pristine white and the toque perched atop their furrowed brows. The entire operation looks very simple and clinical in its undertaking but that has only been because of the discerning eye of Ayaz.