Embark on a tantalizing voyage through the vibrant flavors of Turkish cuisine at Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant. Our authentic menu, meticulously curated by master chefs, presents a symphony of flavors that will captivate your palate.
Appetizers
Indulge in a delectable assortment of Turkish mezes (appetizers), each handcrafted to perfection:
- Hummus: Creamy, garlicky dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice.
- Baba Ghanoush: Roasted eggplant puree with tahini, garlic, and olive oil.
- Dolma: Stuffed grape leaves or peppers filled with rice, vegetables, and herbs.
- Borek: Flaky pastry filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
- Falafel: Crispy fried chickpea balls served with hummus or tahini sauce.
Entrees
Kebabs:
- Shish Kebab: Grilled skewer of marinated lamb or chicken with vegetables.
- Adana Kebab: Spicy ground lamb kebab grilled on flat skewers.
- Urfa Kebab: Seasoned ground beef kebab with tomato and green bell pepper.
Stews:
- Imam Bayildi: Oven-baked eggplant stuffed with tomato, onion, and garlic.
- Kuru Fasulye: White bean stew with tomato sauce and spices.
- Manti: Turkish dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, served in yogurt sauce.
Lamb and Beef Dishes:
- Kuzu Tandir: Slow-cooked lamb shoulder served with roasted vegetables.
- Beyti Kebab: Grilled lamb strips wrapped in lavash bread.
- Alinazik: Charcoal-grilled lamb served over eggplant puree.
Seafood
- Grilled Sea Bass: Whole sea bass grilled with lemon, garlic, and olive oil.
- Mediterranean Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp with tomato, onion, and bell pepper.
- Octopus Carpaccio: Thinly sliced octopus served with lemon, olive oil, and arugula.
Vegetarian Options
- Vegetable Kofte: Grilled patties made from lentil, bulgur, and vegetables.
- Spinach and Cheese Borek: Flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese.
- Pumpkin Soup: Creamy pumpkin soup with a hint of ginger and cinnamon.
Desserts
- Baklava: Layers of filo dough filled with nuts, honey, and spices.
- Künefe: Shredded wheat dough topped with melted cheese and syrup.
- Güllaç: Rosewater-infused milk pudding layered with filo dough.
- Turkish Delight: Soft, chewy candy made from cornstarch, sugar, and rosewater.
Drinks
- Turkish Coffee: Finely ground coffee brewed in a special pot over hot sand.
- Ayran: Refreshing yogurt drink similar to buttermilk.
- Pomegranate Juice: Sweet and tart juice made from fresh pomegranates.
- Raki: Turkish anise-flavored liquor often served with mezes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Plate: Avoid overloading your plate with too many dishes. Turkish cuisine emphasizes sharing, so order a variety of dishes and share them with your companions.
- Forgetting the Bread: Turkish bread, known as ekmek, is an essential accompaniment to most dishes. Don’t hesitate to ask for extra bread to soak up the delicious sauces and stews.
- Eating Baklava Cold: Baklava is best enjoyed warm and fresh. Ask your server to warm it up for you before serving.
How to Step-by-Step Approach
Ordering:
- Order a few mezes to start with and share them at the table.
- Choose an entrée from the kebab, stew, or seafood sections.
- Select a side dish, such as rice, bulgur pilaf, or salad.
- Don’t forget to order Turkish bread and a drink.
Eating:
- Start with the mezes and share them with your companions.
- Use your bread to scoop up sauces and stews.
- Enjoy your entrée with your chosen side dish.
- Finish your meal with a sweet dessert and a cup of Turkish coffee.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Authentic Turkish cuisine with a wide variety of dishes.
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- Cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Cons:
- Prices can be slightly higher than average.
- Reservations may be necessary on weekends and evenings.
Tables
| Appetizers | Price |
|---|---|
| Hummus | $6 |
| Baba Ghanoush | $7 |
| Dolma | $8 |
| Borek | $9 |
| Falafel | $10 |
| Entrees | Price |
|---|---|
| Shish Kebab | $15 |
| Adana Kebab | $16 |
| Urfa Kebab | $17 |
| Imam Bayildi | $18 |
| Kuru Fasulye | $19 |
| Seafood | Price |
|---|---|
| Grilled Sea Bass | $20 |
| Mediterranean Shrimp | $21 |
| Octopus Carpaccio | $22 |
| Desserts | Price |
|---|---|
| Baklava | $7 |
| Künefe | $8 |
| Güllaç | $9 |
| Turkish Delight | $5 |
