[Food Review] Cappadocia Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant @ Kampong Glam, Singapore

Feeling Turkish in Kampong Glam? Time to 'fly' to Cappadocia!

Named after the ancient city in Turkey, Cappadocia is an authentic Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant tucked along the vibrant Bussorah Street in the famous Kampong Glam of Singapore. We heard lots of good reviews about this award-winning restaurant and therefore we are here to try out the traditional dishes from the Middle East!

If you are visiting the iconic Sultan Mosque, surely you will pass by this vibrant blue shophouse

which is located along the street towards the direction of the mosque.

Cold Appetizer - Meze Tabagi

We start the meal with the popular traditional platter.

Served with soft, airy lavash bread, the sharing platter includes:

❤ Hummus (pureed chickpeas with tahini, cumin and olive oil)

❤ Moutabbal (charcoal grilled eggplant with tahini)

❤ Baba ganoush (charcoal grilled eggplant with fresh herbs)

❤ Ezme (Finely chopped tomatoes, chilli peppers and Turkish spices - our favourite!)

❤ Coban salata (diced cucumbers, tomatoes and onions in pomegranate dressing)

Hot Appetizer - Borek

Next up is the petite crisp Turkish pastry rolls. Filled with feta cheese and herbs, 

it is simple yet so satisfying.

Hot Appetizer - Falafel

My favourite! The vegetarian-friendly balls are made of mashed chickpeas and green vegetables 

blended with old spices. Definitely a traditional appetizer that never loses its charm.

Turkish Pizza - Mushroom Pide

It is my first time sampling pizza in Turkish style. The thick crust bread is topped with mushroom, veggie sauce and mozzarella. Punch packed with spiced flavours, it is surprisingly light on the palate and does not feel greasy at all.

Mains - Mixed CAPPA Kebab

For the kebab, we have a platter for two (you can choose your portion up to 6 pax), yet the platter turns out to be sizeable and fill up our tummies to the brim. 

Served on a bed of butter rice and garden salad, the platter consists of 5 cuts of charcoal-grilled kebabs - adana lamb, adana chicken, shish tawook, shish kebab and chicken wings. The adana chicken is my personal favourite as the meat is so succulent and rich in Turkish spices and herbs.  

Dessert - Kunefe 

Kunefe is undoubtedly a must-try whenever you visit a Turkish restaurant. Dubbed as Turkey's finest treat, this dessert is made of thin vermicelli pastry baked in soft cheese and is served with sweet syrup and cream which you can customise the sweetness based on your preference. The cheese flavour is so light and subtle to my liking.

Specialty Drink - Turkish Coffee

The best is often saved for the last. We have a great time sipping on the thick an rich Turkish coffee over a stream of conversations and laughter. It is a very finely ground coffee brewed by boiling, but it is not for the faint hearted as it contains more caffeine than a typical drip coffee. 

If you are up for authentic, flavourful Turkish, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine,

Cappadocia is sure to win your heart! ❤

Cappadocia Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant

69 Bussorah St, 

Singapore 199482.

Contact: +65-9677 9072

Website: https://www.cappasg.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cappasg

Instagram: @cappadociaturkishrestaurant

Coffee Terrace (咖啡苑) @ Maxims Genting Hotel, Genting Highlands, Pahang

During my last visit to Genting Highlands, the organizer has treated us with a lavish buffet dinner at Coffee Terrace, an all-day coffee house where I saw a huge crowd on a Friday evening.

The interior is brightly lit, complementing the dark furniture. Very spacious, and I love the contemporary design which brings comfort upon dining. It offers both buffet and ala carte menu, catering for all your needs.

#1 Salad Bar 

The buffet spread began with a salad, with freshly-baked breads, dips and condiments as a perfect palate opener, before we were spoilt with choices for main courses. 

#2 Sushi Bar

At the Japanese section, they had both cooked foodstuff (Udon, chicken teriyaki, tempura, etc) as well as raw sashimi platter and freshly-prepared colorful sushis. I go gaga everytime I see petite maki sushi of different hues and fillings!

 #3 Sushi Rolls

#4 Assorted Vegetable Tempura

#5 Chicken Teppanyaki 

The Japanese corner didn't fail to tempt me with loads of good food! Due to the cold weather in Genting, I had a bowlful of hot, flavourful miso soup to warm my stomach before enjoying the fresh salmon and tuna cuts.

#6 BBQ in Skewers

For the flavours of Local Favourites & Nyonya, I'm delighted with the succulent chickens on hot plate grill. They even have my favourite grilled fish, so well-marinated as it burst in myriad taste of spices.

#7 Pari Bakar (Grilled Stingray)

#8 Ingredients for Steamboat 

I think most of the visitors there are mainly of Chinese, since the restaurant is only a stone throw away from the casino. So I find the Chinese section of the buffet has a wider spread than usual. 

 #9 Dim Sum

Another favourite pick of mine is the steaming hot dim sum, varying from Siew Mai, Har Gao, to steamed fluffy buns. All of them are Halal, yet they taste so delicious in a very Chinese traditional way. 

 #10 Pan Fried Seabass

 #11 Beef Roll with Asparagus Mushroom

 #12 Marinated Lamb

Stopping by at the Western corner, I saw the skillful chef slicing through the juicy lamb with lightly-charred skin. The meat was well done, and I just asked for more slices to satisfy my carnivorous appetite. 

 #13 Naan Bread

If you're a fan of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, pick your favourite from the Roti Naan, Masala, assorted curry as well as dips. 

#14 Pandan Bread & Butter Pudding

Well, this is probably my favourite, because of its warm and soft texture, scented with refreshing pandan flavour. So delicious that I had this as a main course with some vanilla dip and chocolate sauce. 

 #15 Assorted Jelly & Pudding

 #16 Assorted Tartlets and Churros 

Besides the colorful pastries, I was surprised to spot my favourite Churros on the buffet spread here. Dip them into the chocolate fondue and viola, the crispy dough stick melted perfectly with the thick chocolate coating!

   #17 Rainbow Cake

Not only kids went gaga with this colorful piece of cake, I also got drifted away with this light spongy cake, with fresh cream topping sprinkled with colorful chocolate rices. Surprisingly, it's just nice in sweetness and soft for my liking. 

The dinner was so enjoyable when completed with a little hint of alcohol.

Verdict:
1. Taste wise, it is satisfying and most importantly, FRESH! :D

2. Recommended: Raw Tuna Sashimi, Marinated Lamb, Rainbow Cake

3. Probably the widest, best buffet spread you can find at Genting Highlands.

Coffee Terrace (咖啡苑)
Level 2,
Highlands Hotel,
Genting Highlands (云顶娱乐城)
69000 Pahang, 
Malaysia.
Website: www.rwgenting.com

Business Hours:
BUFFET
Breakfast: 5.30am - 10.30am
Lunch: 12.00 noon - 2.30pm
Dinner: 5.00pm - 9.30pm

ALA-CARTE
Breakfast: 10.30am - 12:00 noon
Tea: 2:30pm - 6:00pm
Supper: 10.30pm - 5.30am

NAAB Iranian Fine Cuisine @ Bukit Bintang, KL

Here's the way towards an affair with truly Iranian / Persian cuisine!

Strolling along the noisy Bukit Bintang road, I'm glad to find a perfect Iranian fine dining restaurant, Naab Restaurant which gives a total contrast of tranquility from the chaotic street. 

The restaurant is more precisely known as "Naab Business & Dining Center" and it comprises of 4 storeys, catering for your needs whether to dine ala carte, buffet style, or organizing functions and weddings.

I was like, "Wow!" as I entered their ballroom and private dining rooms. 

Stepping into the banquet room makes me feel as if I'm from the royals, being welcomed with exquisite interiors that echo the grandness of an ancient imperial dining hall. 

Kerman, the multi purpose hall at Naab.

The team of kitchen brought the art of traditional and contemporary Persian cuisine all the way from Iran and now share with us Malaysians on how the heavy usage of Persian herbs and spices can turn the food into presentable, aromatic and nutritious ones. 

What's the Difference between Iranian & Middle Eastern Cuisine?

Iranians focus more on using herbs and spices along with proper marination without overwhelming the flavours. The foodstuff are all well-cooked, tasty and good in balancing body heat. 

SALAD

To begin the journey with truly Iranian cuisine, you should head for the medley of dips and salad, accompanied with Naab's specially homemade naan. The foodstuff here is not over-flavoured but just tasty enough to savour with strong aroma from spices. 

The signature homemade Naab bread is freshly baked, and bursting with flavours when it is taken hot. The initially tasteless bread actually has a light sweetness, and best dipped into the tangy, vibrant mixture of chickpeas, garlic and yogurt. Such Iranian staple food has become my favourite too! 

 #1 Naab Special Salad 

If you are split between choices on the salad bar, then the house special salad is what you should go for as it comprises of all fresh vegetables, beans and eggs with special house dressing. 

 #2 Chef Special Salad 

(Lettuce, cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, carrot, baked beans, boiled egg with house dressing)

#3 Top left: Hummos

Top right: Tabouleh

Bottom left: Olivia Salad

Bottom right: Baba Ghonoosh

Apart from the fresh pea salad, Tabouleh still tops my list of favourites after numerous encounters with Iranian fare. The mixture of balghur, tomato, cucumber and mint is well-seasoned with herbs and lime juice, giving a refreshing taste which opens up my palate. 

#4 Left: Persian Fatush

Middle: Hore D'vers

Right: Shirazi Salad

Personally, I prefer something less gravy, and the Persian Fatush comes just at the nick of time. It is a perfect enjoyment to munch away the crispy bread with chunks of tomato, cucumber and bell peppers. 

APPETIZER

#5 Top left: Carrot Halva (Carrot)

Top right: Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables)

Bottom left: Kashk O Bademjan (Fried smashed eggplant)

Bottom right: Mirza Ghasemi (Smoked eggplant)

Among the few selections of eggplant dips, the most memorable one is Mirza Ghasemi, a mixture of smoked eggplant which is very rich in flavours, complemented with the simple combination of tomato, egg and garlic. 

#6 Walnut Cheese

#7 Left: Mixed Olives (Green Olives, Black Olives, Stuffed Olives)

Right: Mixed Pickles (Iranian Garlic, Cucumber Pickles & Salty Pickles)

MAIN DISHES

#8 From top to bottom:

Chicken Koobidah Kebab;

Barg Kebab;

Chicken Kebab; 

Lamb Kebab

Naab's assorted kebabs win hands down with its fine combination of marinade and grilling method, creating balanced flavours. My favourite is the grilled marinated ground chicken, known as Chicken Koobidah Kebab, simply flavourful to go with warm saffron rice. 

#9 Top: Fish Finger

Middle: Fried Fish

Right: Curry Chicken

The Siakap fish, native to Australia, is deep-fried with chef's special recipe yet does not overshadow the sweetness of the flesh while retaining its firmness. 

 #10 Naab Spinach Roll Chicken 

You may not be a fan of kebabs, but what not to miss is the tender chicken rolls stuffed with spinach. It is grilled to golden perfection, revealing sweet savoury taste from the soft, juicy meat. 

 #11 Top left: Celery Stew

Top right: Meat Stew

Bottom left: Gheymeh Stew

Bottom right: Ghormeh Sabzi Stew

The top favourites, Gheymeh Stew & Ghormeh Sabzi Stew are perfect combination of stew beef cuts with rich herbs and spices. The former has a myriad flavours from the tomato paste and chickpeas while the latter is slow-cooked with fried diced herbs and red beans.

#12 Lamb Shank

Moving on, we are introduced with an exotic Iranian dish made of fine cuts of lamb shank. The marinade is well-suffused into the lamb and I enjoy its firm texture with sufficient moisture within each layer of the meat.

#13 Meat Rollet 

#14 Okra Stew with Meat

#15 Top left: Chicken with Bone

Top right: Oven Chicken

Bottom: Chicken Cutlet

To complement with Malaysian palates, Naab also offers a wide range of Asian flavours which are equally delicious with mild herbs and spices used during preparation.

  #16 Top left: Beriyani Rice

Top right: Dill-Broad Bean Rice

Bottom left: Noodle Rice

Bottom right: Long Bean Rice

Among the selections of rice, my favourite is the pale, greenish Broad Bean Rice because of its buttery, slighty bitter and nutty tastes. So unique it may sound, because it is my first time sampling the soft Iranian rice.

  #17 Saffron Rice

Of course, nothing can beat the staple rice- Saffron Rice. Saffron adds a distinctive color into the rice, allowing it to glow in yellow and tastes like honey with slight bitterness at the edge. 

  #18 Left: Barley Soup

Middle: Haleem

Right: Ash Noodle

DESSERT

To put a sweet ending to the sumptuous meal, I head to the dessert bar for the traditional Iranian pastry, Baklava as well as some fresh fruit cuts. The pastry is rather rich and sweet with layers of flavours from the sugar syrup, rose water and nuts.

 #19 Colorful Malaysian Traditional Kuih

 #20 Assorted Deep-Fried Kuih 

#21 Dates 

#22 Top: Egg Custard

Bottom: Orange Cream Caramel

The Orange Cream Caramel may not look as good, but the taste is rather promising, with its lovely citrus flavour from a zest of orange juice infused in milk. 

 #23 Top: Zolbia & Bamieh

Bottom: Goush Fill

Zolbia and Bamieh to Persians are like Kimchi to Koreans, no households can miss this at home during festive seasons. It is rather sweet with rich syrup flavour but not too cloying after all.

SPECIAL

 #24 Iranian Tea

The tea is naturally red, lightly scented and delicious even without adding sugar or milk. The fairly light taste is just nice unless for those who prefer heavier note of taste. 

Alternatively, if you'd just go for your favourite picks, then ala carte menu is available everyday to cater for your needs. Seasonal menu is available at certain periods, so I think I'd be back for Naab's Spaghetti with Special Sauce, Kofta (Iranian stewed meatballs, sliced potato & carrot) as well as Naab Goosht (Iranian broth made of tender mutton, bean, chickpea, potato & tomato).

NAAB Promotion (NOW until 31 DECEMBER 2012)

You can enjoy a 10%off on total bill by

presenting the HARD copy (Print) or SOFT copy (Flash using mobile devices)

of this food review at ohfishiee.blogspot.com

when you dine in at both Bukit Bintang & Solaris Mont Kiara outlets.

Verdict:

1. A la carte menu favours me better, as I can focus on my favourite dish served in a huge portion. 

2. Recommended: Lamb Kebab, Naab Spinach Roll Chicken, Saffron Rice, Lamb Shank

3. Definitely a worthy place for traditional comfort Iranian cuisine with great ambiance and service.

Naab Business & Dining Centre

130, Jalan Bukit Bintang,

55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Contact: 603-2143 3949
Email: info@naabrestaurant.com

Website: www.naabrestaurant.com 

Facebook: fb.com/NaabRestaurant

Operating Hours: 12noon - 12.30am daily

Branch
Naab Restaurant & Cafe 
No. 13 & 15, Jalan Solaris 2,
Solaris Mont Kiara,
50480 Kuala Lumpur.

Contact: 603-6203 7647 / 603-6203 7665