If you are getting tired of noodles, curries, and seafood on Koh Chang, give this place a try. Turkish cuisine isn’t normally one you’d associate with an island in Thailand. But since opening at the southern end of White Sand beach, in late 2018, Alaturka has wowed diners with their home cooked Turkish delights.
This restaurant is a new venture from the owner of the highly regarded restaurant of the same name in Singapore. That has been running since 2005 and in 2016 was awarded with the ‘Bib Gourmand’ by the Michelin Guide. This award is given to smaller restaurants who offer exceptionally good food at moderate prices.
The restaurant fronts onto the main road at the south end of the beach. It’s open sided, cooled by fans. it’s a no frills place. Just some tasteful Turkish decor on the wall. Nothing tacky or ostentatious.
If you’re heading here after a few days eating at beach restaurants that try to serve every type of dish imaginable, then the four page menu will seem small. But as you’ll have discovered at the beach restaurants there’s no correlation between the thickness of the menu and the quality of the food. Less is often more.
Turkish food is also alien to most Thais, as it isn’t a commonly found even in cities. But most who do try it seem to love it too. So, on our most recent visit to Alaturka, we took our staff to see what they thought. And whilst they don’t eat beef or lamb, they devoured new found delights such as moussaka and the variety of dips that are on offer to accompany the bubble bread.
Order a Meze platter and you’ll receive a huge ‘Bubble bread’ the fun name for traditional Turkish lavas bread, plus the selection of dips. It’s served freshly baked, piping hot from the oven and is just a delicious way to sample dips such as Hummus, Babakanus, Sasuka, Ezme, Haydari and Patlican Salata. (None of which I’d heard of before either.)
Main courses consist mainly of various types of grilled meat, a Turkish specialty. If you’re hungry and want to try it all then go for the Mixed Grill. A selection of delicately spiced beef, lamb and chicken kebabs with rice and Coban Salata (Turkish Salad ) Lamb chops and shanks are also on the menu.
Alternatively there’s a delicious moussaka, either veggie, chicken, beef or lamb. I’ve never been a fan of moussaka. As it reminds me of my childhood and my Mum’s attempts to make sophisticated European food. Thankfully Alaturka’s version is infinitely superior. And the cheese-less Turkish pizza is a treat too. It’s a crispy Turkish flat bread topped with a delicious meaty mixture seasoned with tasty spices.
There are a couple of vegetarian options, including the dips which can be served with various breads, falafel and moussaka. But this is more of a place for meat eaters to enjoy.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page for specials and one off menu items.
Bottom line is that if you’re staying on White sand beach, then this should be on your list of places to dine at. There’s way too much average food on White Sand, so if you want to give your taste buds a treat, head to Alaturka. You won’t get sea views or a fireshow. But you will have an meal to remember served up by efficient staff and friendly owners.
Price: $$ – $$$
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Location: Inland side of the main road near the south end of White Sand beach. 100 metres north of Makro and Grand View Resort.
These restaurant reviews are just my thoughts on a place at the time I visited. I’ll mention if I know the owner well or get any freebies. But for the most of the time I am happy to play tourist and don’t mention this site at all. Obviously it isn’t possible to sample every dish on the menu and the type of food you have for lunch will differ to evening. In addition, owners and more importantly chefs, can change and your experience may differ from mine. If it does, post a comment below.
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