Here in Bodrum, home to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassos, one of the seven ancient Wonders of the World down in south western Turkey, where we have been for the last few days and the sun hasn’t stopped sparkling on the cyrstal clear waters of the Aegean, it’s the season for yeni dünya which literally means new world, or loquats, and roses.
Yeni Dünya are also known here as malta erik or malta plums. At first I wasn’t sure whether they were loquats or kumquats but I have it on good authority from new friend Annie who writes the lovely blog Back to Bodrum that they’re loquats!
Everything seems to grow here and in abundance! Every corner has one of these trees and right now they are laden.
In Istanbul this is the time for a sublime kebab called fittingly enough Yeni Dünya Kebabı and you find it at any branch of Sahan. Our favourite one is on Bağdat Caddesi in Suadiye and is known simply as Sahan Suadiye. If you haven’t been, I recommend it
If you haven’t been, I recommend it highly especially for lunch. It’s one of those places that’s an all-time favourite with everyone of all ages and tastes. The menu isn’t just a page: it’s a magazine!
This kebab is available only between April and June and is the tastiest, juiciest combination of not only loquats but eggplant, fresh garlic and onion with of course meat that you can hope to find. Every year we look forward to this treat!
What I particularly enjoy after giving the order, is the anticipation as you wait.First the vegetables must be grilled to perfection and along with succulent pieces of spring lamb, arranged on a large platter and wheeled to the table with a flourish.
First the vegetables must be grilled to perfection and along with succulent pieces of spring lamb, arranged on a large platter and wheeled to the table with a flourish.
Then the waiter chops it all finally in front of you. He produces a thick pile of lavash bread and proceeds to expertly roll up the best dürüm or wraps you have ever eaten, two each which you find to your amazement, you have no problem at all in demolishing.
Don’t miss this very seasonal treat! Find your nearest Sahan and ask for this kebab before the season finishes! It’s exquisite!
Afiyet olsun! Bodrum just looks splendid right now and so do those loquats. I've enjoyed this kebab once at Ciya. Thanks for sharing!
ooh Joy – you can't imagine how fabulous Bodrum was. It was our first visit for years and we were bowled over. This kebab is really divine …!
Claudia, You know, I also wouldn't know a kumquat from a loquat. Are they both plums? The kebap looks scrumptious.
Hi Senior Dogs! Well I was so glad to meet up with Back to Bodrum! She is great and put me straight re this fruit! But it seems these fruits do have some similarities so we are forgiven for confusing the two. I do recommend tracking down this particular kebab – it's worth it!
no sahans here but i sure wish there were!
one day you will come and we will introduce you to our Sahans!!
That looks delicious! I love loquats. Many years ago in my old house we had a tree on the side yard and I loved it!! They are hard to find in the markets here, but once in a while they will show up.
If they are too small or too new, they can be rather sour. As the season advances, the taste gets better but they start to look rather beat up… don't be put off, they taste delicious! they are always juicy too ..
We have a bumper loquat season this year. The warm weather must have brought them on.
I remember having this yeni dunya kebabi in Gaziantep – the sweet/savory taste of them is so wonderful in the kebabs – enjoy them while you can, the photos look absolutely delicious!:)
I remember well when were were in Delphi Greece and our hosts gave us a basket full of loquots,They did not know the name in English and it was years before I could make the connection.The kebab sounds pretty tasty!!
Thanks, everyone, for your lovely comments! Bodrum did seem to be bursting with them! What a kebab it is … makes my mouth water just to think about it …é