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Turkuaz Turkish Cuisine (Newmarket)

Details
- SERVICE
  - exclnt
    
    86%
  - good
    
    13%
  - fair
    
    1%
  - poor
    
    0%
  - terrible
    
    0%
- FOOD
  - exclnt
    
    88%
  - good
    
    11%
  - fair
    
    1%
  - poor
    
    0%
  - terrible
    
    0%
- ATMOSPHERE
  - exclnt
    
    71%
  - good
    
    27%
  - fair
    
    2%
  - poor
    
    0%
  - terrible
    
    0%
- VALUE
  - exclnt
    
    73%
  - good
    
    24%
  - fair
    
    3%
  - poor
    
    0%
  - terrible
    
    0%
332 Reviews
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What we thought

Bulent Celik, manager of the Turkuaz since it opened three years ago, tells me that it is a former ladies' clothes shop. It still has a bandbox smartness, opening on to the High Street, its pristine shining glass door, red and black surfaces and emphasis on Turkish textiles (including hats and scarves) echoing its past.

From the first warm welcome from the lively waiter, the feeling was relaxed. We chose

'You want big or small bill?' called the waiter. We replied that we would prefer a small one, and in fact the prices are very reasonable

where to sit, were brought a bowl of complimentary olives and chose drinks from the good range on offer: beer, plenty of soft drinks and spirits including raki, and wine - five reds and five whites, plus rose and sparkling.

Our attention was then divided between the menu, offering a good choice of traditional Turkish dishes without being overwhelmingly long, and the screen above the bar, which shows live action of the chef Hakan Cicek cooking fresh meat on the charcoal barbeque in the back dining room. This is reached through the kitchens and, although less smart and shiny, has the added attractions of two tropical fish tanks set in the walls, a large landscape mural and further seating outside on a terrace.

The reasonably priced starters all looked tempting as they were taken to other diners, who were an all ages mix and clearly knew the restaurant and the effusive waiter. Unable to choose we went for the set menu which gives a taste of everything, but could not resist ordering an extra babaganush, the delicious aubergine salad. The mixed starters were fresh, sharp and garlicky, though the presentation was reminiscent of Fanny Craddock's 70s dishes, the tangy, colourful hummous, taramasalata and ispanak tarator piped in a swirled and squiggled star and topped with olives and gherkins. There was also a hot borek and flatbread.

A large party arrived and it was clear that the set menu is a popular and easy way of sampling what the Turkuaz offers. Ours arrived, along with a main of falafel, one of several vegetarian dishes on offer. While the lamb, chicken and kebabs of the set menu were well cooked and succulent, the falafel was dry and there was again too much emphasis on garnish, more squiggles adorning each tomato slice and the whole dish set out in a symmetrical pattern. The meats were accompanied by mounds of red cabbage and lettuce salad and another of moist tender rice. Portions are generous but sensible, and manageable rather than overfacing.

The waiter had the room under his control and was friendly and humorous without being over the top. He presented us with a long elegant white dish of fresh melon, kiwi, orange and pomegranate seeds - we could forgive the garnish this time as it was an exquisite rose made of orange peel, giving off a delightful fragrance - followed by a traditional Turkish coffee, hot and strong in a tiny cup. There is a good choice of coffees and teas, including apple tea and several coffee liqueurs. The Turkuaz is happy to discuss dietary requirements, as well as requests for parties, and can even supply a belly dancer if requested.

After a quick visit to the small, very clean unisex loo, we signalled for the bill. 'You want big or small bill?' called the waiter. We replied that we would prefer a small one, and in fact the prices are very reasonable. Helped into our coats, and with a piece of Turkish Delight to see us on our way, we were bade a cheery farewell as we stepped on to the main road, glad of the choice of convenient parking nearby.

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Tim B 1 Reviews
May 5th 2013

Review posted by Tim B

Awesome, will come again.
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hannah p 1 Reviews
May 5th 2013

Review posted by hannah p

Highly recommendable ! Thank you.
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C. W 1 Reviews
May 5th 2013

Review posted by C. W

Very good, 1st time I've eaten Turkish Cuisine.
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Shannor L 1 Reviews
May 5th 2013

Review posted by Shannor L

Food and service were wonderful ! Thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
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Fana G 1 Reviews
May 5th 2013

Review posted by Fana G

Excellent service and food. A real treat - never eaten Turkish meal before.
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Carmen E 1 Reviews
May 5th 2013

Review posted by Carmen E

Enjoyable as always !!
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Rob P 1 Reviews
May 5th 2013

Review posted by Rob P

Nice food !
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Judy J 1 Reviews
May 5th 2013

Review posted by Judy J

Finally got to try Turkish food - Very nice. Thank you.
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J. S 1 Reviews
May 5th 2013

Review posted by J. S

Fantastic food, will come again. Thank you very much !!! First time.
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Amy B 1 Reviews
May 5th 2013

Review posted by Amy B

The staff were attentive and helpful. The food was excellent.. If we had ignore the weather we could have been in the middle east ! Thank you.
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