To enjoy a culinary escape to Türkiye without leaving home, Amira Ragab headed to Bayram Turkish Grills for an afternoon of authentic tastes and warm hospitality.

Feeling overwhelmed by a busy week? I certainly was – juggling a million things – when I received an invitation to Bayram that was all too tempting to resist. This wasn’t just a meal; it was a captivating journey.

Located at The Grove Village in Bani Jamra, this charming restaurant is a feast for the eyes. The exterior seamlessly blends classic and modern aesthetics, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere. Warm browns and tranquil teal hues paint a picture of elegance and serenity. Delicate architectural details, from graceful columns to elegant wooden canopies, add warmth and comfort. Large windows offer a tantalising glimpse inside, promising a welcoming experience. A stunning Ottoman-style fountain adds a touch of magic, transporting you to a Turkish palace. I could already picture myself enjoying a leisurely Friday brunch on the outdoor terrace, once the new breakfast menu is launched.

Stepping inside felt like entering a corner of a historical Konya castle. The walls are adorned with personal plates – treasured heirlooms from Chef Sultan Bayram’s own home. Authentic antiques, including an Ottoman helmet, a curved sword and a decorative kerosene lamp, alongside a handcrafted copper Turkish coffee pot, create a captivating display. Beautifully arranged shelves showcase authentic Turkish goods: fragrant spices, delicious Turkish delight and exquisite Turkish tea (which I sampled – utterly divine!).

We were greeted by impeccably dressed hostesses in beautiful embroidered Palestinian attire – their elegance and professionalism were truly noteworthy. Our hostess, Ebru, guided us to our comfortable seating. The plush velvet chairs and sofas instantly created a cosy, home-like atmosphere.

Chef Sultan Bayram himself extended a warm welcome, offering me delicious mint tea and my friend a rich Turkish coffee, which she instantly adored for its earthy aroma. After a brief tour, showcasing the restaurant’s stunning second floor (with a charming veranda perfect for an intimate coffee date), he shared his personal story through framed panels on the staircase wall – a truly passionate tale of his childhood in Turkey leading up to his journey to Bahrain.

Our culinary adventure began with a classic Americano for my companion, alongside some vibrant mocktails. The passion fruit and peach mojito was a tropical delight – a tangy and sweet fusion of the two fruits, expertly balanced with fresh mint and lime. The strawberry mojito, a refreshing twist on the classic, was equally delightful, an invigorating blend of fresh strawberries, mint, lime and soda. We also sampled the Turkish Heritage mocktail, a refreshing mix of grenadine and zesty orange juice – a colourful and comforting start.

Before the main event, a warming bowl of Mercimek Corbasi (lentil soup) arrived. Silky smooth and seasoned with traditional spices, this classic was garnished with crispy croutons, smoked paprika and fresh parsley – a perfect prelude to the dishes to come.

Next, we tackled the cold mezze. The Biberli Hummus, a smooth blend of chickpeas and roasted red peppers, offered a delightful sweet and smoky flavour. This was accompanied by Cig Kofte, a traditional Turkish street food; spicy and flavourful bulgur wheat expertly prepared and shaped into small patties. Chef Sultan showed us the proper eating technique – wrapping small morsels of the kofte in lettuce with a squeeze of lemon – a truly delightful experience. The Salgam Salatasi (beetroot salad), a favourite on the table, provided a refreshing, tangy crunch – the earthy beetroot perfectly balanced by a zesty dressing. The portions were generous, ideal for sharing. Finally, we tried Hünkar Beğendi (Sultan’s Delight) – a dish fit for royalty. With tender slow-cooked lamb stew atop a creamy, smoky aubergine purée, this was a rich, tasty and indulgent Ottoman classic.

Moving on to mains, my vegetarian friend thoroughly enjoyed the Kuru Fasulye (white beans), a hearty and comforting dish. The slow-cooked beans were creamy and hearty, served alongside tender okra, slow-cooked in a tangy tomato sauce with onions and garlic. The okra had absorbed the rich flavours of the sauce beautifully.

As a carnivore, I indulged in Karışık Izgara (mixed grill) – the tender cubes of beef and chicken, marinated in aromatic spices, were perfectly cooked and succulent. The lamb and chicken kebabs were equally juicy and burst with flavour. Chef Sultan’s recommendation, the Lahmacun (Turkish pizza), was a revelation: thin, crispy flatbread topped with spiced minced meat, perfectly complemented by the onion-sumac mix, a squeeze of lemon and pomegranate molasses. We also sampled the Rib Eye Steak, a delicious Western inclusion, elevated by a touch of melted butter, which Chef Sultan expertly flambéed tableside for a touch of theatre The Kasarli Kofte (cheese kofte), filled with creamy Kashkaval cheese, offered a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Again, the portion size was ample for sharing.

For dessert, we shared both the Sutlu Baklava (milk-soaked baklava) – a decadent treat with a unique cocoa powder twist in the filling – and the Dondurmali Baklava (baklava with ice cream). The former offered a softer, creamier alternative to the traditional version, while the latter, with its scoop of rich Turkish ice cream, provided a perfect harmony of crunch and slight chewiness – a truly indulgent and unforgettable finale. Just as we thought we had finished, we were presented with Sütlaç – a creamy rice pudding. Baked in the oven with a caramelised top adding another delicious dimension, it was pure, sweet comfort in a bowl.

Bayram offers more than just a meal; it provides a charming cultural experience. The food is exceptional, the atmosphere enchanting and the service impeccable. Furthermore, the generous portion sizes, ideal for sharing, coupled with reasonable prices, make this Turkish eatery excellent value for money. Highly recommended – we’ll be back! ✤

GO: CALL 6677 0000 OR FOLLOW @BAYRAM_TURKISH_GRILL ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.