Turkish delight
Above: Özgür Turkish restaurant, Tenterden
Nestling in one of Kent’s prettiest High Streets is the slightly unexpected addition of Turkish restaurant, Özgür (‘freedom’ in its native tongue), which has been delighting a loyal local Tenterden clientele, not to mention diners from as far afield as Hythe, since 1990.
You can easily spot it by the red awnings and bay windows, and you’ll probably be able to park right outside, such is the lavish space offered by Tenterden’s broad High Street
Inside, through the porticoed entrance, it’s warm and cosy, with deep red walls, an ornately decorated ceiling and pink-clothed tables – not to mention Turkish music in the background adding to the whole atmosphere. The restaurant seats 55, rising to around 60 in summer, when it’s possible to eat outside
Mustafa Deniz Ozel is extremely proud of his authentic, home-produced dishes
Manager Mustafa Deniz Ozel is extremely proud of his authentic, home-produced dishes and, spotting a couple of diners clearly new to the cuisine, quickly came to our rescue with the suggestion that we try a four-course ‘taster menu’ – and get a little bit of more or less everything. If you are unfamiliar with Turkish dishes, it’s definitely the way forward (and it probably helps if haven’t eaten all day, either).
These two particular hungry hunters tucked into a tasty selection of cold meze that included houmus and taramasalata, spicy beans, chicken with walnuts and stuffed vine leaves – all prettily presented on elaborately decorated crockery and served with ample helpings of warm pitta bread.
Continuing treats
Thinking this was it on the starter front, we were a little startled to be presented with hot meze, but managed to demolish with ease deep-fried calamari, meatballs, chicken wings and some really good little filo pastries stuffed with feta cheese.
And I confess there’s more – after a suitable pause for belt loosening, we were presented with a mighty selection of what my dining chum rather aptly described as “meaty treats” – succulent , spicy mixed kebabs that took in lamb chops, chicken and kidneys, served on a bed of rice with salad.
But don’t worry if you’re not a carnivore – there’s plenty for the vegetarian, from vegetarian versions of all the starters to moussaka and stuffed aubergine.
Try to leave a little room for the desserts, fresh fruit plus deliciously light and sweet Turkish pastries that provide a wonderful contrast to the strong flavours of the earlier courses. And to finish? It’s got to be a cup of strong Turkish coffee.
Özgür Turkish Restaurant
126 High Street
Tenterden
TN30 6HT
Tel: 01580 763248
OPENING TIMES
12 noon to 11pm, seven days a week
Four-course Tenterden special: £15.95 per head.