Keeping the classical Ottoman Cuisine alive, Asitane Restaurant’s menu was inspired from the book ‘Bir Ziyafet Rehberi’ (Guide to a Feast) published in the year 1539. 250 out of 400 recipes in the menu are from Ottoman Palace Kitchen. Among these, there are dishes that are forgotten and never even been heard of. These dishes were served during the circumcision ceremony of Sultan Kanuni Süleyman’s sons Cihangir and Beyazid.
During the summer, there is a lighter menu mostly focuses on summer vegetables. These include stuffed melon, ‘kirde kebap’ (pan roasted lamb with vegtables served on crusty thin breads with yogurt), mutancana, fodula (beef stuffed rye bread) and squash ‘kalya’ for vegeterians. Dessert alternatives are ‘Helatiye’ (mastic gum flavored water pudding in rose syrup with almonds, pistachios, pomegranate and season’s fruits) and levzine (almond halvah with sugar). You can enjoy the nostalgic garden during the summer in the shadow of chestnut trees and with the view of Chora Musuem. From Thursday to Sunday, you can enjoy classical Turkish music accompanied with a lutist with your meal. Asitane also serves brunch on Sundays (named ‘Çanak Yağması’-a phrase from Ottoman where the palace basicly pours food during a feast or a celebration) between 11.00 and 15.00, in which the menu includes delights from Ottoman Palace Kitchen. But make sure you make a reservation.