For the love of baklava

Cikolati baklava

Food: Great
Ambiance: Upscale
Service: Good
Cost: Expensive
Verdict: 2/4

When it comes to new eateries making it to the list of places that we would revist, it's not just good food that matters but also the experience. This holds more weight especially on days when one likes to spend time in solitude, with nothing but a good book and food for company. When we hear that Hurrem's offers over 15 varieties of baklava, Turkish sweets and other delights from the country, it's enough to take us to its doorstep.

Fistik baklava

But what awaits us inside is much more than what we were expecting. A high ceiling, barren walls which offset luxurious red curtains, and a decadent dry fruit and nut bar that beckons is enough to pique our senses. And we haven't even reached the baklava counter yet. Did we mention the coffee and beverage bar? With our thoughts racing, we soak in the ambience, and do a scan of the glistening counter. If you love baklava, let us warn you, Hurrem's offers the can't-stop-at-one variety (all are vegetarian). Each portion behind the glass is expertly rolled out, especially midye, which is a delicately pleated baklava filled with pistachio and a centre of clotted cream. Founder Ahmed Farid has done his research well; he hasn't just imported certain dry fruits and ingredients, but also flown in two Turkish chefs - chef Sefa Sülüker for baklava and chef Mehmet Cam for savoury items. Both have been trained in Gaziantep, in Southeastern Turkey. A team of Turkish architects has designed the space.

Zatar cheese bread

We pick a box of assorted baklavas at '950 for 250 gms (also available per piece). This includes cikolatali or chocolate baklava that will woo chocolate lovers, like us; Ankara baklava, a typical 20-layer pistachio baklava; and fistic dolma, whose thin layer of filo defies the laws of physics, and is stuffed to the brim with sweetened pistachios. In addition to these, their kaju baklava, padishah (a round baklava with crunchy walnuts) and the chocolate pistachio version are equally addictive. Each displays the mastery of the chef with perfectly rolled filo. The Turkish delights ('170 for an assorted box of 100 gms) are refreshing and not overly sweet, with flavours like lemon, rose and pomegranate. Once done with baklavas and the nut bar which looks like a candy store for adults, especially ingredient hoarders, we finally settle down and call for a cup of Turkish coffee ('275) and a zaatar and cheese bread ('240, one of the best we have had in the city). The heady coffee in a tiny cup and the aromatic, cheesy bread bring a perfect end to our sweet trip.

Fistik dolma. Pics/Ashish Raje

If a holiday in Turkey sounds like a distant dream, Hurrem's will transport you to Gaziantep from its delightfully enchanting address in Fort.

Turkish delight and sweets

Turkish coffee

At Hurrem's, 210, Taj Building, ground floor, DN Road, Fort.
Timing 10 am to 10 pm (Monday to Thursday); 10 to midnight (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Call 47415007

4/4 EXCEPTIONAL, 3/4 EXCELLENT, 2/4 VERY GOOD, 1/4 GOOD, 0.5/4 AVERAGE. Hurrem's didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals

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