Arabic Food in Madrid: El Turkito

Arabic — By admin on August 17, 2009 12:00 am

Spain rests on the border of the Arab world and enjoys a variety of influences in music, language, cuisine, and culture. El Turkito, the Arabic restaurant and lounge located near Sol, is one site where these influences all come together through a pleasant ambience, delicious food, and an international experience. While the crowd is mixed and includes Spaniards and tourists, it also largely consists of people from northern Africa and the Middle East, who set this spot apart and call it the “crown jewel” of Arabic restaurants in Madrid.

El Turkito promises a casual, affordable, and enjoyable dining experience. Owned and operated by people from Turkey, Morocco, and Iraq, the food is authentic and delectable. A broad menu offers falafel and hummus for appetizers, salads and pitas, and a variety of kebabs and plates. Choose between the traditional doner kebab, the super kebab, or the durum kebab—filled will spicy and succulent chicken or pork and a flavorful cheese dressing (3.50-5 euros). Make sure to order the crispy fries as well, bathed in a fiery hot sauce (2 euros). If you’re not in the mood for a kebab, the specialty platter includes a sampling of chicken, pork, fries, rice, bread (7 euros). Beyond the generous entrees, El Turkito also presents a colorful array of Arabic tea; mint, cinnamon, jasmine, and sugar, among other options. Keeping with Arabic tradition, the tea is presented in a delicate, silver teapot and served in jewel-toned glasses. A pot of tea is accompanied by a plate of sweets (8 euros) or by one of many shisha options (10 euros). If you enjoy smoking shisha, the quality at El Turkito is unparalleled. Made from fresh fruit, it tastes of apple, strawberry, grape, peach, or melon.

Groups of people always fill the restaurant’s breezy outdoor terrace on Calle Cadiz, passing the shisha and sipping sweet tea in on of the most relaxing and pleasant ways to spend a summer evening. Yet indoors, El Turkito is bright and lively as well. Tangerine-, honey-, and chocolate-colored walls create a vivacious ambience, and multihued Arabic lamps hanging overhead cast dapples of rose, crystal blue, and sea foam green light across the ceiling. Tables are arranged in the center of the restaurant, but off to the side is a colorful lounge. Tall shishas tower on brightly painted, hexagon tables that are surrounded by low stools or cushioned booths. Lively Arabic music fills the space, complemented by the trickling water of a small stone fountain next to the lounge.

The final element of authenticity found at El Turkito is the welcoming spirit exhibited by the staff; you will feel more like a guest in a home than a client at a restaurant. It is not uncommon to see the owner or a group of waiters sit down at a table with diners to share stories, pass the shisha, and relax over the seemingly bottomless pot of tea late into the night.

PRICES:
Kebabs- 3.50-4 euros
Plates- 5-10 euros
Menus (includes a kebab, potatoes, and drink)- 5.50-7 euros
Tea and desserts-8 euros
Tea and shisha- 10 euros

El Turkito

Calle del Doctor Cortezo 5

Neighborhood: Sol
Metro: Sol, Tirso de Molina or Anton Martin
Telephone: 91 522 82 51
Hours: 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily

By Jane Caffrey

To go to the main Food and Tapas page click here