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Tike Grill and Bar – A taste of Istanbul

Tike (pronounced ‘tikay’) is an authentic Turkish restaurant in the City of London. It’s part of a small but classy chain which began in 1998 in Istanbul. Since opening their first restaurant the four cousins from Adana who together make up Tasty Med have expanded their empire to reach beyond Turkey into Greece, Ukraine and now England. Tike serves traditional "charcoal grilled" barbequed lamb, chicken, kebabs, authentic dishes, fresh salads and pide from the wood-burning oven.

Fenchurch Place is an open square just in front of Fenchurch Street main-line station. It’s a stone’s throw from Tower Hill and Monument underground stations. Its location has made it a favourite eatery for city workers who can enjoy a quick lunch, a lingering mid-day meal, an early evening dinner or a convivial gathering before the homeward commute.

Tike has become the meeting place of choice for the discerning expat Turkish population. They enjoy a taste of home at amazingly reasonable prices. There can surely be no higher recommendation than the esteem of those who should know more about Turkish cooking than I ever will.

Located in a stunning Richard Rogers-designed building, Tike spans two floors and makes the most of the large windows to the front over both levels. The modern decor reflects the style of the building, and the ground floor has an informal atmosphere, set around the bustle of the popular bar and the open-plan bread oven which offers the prospect of amazing food to come.

Inspired by the skills of the Turkish baker, we ordered Lachmajun. It’s a thin bread topped with minced lamb, herbs and spices. Pide are small pies stuffed with kisir cheese and vegetables, and still warm from the oven. A glass of fine Turkish red made a delightful start to the meal. Tsatsik - light yogurt dip with cucumber - and warm bread kept us company.

Our tray of small dishes were soon to arrive and they were an attractive selection which offered an array of flavours, fresh light salads and creamy dips scooped up with more fresh warm bread. Cherkez Tavugu - creamed chicken breast dip with walnuts - was a particular favourite and a little different from the mezze of the more mundane Turkish restaurants in London. We continued with:

Patlican Salad - charcoal grilled aubergine dip with lemon juice and a hint of garlic.

Gavurdayi - finely chopped tomato, parsley and onion salad with a pomegranate juice dressing - was particularly delicious.

Hayirli - finely chopped Mediterranean flat-leaf parsley, onion and fresh herb salad - was fresh and well seasoned.

Ichli Kiofte are handmade steamed balls of cracked wheat stuffed with minced meat. These were surprisingly light and rather akin to Lebanese kibbe but without the deep frying. A must-try.

Pastirmali Houmus - hot chickpea puree topped with sliced cured meat which gave extra texture and flavour to a familiar dip.

Miutebel - warm oven-roasted aubergine dip sprinkled with crushed pistachio nuts. Creamy comfort.

My guest was tempted by Iskender for his “large” dish - lamb ‘Tike donner’ served on a bed of grilled bread topped with yogurt and grilled tomatoes. This is a considerable plateful and probably enough for two with a selection starters. If you are a lover of kebabs then your head will be turned by this one. If there is a group of you then you might consider the striking ‘Meterlik’ House Special ‘1 metre long Adana kofte kebab’! A real crowd-pleaser.

My main course was Tavuk Kiulbasti - grilled marinated chicken breast fillets - which were tender, juicy and flavourful. This would made an ideal light lunch if you don’t have time to graze on small mezze beforehand.

Kiunefe - warm kadaifi with a soft sweet honey cheese filing and crushed pistachio topping - was one of the traditional desserts on offer from Tike. The threads of pastry were delicate and syrupy. Enjoy this with some dark Turkish coffee or a glass of tea.

Irmik Helvasi is a traditional baked dessert made with fresh semolina and pine nuts, scented with cinnamon and with an ice cream centre. This was marvellously aromatic with a cold filling of real Turkish ice cream which our waiter told us was flavoured with mastic resin. A delightful change from strawberry or chocolate.

Tike is a restaurant which has already cultivated loyal followers. Its transport connections give it a catchment area which stretches from the City to the far reaches of Essex. I have no hesitation in recommending Tike for its quality of food, its knowledgeable staff and its unique design. It’s impossible to visit just once.

Opening Times
Mon to Fri 11am-12midnight, last orders 10.30pm
The restaurant is closed at weekends but can be reserved for special events

Tike Grill and Bar – A taste of Istanbul
5 Fenchurch Place, London EC3M 4AJ
Phone 020 7702 9965
Email ok@tikerestaurant.co.uk

[Tike Restaurant is now closed]