With a seemingly endless supply of new places to dine at around town, it’s easy to forget that there’s a select group of restaurants that have been feeding hungry Canberra mouths for longer than most of us can remember (or admit to being able to remember!). One of those places, sitting above The Durham in Kingston’s Green Square, is the Harem Turkish Restaurant, which has been serving authentic Turkish cuisine for over 20 years. It’s recently undergone some renovations and has some exciting new concepts in store, so we thought we’d drop in for a few Turkish delights and check it out.
Walking into the restaurant, you’ll immediately notice the beautiful new timber bar that greets you at the top of the stairs. It’s modern and inviting, and is part of a series of changes that will add a contemporary ‘bar and lounge’ experience to The Harem, making it a great spot to socialise over a couple of cocktails and some tapas-style plates. There’s also a section of the restaurant that’s been converted into lounge seating, and there are plans to open up the windows into Green Square to create a summery, open air atmosphere.
As is the case for any restaurant that’s stood the test of time, the key to success lies in the food – and luckily for us, The Harem’s menu is largely unchanged. Everyone’s favourite Turkish dishes are there, such as zucchini balls, kofte, and sis tavuk; with the addition of some lighter options including fresh salads and a ‘Healthy Eating’ banquet. It’s also worth noting that many of The Harem’s ingredients, including their herbs and spices, are proudly sourced from the Canberra region.
It’s almost impossible to kick off a Turkish meal without enjoying some traditional Turkish bread and dips, and the dips at The Harem are exceptional, with a more pronounced flavour than you would find from other places. The zucchini balls and cheese rolls stuffed with feta and parsley are also must-haves; and for those looking for a vegetable hit, the stone-baked spinach and egg is packed full of leafy green goodness and topped with a delicious cheesy crust.
If you’ve been to Turkey, you’ll be familiar with the tantalising smell of charcoal and grilled meats that lingers in the air, and The Harem’s grilled prawns and sis mushrooms are sure to transport you back there with their smoky, charred aroma. Both are topped with a tasty blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices and are perfectly cooked – the prawns have a beautiful springy texture and the mushrooms are juicy and full of flavour. The marinated lamb cutlets are equally impressive, with the tender meat and combination of spices willing you to leave nothing left on the bone.
To round off the meal, the combination of apple tea, chocolate crunch and baklava is light and sweet. However, for something more traditional, look no further than the asure (also known as Noah’s Dessert) – legend has it that Noah made this pudding of grains, nuts and fruit with whatever dwindling food stores he had left in his ark, and it’s believed to be one of the oldest desserts in the world.
Whether you’re after a sit-down meal or looking for a place to catch up with friends over a drink, The Harem has a space to suit your needs. They also specialise in hosting functions such as 21sts, private parties, family gatherings and corporate events, with private areas available (including the stately cushion room) and a range of banquet options. And, of course, for those days when you’re already settled in to the couch with some comfy pants and a glass of wine, The Harem also offers a popular home delivery service, which is made even easier now through its partnerships with Delivery Hero and Menulog.
