For Delicious Cuisine In A Turkish Restaurant East Meadow Is The Place To Look

By Marci Glover


A change is as good as a holiday and if you don't have the time to go on a Mediterranean cruise, the perfect substitute is to have a delicious meal featuring the cuisine of the region. On Long Island, there is a wide variety of eateries that specialize in Mediterranean food. If you're specifically looking for a Turkish restaurant East Meadow may have just the answer.

Turkey is a country where many different culture meet and this diversity is reflected in the country's cuisine. The cultures of Greece, the Balkans, the Middle East and Central Asia all left their mark during the time these regions were part of or in close contact with the Ottoman Empire, which preceded modern-day Turkey. Ingredients are usually fresh and full of flavor.

One of the best ways to discover the varied tastes of Turkey is with the country's extensive range of appetizers. Dips such as baba ghanoush or hummus are almost always included, as are feta-like cheese, olives and pickles. Falafel are little balls of joy and you may finally get the kids to eat leafy vegetables with little pastries filled with spinach and feta cheese. Dolmeh are similar to the dolmades of Greece, with herbed rice wrapped in vine leaves.

Salads can range from light and lemony to ones that are filling enough to make a great meal on a hot day. They may contain ingredients such as eggplant, tomatoes, bulgur wheat, feta cheese or seafood and are often drizzled with olive oil. If it's cold outside, a lentil soup is a wonderfully comforting alternative.

If you're a sworn carnivore, you simply have to try kebabs, which are skewers of beef, chicken or lamb. Lamb chops are grilled to perfection, as are fish and other seafood such as octopus, with garlic, lemon juice and olive oil providing extra flavor. On a cold day, a rich and filling stew will warm body and soul.

If you're vegetarian, you'll be overjoyed to know that many Turkish dishes are meat-free. In fact, vegetables are an essential part of the country's cuisine and ones that are often used are onions, eggplant, zucchini and bell peppers. Falafel add protein. The perfect vegetarian comfort food is a rich and creamy moussaka or a fragrant pilaf.

Dessert is for many the highlight of their meal and Turkish desserts are heavenly. The variety is huge too. Ice creams in unusual flavors such as pistachio or rose water are the perfect pick-me-up on a hot Long Island day. Some dishes use exotic fruits, including figs. Rice pudding is a creamy delight especially in cold weather. An essential accompaniment is a cup of strong coffee, preferably black and sweet like the Turks drink it. Even if you can't eat one more bite, order some baklava drenched in syrup too. You can always take it home and enjoy it later.

Long Island is home to several Turkish restaurants, among them some in East Meadow NY. Simply check the listings for the local area. Otherwise, go online and peruse the menus for inspiration before you book. You may even be able to order a meal for delivery to your doorstep.




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