Doya by Chef Erhan Costen — Review by Davidsbeenhere
Istanbul, Turkey — Turkish
Doya by Chef Erhan Costen is celebrated as one of the best Turkish restaurants in the world, showcasing innovative takes on traditional Turkish cuisine. The reviewer highlights standout dishes including woodfired kebabs, grilled octopus, shrimp saganaki, and the chef's signature short rib baklava, praising the quality and creativity throughout the meal.
What was great: Doya kebab with woodfired charred lamb, Adana kebab with yogurt and tomato sauce, perfectly tender grilled octopus, shrimp saganaki with creamy feta sauce, innovative short rib baklava invented by the chef, pistachio baklava
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The culinary journey at Doya begins with the signature Doya kebab, featuring woodfired and charred chopped lamb that delivers a smoky, juicy, and intense flavor profile that the reviewer notes is uniquely Turkish. The Adana kebab follows, expertly wrapped in lavash and topped with creamy yogurt, tangy tomato sauce, and rich butter, creating a comforting and flawless dish. The grilled octopus stands out as a perfectly executed seafood offering, tender throughout and finished with exceptional olive oil that demonstrates how seafood should ideally be prepared. The shrimp saganaki brings together small shrimp, tomato sauce, raki, crumbly feta, parsley, and garlic in a creamy, succulent preparation that pairs beautifully with traditional wine. The most memorable creation is Chef Erhan's trademarked short rib baklava, an entirely novel savory interpretation of the traditional sweet pastry that proves groundbreaking and mind-blowing. The meal concludes with pistachio baklava served in the proper upside-down presentation, offering a classic sweet finale.
The Experience
The dining experience emphasizes the innovative spirit of Chef Erhan Costen, who is portrayed as someone truly changing the game in Turkish cuisine. The reviewer steps into the kitchen itself, creating an immersive behind-the-scenes experience that showcases the chef's craft and passion for his creations.
Value & Pricing
Specific pricing information is not mentioned in the transcript, though the focus remains on the exceptional quality and innovation of each dish presented.
Notable Moments
This is some of the best Turkish food on the planet.
That sugar's taste only in Turkey, guys.
Invented by the chef himself. Trademarked. This is the ultimate savory baklava. It will blow your mind.
The Verdict
Doya by Chef Erhan Costen is unequivocally recommended as one of the best Turkish restaurants in the world, ideal for diners seeking authentic Turkish flavors elevated through creative innovation. The restaurant is particularly notable for Chef Erhan's willingness to reimagine traditional dishes, most evidently through his signature short rib baklava, making it a destination for adventurous food lovers.