Mustafa Turkish Kebap – Pide – Doner: 866 Wilson Ave, North York, ON M3K 1E5
Country: Turkey
Must-try dish: Pide
Seating: Indoor seating – in a cave! 
The high: Eating in a cave is unlike anything else. 
The low: A limited menu if you have a gluten allergy. 

There’s a famous region in Central Anatolia called Cappadocia that’s full of caves – the restaurants are in caves, the hotels are in caves, the shops are the caves, everything is in caves. There are ancient monasteries there in caves with paintings from nomadic and religious peoples which are unlike anything in a museum anywhere else in the world. This area is one of the most travelled to destinations in Turkey, and you know why when you see it.

Mustafa’s, a Turkish restaurant in North York replicates the caves of Cappadocia for its diners that creates a unique culinary experience in Toronto. Pide is the specialty, which is a Turkish-style flatbread that resembles a pizza but instead of being circular, it’s going and oval. 

The Pide menu is extensive with 20 varieties to pick from, and the rest of the menu offers kebab wraps and plates. With the smells wafting from the wood burning oven, it was evident that a Pide was in our future. With so many options, we decided to go with #18 Karişik (Assorted) because each of the five slices has different toppings to represent the most popular flavours on the menu. It was interesting going from a ground meat slice to a spinach and feta slice to a sausage slice but ultimately allowed for a better understanding of what to order next time. It’s an exercise similar to taking a cruise ship holiday. 

Of the five choices, the Bicak Arasi (minced beef and lamb with spices) was terrific, alongside the Turkish Sausage and Mozzarella Cheese and the Spinach and Feta Cheese. However, it’s up to your own taste buds, so follow what your palate tells you when picking what toppings to get on your Pide. 

The next thing on order was #8 Kıymalı Kaşarlı, which is a ground beef and mozzarella Pide that’s wrapped up similar to a quesadilla or a calzone but thin. It’s stuffed with toppings that are full of seasoning and the crust is flaky with each bite. 

With two large carbohydrate  and cheese filled plates, we had little room for the attractive deserts at the front counter. Next time perhaps. We did get a chance to try Turkish canned juices, one in peach and the other in apricot. They’re surprisingly unsweetened, in the best way possible, and we both could have gone for a second round. 

One of the best, and unplanned parts of the meal was the surprise lentil soup that arrived before the meal. Whatever concoction it was, it was incredible. It was a tomato base with small lentils and cream that made it silkier. Mint was the hidden ingredient that shined in most bites then was overshadowed by the rest of the flavours.

Another excursion is in order to enjoy the cave with friends. The majority of the dishes are best shared in a group to allow trying as many items as possible, so we’ll do exactly that next time. 

Eat with you soon, 

Mandrea Bike
(Mat & Andrea)