Merhaba Restaurant

Merhaba Restaurant is located in a renovated Korean house on the main street of Hannam Dong, the same street as the Thai Embassy with outdoor parking. Merhaba means "hi" in Turkish.

The restaurant has some charming decorative accents that make the place look appropriately ethnic. The place is spacious and casual, decorated with "Sheesha" water pipes and large Turkish motif tiles. A giant, handcrafted copper barbecue is the centerpiece of the dining room, used to roast 12 varieties of kebabs sizzling over hot coals on iron skewers.

The menu boasts a truly exotic selection of dishes: "pide" or breads and pizzas; "kebabs" or roasted meats; "sote," meat, vegetable and rice dishes; "kofte" or meat balls; "pilav," fried rice dishes; and "tatli," Turkish desserts. When ordering the balloon bread don't forget to ask for some yogurt to dip your meats in. Merhaba is a meat-lover's haven, with chicken, beef and mutton prepared in many ways using diverse ingredients and spices. The Turkish chefs employ many of the authentic techniques made to cook traditional Turkish food. There is a rotisserie to sear meat (most likely lamb), there is a wood fired oven to make the breads and there is a smoky grill to give the food that yummy bb-q flavor. The food is decent and not overpriced. There are five kinds of "pide" to try, and prices range between 11,000 and 14,000 won. Customers can sample all the kebabs on the menu with the combination kebab platter, at a cost of 50,000 won for two people.

The dessert selection is adventurous: "Kunefe," a crumbly dessert with kadayf, cheese, lemon and butter. Forewarning to dieters! Red and white wines are available, although not an extensive variety because the food is so authentic, prepared by Turkish cooks, Merhaba is a showcase of Turkish culture.