Tasty Turkish Cuisine

Sunday, 17 April 2022 08:00

By Robert Veitch

Advertising Feature: There’s a restaurant in Haywards Heath that’s been creating a buzz during the last couple of years, so we sent Robert Veitch to meet the team, chat to the owners and check out the menu

There’s a deceptively spacious interior behind the door of Fatma’s Kitchen, conveniently located on the corner of Broadway and Heath Road in Haywards Heath.

Once inside, the welcome from restaurant manager Şükriye Yildirim is every bit as pleasant as the light and airy interior. Two-tone blue seating adds a colourful contrast to the more traditional palette of classic wooden tables and polished brickwork. Fresh flowers adorn every table. It was obvious that Şükriye, who runs a team of eleven, excels at putting people at ease, just as the owners are, who were keen to tell me more.

Fatma Güngör Yilmaz and her husband Erdinç opened Fatma’s Kitchen in August 2020, at a time when few people were heading for a meal out. The faith and self-belief they possessed then has served them well as the restaurant has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Both Fatma and Erdinç previously worked as chefs in Niger, Kazakhstan, and latterly for several years at award-winning Turkish restaurants in London. But they had always dreamed of opening their own place and now the dream has been realised they’re thrilled to be in the town. “The people of Haywards Heath have been wonderful, they’re a happy crowd,” noted Fatma.

Erdinç told me the food is, “authentic Turkish cuisine based on traditional recipes, designed to tickle your taste buds.” Fatma was keen to point out, “We create beautiful dishes like Grandma’s cooking; homely, heartwarming, delicious.” The menu appeals across the board: to the young, middle aged and elder diners, so it’s perfect for friends, for couples, for families and for group celebrations.

Popular dishes include the Tomahawk Steak, the Chef’s Special with flaming rice, the Mixed Grill and the Moussaka. There are vegetarian and vegan options too. “Everything is cooked to order and we use the best ingredients we can get hold of,” enthused Erdinç.

Fatma has recently won the Just Eat Chef of the Year 2022 Award at the British Kebab Awards. “She was the first female winner,” pointed out Erdinç proudly from behind a broad smile.

“Everyone likes a good time, to go out, be happy and well fed,” effused Fatma, “so it’s lovely to see people leaving with big smiles on their faces after enjoying our food and experiencing our service.” This is something that’s evident from comments on the restaurant’s social media channels, as well as a multitude of positive reviews on Tripadvisor.

“We’re packed at the weekends, so it’s best to book,” said Erdinç, “but during the week it’s possible to turn up without a reservation.” Why wait any longer to let the taste buds tingle? …It must be time to try some tasty Turkish cuisine from Fatma’s Kitchen.

Fatma’s Kitchen

Address: 60 The Broadway, Haywards Heath, RH16 3AL

Telephone: 07723 087436

Website: www.fatmaskitchen.co.uk

Email: fatmakitchen1@gmail.com

More from Food and Drink

Recipe: Simple Fish Curry

Cooking a curry from scratch can feel a little daunting but this traditional Burmese recipe is really easy. Lightly spiced, warming and stunningly simple, this curry is one you’ll return to again and again
Recipe: Easter Leg of Lamb

When it comes to Easter feasts, you can always look to Italy for a sublime celebration of food, family and faith. This Easter leg of lamb with an Italian twist is the perfect dish to serve to your brood over the bank holiday
Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Buttercups

The dreamy combination of chocolate and peanut butter is indulgent and decadent so the perfect treat for Easter. These little beauties contain only a few ingredients (with a vegan option) and are quick and super easy to make
Recipe: Prune and Orange Hot Cross Buns

As a master baker and judge of ITV’s Britain’s Best Bakery, Peter Sidwell knows a thing or two about hot cross buns, as this fragrant and delicious recipe testifies.
Kids Zone: Giant Pancakes

Batter up! It’s time for some pancakes fun and flips with Sara Whatley’s easy-peasy giant pancakes!
Recipe: Choux Hearts with Berries

Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner knows full well that food is the language of love. So, what better way to woo your beloved on Valentine’s Day than with these stunning choux hearts?
Recipe: Truffled Macaroni & Smoked Haddock Bake

Want something that combines supreme comfort with a little decadence? Well look no further than this divine truffled macaroni dish with an extra boost from smoked haddock
Recipe: Nigel Slater's Lamb Hotpot

We’re getting to that time of the year when rustic food comes packed with extra appeal.
Ever So Easy Beef Bourguignon

This simple recipe by Adele Trathan virtually cooks itself, but it is deliciously succulent and flavoursome. It’s ideal for a wholesome meal when you don’t want to be slaving over a hot stove
Recipe: Chinese-Style Glazed Pork Belly

This Sunday (22nd) marks Chinese New Year. So we’re tucking in to a traditional Chinese dish, to celebrate the year of the rabbit!
How to make wild garlic and cheddar scones

This savoury scone recipe from Mary Goodsell works perfectly alongside a bowl of hearty soup, or simply with salty butter and a smear of marmite.
Very healthy no-bake chewy breakfast bars

Mary Goodsell believes that healthy food should always taste delicious, and these no-bake chewy date bars are the perfect breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up to ensure you stay full and satisfied throughout the day.
An immune boosting recipe for homemade ginger shots

Boost your immunity, digestion and get a good dose of antioxidants first thing in the morning with super easy homemade ginger shots by Mary Goodsell. These little shots of goodness can cost a fortune in the supermarkets, but they are really cheap and easy to make at home.
Recipe: Roasted Turkey Legs with Cranberries and Oranges

If you fancy something a little different on Christmas Day and don’t want to be bothered with cooking a whole turkey, this one-pot twist by Mary Goodwell is a vibrant, zesty dish that will delight your guests.
Festive Christmas Pudding Recipe: Stir Up Sunday

Stir-up Sunday is a Victorian tradition where the family would gather together to stir the Christmas pudding five weeks before Christmas, or the last Sunday before advent begins. This recipe, by Mary Goodsell, is a family favourite which evokes fond nostalgic memories.
Festive recipe: Cheesy pigs in blankets

Now, pigs in blankets are good. But pigs in CHEESY blankets reach another level!
A recipe kids will love: Decorated Christmas biscuits

Mary Goodsell loves the nostalgic smells of homemade gingerbread biscuits and this is the perfect family-friendly recipe to make at home.
Is moderation the answer? Sara Whatley discusses the merits of a non alcoholic Christmas

Whether you are enjoying an alcoholic beverage or a temperance drink this Christmas, the key to drinking well is moderation, suggests Sara Whatley
'Ever So Easy' Beef Bourguignon Recipe

This simple recipe by Adele Trathan virtually cooks itself, but it is deliciously succulent and flavoursome. It’s ideal for a wholesome meal when you don’t want to be slaving over a hot stove.
Coffee & Chocolate Banana Bread

This recipe by Mary Goodsell takes banana bread to a new level with the added flavours of chocolate and coffee. Soft and moist, it's a delicious mid-morning snack with a cup of coffee.

Tasty Turkish Cuisine

Share

More from Food and Drink