Since moving to Cagayan de Oro last January 2014, I can't even count how many times we've eaten in Istanbul Grill. We eat here so often that the Turkish cook/part-owner gives us discounts and other freebies. This is my favorite restaurant in CDO because I really like Middle-Eastern/Mediterranean/Indian Food, and Istanbul Grill is really cheap for the quality and quantity of food that they serve. Plus, the cook is an actual Turkish person so you can't get more authentic than that, right?
Istanbul Grill serves simple dishes like biryanis, kebabs, and shawarmas plus some other things like their Wet Burger and Shepherd Salad, so don't expect more complex dishes. But the simplicity of their menu doesn't mean the taste is simplified - you still get all the different spices that are staples in Middle Eastern cuisine.
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| (top) Beef Kebab, (bottom) Chicken Curry Saute |
Istanbul Grill's Beef Kebab (w/ rice and salad, 110 php) is one of our favorite things to order. We usually just order it without rice (80 php) since we pair it with their Chicken Biryani (130 php) which includes a big serving of rice flavored with saffron and other spices. Their Chicken Curry Saute (130 php) is also good and could be shared by 2 people who are not big eaters. I like their curry because it has a lot of button mushrooms, and I really like mushrooms.
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| (top) Beef Biryani, (bottom) Shepherd Salad |
The Beef/Chicken Biryani is Istanbul Grill's specialty. The photo above is the beef kind (140 php) but our favorite is actually the Chicken Biryani (130 php) since it has 2 fillets of spiced chicken that goes really well with a side order of beef kebab. Their Shepherd Salad (60 php) is also something that we always order since the dressing tastes so good - just the right amount of tanginess. They also include a side serving of this in some of their rice dishes.
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| (top) Chicken Cutlet, (bottom) Beef Shawarma Rice |
Their Chicken Cutlet (120 php) is also quite good though it's not a favorite of mine. It's kind of similar to the chicken fillet in their Chicken Biryani but just a bit wetter. The Beef Shawarma Rice (75 php) is also really good but you don't get much meat though, and I think that's the reason why it's cheap. It can also be served with egg - just add 25 php.
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| (left) Turkish Tea, (right) Ulker Brand Turkish Sweets |
We usually order their Ayran drink (80 php) but I keep forgetting to take a decent photo of it. It's the usual yogurt shake and can be ordered salty or sweet. We usually order it just a little sweet. Their Turkish Tea (20 php for a cup, 100 php for teapot) is also nice and strong. Istanbul Grill also has a shelf full of Ulker Biscuits and Chocolates (Ulker is a Turkish brand). We've bought their Pistachio Chocolate Bar quite a few times since it's so cheap and good. Their Hansel-like cookie (just larger and more chocolatey) is overpriced in my opinion. Last time we were there, they've run out of Ulker stuff so I hope they re-stock asap.
Overall, Istanbul Grill is a must-try restaurant in Cagayan de Oro especially if you're a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine. It's really cheap compared to similar kebab places I frequented in Manila while studying, and the taste is just as good - maybe even better.
Istanbul Grill
Ground Floor Goking Bldg. (near Levi's Outlet Store),
Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro
09363347791 / 309-8512
istanbulgrillcdo@gmail.com
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