Frommer's Review
Hamdi's southeastern kebaps will never come close to Develi's, but this is a good alternative to the overpriced mediocrity of Pandeli Lokantasi only steps from the entrance to the Spice Market. The restaurant's popular terrace views of the Galata Tower and Golden Horn add to the convenience of the location, and you can move to the cozy sark (Oriental-style seating area) for your after-dinner cup of coffee or tea. Specialties of the house include the erikli kebap, minced meat from a suckling lamb where all of the fat has been cooked out, and the showcase testi kebap, a stew of diced meat, tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and green pepper cooked over an open fire and served tableside by breaking the terra-cotta pot (minimum 10 people, advance orders required). Hamdi caters to vegetarians with the vegetable kebap, spiced with parsley and garlic; don't pass up the yuvarlama, a flavorful yogurt soup with tiny rice balls served only at dinnertime.
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planning your trip.