Mehrab S.
Yelp
Low on spice but high on flavor, i love Turkish Kebabs. Turkish cuisine is all about letting the natural taste of the meat shine through the flame, and no one does it better. Cafe Sabah is one of my absolute favorite spots for Turkish food in the Seattle area, and their mixed grill platter is my go-to. It comes with seven different kebabs, giving you a little bit of everything, and every time I've had it, it's been consistently great.
Here's my latest experience, ranked from my favorite to least favorite:
Beef Meatballs (Köfte): These are hands-down some of the best köftes I've had in the U.S. dense, juicy, seasoned beautifully with Turkish herbs, and grilled just right. They're moist and slightly pink in the center, with delicious mild chars on the outside. 5/5
Turkish-Style Beef Steak: Thinly sliced, lightly marinated, and grilled over open flame. Turkish steaks are intentionally done thin, which can be tricky to keep moist but Cafe Sabah nails it. It's tender, savory, and carries that amazing charcoal-grilled aroma. 4.5/5
Lamb Chops: Smoky on the outside, tender and flavorful inside. Rich, bold lamb flavor that makes every bite satisfying. 4.25/5
Chicken Shish Kebab: Always well-marinated, juicy, and flavorful. Chicken can easily turn dry on the grill, but they manage to keep it perfectly cooked every time. 4/5
Adana Kebab: Classic minced meat skewer: flavorful, and well-textured. It's not the absolute best Adana I've ever had, but easily one of the best in the Greater Seattle area. 3.75/5
Beef Doner: Thin, juicy slices that work beautifully with bread or rice. Soft, tender, and well-seasoned, it does exactly what a good doner should do. 3.75/5
Chicken Doner: Personally, my least favorite on the plate. I find Turkish-style chicken doner a bit gamey and dry, which seems to be a trait of the preparation style rather than execution. Iraqi shawarmas sometimes share that same texture profile. So it might be a matter of personal taste.
2.75/5
With all these comes a portion of jasmine rice -- fragrant and light. Just keep in mind: Turkish cuisine traditionally serves small portions of rice, which is actually quite healthy but might feel a bit small if you're expecting a heavier base. My tip: ask for some Turkish bread on the side if you're craving more carbs. The platter also comes with a refreshing yogurt dip, which balances the meats perfectly.
Beiti kebab: I often go the extra mile and order the Beiti Kebab separately, specially when my party is 3+. Since it's wrapped in soft lavash and drizzled with warm tomato-butter sauce, Beiti Kebab is at its absolute best when enjoyed dine-in, fresh off the grill, juicy, and comforting, with a side of yogurt to cool it all down. A must if you're exploring Turkish flavors beyond the basics. 4.5/5
*Beautiful traditional ambience, Zabiha Halal meat, serene prayer room