Singapore's Best-Kept Turkish Secret Is Hiding in Plain Sight at Orchard Road
You've walked past Far East Plaza a hundred times, probably ducking in for a haircut or a vintage find, but here's what you've been missing: one of Singapore's most authentic Turkish dining experiences, tucked quietly inside this old-school Orchard Road mall. The Mediterranean Deli Turk isn't trying to compete with flashy new restaurant openings or Instagram-bait interiors — and that's precisely what makes it so compelling. If you've ever craved proper Turkish food that tastes like it was made by someone's grandmother in Istanbul, this is your answer. Word is slowly getting out, and trust us, you'll want to know about this before the queues start.
A Native Turkish Chef Who Actually Knows What He's Doing
Behind the counter is Chef Ahmet Akpinar, a native Turkish chef who brings genuine culinary heritage to every dish he prepares. This isn't a fusion experiment or a watered-down interpretation of Turkish cuisine for a Singaporean palate — Ahmet cooks the way he grew up eating, with technique and tradition at the core. His background shines through in the small but carefully curated menu, which spans mezze, pide flatbreads, and grilled meats. The result is food that feels deeply personal and refreshingly honest, a rarity in Singapore's dining scene where authenticity is often sacrificed for accessibility.
What to Order: From Homemade Bread to That Addictive Künefe
The homemade bread alone is worth the trip — pillowy, warm, and baked fresh, it's the kind of thing you'll find yourself tearing through before the mains even arrive. The mezze spread is a standout, featuring stuffed vine leaves, smoky eggplant mash, and creamy dips that pair beautifully with that bread. Grilled meats are cooked with care and seasoned confidently, delivering the kind of char and flavour you'd expect from a proper Turkish grill house. But the real showstopper is the Künefe — a warm, cheese-filled shredded pastry soaked in sweet syrup and topped with crushed pistachios. It's sticky, indulgent, and completely addictive, the kind of dessert that makes you rearrange your afternoon plans just so you can sit there and finish every last bite.
- Must-try dish: Künefe — warm shredded pastry with cheese and pistachio
- Crowd favourite: Homemade pide flatbread with mezze dips
- Highlight starter: Stuffed vine leaves and eggplant mash
- Price range: Approximately $15–$40 per person, mid-range and wallet-friendly
The Mediterranean Deli Turk
📍 14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
⏰ Check directly with venue for updated hours
The Vibe: Low-Key, Unfussy, and Completely Charming
Don't come expecting a lavish dining room or mood lighting — The Mediterranean Deli Turk is a humble, no-frills space that puts all its energy into the food. The setting is casual and intimate, the kind of place where you feel comfortable lingering over tea and dessert without anyone rushing you out. It has the warm, unpretentious energy of a family-run eatery, which is exactly what it is. In a city full of concept restaurants designed for content creation, there's something genuinely refreshing about a place that simply wants to feed you well. Bring a friend, order more than you think you need, and let Ahmet do the rest.
The Verdict: Go Before Everyone Else Figures It Out
The Mediterranean Deli Turk is the kind of find that makes you feel smug for knowing about it before it blows up — and blow up it will. With a talented native chef, soulful cooking, and prices that won't hurt your wallet, this Far East Plaza gem is one of the most underrated dining spots in Singapore right now. Whether you're after a casual lunch on Orchard Road or a proper introduction to Turkish cuisine, this is the place. Make the Künefe non-negotiable, order the bread immediately, and thank us later.
