Turkish cuisine is one of the world's great culinary traditions — rich, diverse, and full of bold flavours. But if you've never explored Turkish food before, walking into a Turkish restaurant and looking at the menu can feel overwhelming. Don't worry — this beginner's guide will walk you through the key dishes at Palace Istanbul Kebab in South Pattaya and help you order with confidence.
Understanding Turkish Food Culture
Turkish food is built around the idea of sharing, freshness, and balance. A traditional Turkish meal often begins with small shared dishes called mezze — dips, salads, and small bites designed to be enjoyed together with bread. The main course typically features grilled or roasted meat, and meals are often finished with sweet desserts like baklava or rice pudding.
Turkish cuisine draws on influences from Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, resulting in a unique style that is distinct from any of its neighbours. Spices like cumin, sumac, and red pepper flakes are used generously but never overpoweringly — the goal is always to enhance the natural flavour of the main ingredient, not to mask it.
Start With: The Mix Doner Plate
If you're visiting Palace Istanbul Kebab for the first time, the Mix Doner Plate is the perfect starting point. It gives you a generous serving of our signature doner kebab — thinly sliced beef and lamb from a slow-roasting vertical spit — served alongside fragrant rice and a fresh salad. It's satisfying, not too spicy, and gives you an authentic taste of the most iconic Turkish street food dish.
Must-Try Dishes for Beginners
- Hummus — smooth chickpea dip with olive oil; a safe, delicious starter for everyone
- Doner Kebab Wrap — sliced doner meat in warm flatbread with salad and sauce; great if you prefer something handheld
- Iskender Kebab — doner meat over bread with tomato sauce and butter; a more indulgent, restaurant-style dish
- Kasarli Pide — a cheese-filled Turkish flatbread; mild and universally loved, great for those not ready for meat dishes
- Kiymali Pide — spiced minced meat on flatbread; a more adventurous but very rewarding choice
What About Spice Levels?
Turkish food is flavorful but not typically very spicy by Thai standards. The dishes at Palace Istanbul Kebab use aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and herbs, but the heat level is generally mild to moderate. If you want extra spice, ask for our chilli sauce on the side. If you prefer no heat at all, most dishes are naturally mild.
Drinks and Sides
Traditional Turkish meals are often accompanied by ayran — a cold, salty yogurt drink that may sound unusual but is incredibly refreshing alongside rich kebab dishes. Fresh salads, pickled vegetables, and fluffy flatbread are also classic accompaniments that you'll find on our menu.
Visit Us or Order Online
Palace Istanbul Kebab is open every day from 10AM to 5AM, making us one of Pattaya's most accessible late-night dining options. Whether you're a curious first-timer or a devoted Turkish food fan, our kitchen is ready to serve you authentic flavours from Istanbul at South Pattaya Road 27/25 Moo 10. You can also order via Grab Food for convenient home delivery across South Pattaya and Jomtien.
Come hungry, and come ready to discover some of the world's most satisfying food.