Yosma

Back in July I had the pleasure of visiting Yosma, a Turkish small plates restaurant on Baker Street. I’m not usually one for small plates but I saw a great review of Yosma and decided to give it a go.

Like most Turkish restaurants, there was a lots of meaty, gluten free options so I knew I wouldn’t go hungry despite the size of the portions.

While we were deciding on what to have, my friend Matt ordered some Clay Oven Bread. Obviously I couldn’t have any, but once I’d told the waiting staff I was a coeliac they bought me over some gluten free bread so I didn’t miss out.

We ordered four small plates each – one cold meze, one hot meze and two mangal dishes.

First up, the Salt Cured Mackerel (Çiroz) with pickled shallot, apple and dill, which was absolutely delicious. Meaty mackerel, perfectly cured – we were off to a good start!

Calamari next, battered using chickpea flour so it’s completely gluten free!

This was followed by the Turkish Meatballs (Köfte) – Lamb shoulder köfte, steamed potato and muhammara sauce. I’m not a huge fan of köfte usually, it reminds me of those greasy sticks of meat you get at crap office parties. Yosma’s köfte however, is superb and the sauce a rich, tasty version of the chilli sauce you get with your doner kebabs!

The star of the show next, Chicken (Tavuk) – corn-fed chicken breast, charred corn, green pepper and tahini sauce.

This is one of the best chicken dishes I have ever had and the reason I’ll be going back to Yosma asap.

Unfortunately there wasn’t much in the way of gluten free dessert, so sadly I had to go without.

I definitely recommend Yosma as a great gluten free option, in an area that is rife with chains and tourists. Not only was the food amazing, the staff were knowledgeable, friendly and very accommodating.