To come to Tulum restaurant located in 217 Carlisle St, Balaclava. Surely, it was about to remember, the delicious Turkish food that I ate in Istanbul. After, my last holiday, before to forbid travelling, due to covid 19. In fact, the food was so good there. Hence, coming back to try it, but this in Melbourne, craved to me.
Besides, I wanted to eat it, in the best Turkish restaurant in the city. So then, it’s how I did my research to have found Tulum, an award winning restaurant with One Chef Hat by Good Food in 2020.
In addition, it’s not so expensive, indeed I spent around $130 AUD. Upon, a set menu with seven courses, plus a beer and a glass of red wine. Furthermore, the Turkish food was amazing.
Samurai Gourmet at Tulum Restaurant
Once, I arrived to the place, very cozy by the way and read the menu. Certainly, the food was a kind of Turkish fine dining with a touch of Aussie seasonal ingredients. But, not forgetting the authentic Turkish food that it can be found in Turkey.
Tulum Restaurant Set Menu, Seven Courses
Meze
Firstly, If you are in a Turkish restaurant, the first course must be a Meze sort of small dishes. After that, starting to taste the most important beginnings in the Turkish food. In this case with Ekmek (bread), olive oil, lentil kofte smoked date butter & olives. In short, a very nice start.
Entrée
Secondly, I was back to the contemporary with two Entrées Olive oil Braised Celeriac, Orange, Carrot Puree & Quince. And Scallops, Saffron Yoghurt, Spinach, Chickpeas, Lemon & Dukkah . In fact, both dishes were so tasty but the freshness, sweetness and citrus of the braised Celeriac, plus the other ingredients. As a result, my favorite.
Main
Thirdly, it was the turns of the Main, where were three in total such as:
1. Turkish beef dumplings, garlic yoghurt, Aleppo chilli, mint & burnt butter
2. Semolina kibbeh, spiced lamb, walnut, currant, cumin, buttermilk sauce and Lamb 3. Shoulder, prune jam, celeriac & tomato bulgur pilaf
Indeed, of all of them were really nice but Second one, that is to say, the Semolina Kibbeh with spiced Lamb was glorious. In short, for me, it was the of the night, because was reminding me, the flavor of a borek that I ate in Istanbul.
Dessert
Finally, the Dessert, Ottoman Sultans Favorite Cinnamon, Chicken & Milk Pudding. By the way, Samurai Gourmet could not forget about the Turkish Coffee and Tea. Certainly, both hot drinks very important to finish a meal. On the other hand, let’s return to the sweet. Due to, the dessert, fulfilled all my expectations, even when I thought, was to simple. In short, this is the beautiful thing of food, that might surprises you each time.
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Location Melbourne, Australia
Key Information
Tulum Restaurant
Rate: 5/5 Grateful/excellent
Price: Average per person $$$ 120 AUD
Contact: 9525-9127
Address: 217 Carlisle Street, Balaclava, VIC 3183