Pera Turkish Grill and Mezze – Middle Eastern Gem at South Beach

Named after Istanbul’s famous historic neighborhood, Pera Turkish Grill and Mezze brings an authentic slice of Turkey right to the heart of Singapore. This Middle Eastern gem at South Beach bridges time-honored Anatolian recipes with modern dining elegance equally. As soon as you step inside the restaurant, the inviting aroma of charcoal-grilled skewers and freshly baked flatbreads will greet you.

The interiors of the restaurant pairs ornate accents and plush seats with glowing ambient lamps to set an inviting and elevated tone. The open kitchen is inviting and allows you to eat and see the chefs at work simultaneously.

Pera Turkish Grill and Mezze has a vegetarian-friendly menu with sufficient options. Let’s jump straightaway into what we ordered from the menu.

Originating from the Aegean coast of Turkey, Girit Ezmesi celebrates the harmony of cheese, olive oil and herbs. This is a creamy white cheese spread with sweet melon, fresh herbs and roasted Antep pistachios. Above all. this cold mezze is absolutely worth ordering for its flavours and pair it with hot oven-baked bread. The bread basket can be ordered separately from the menu.

If you are looking for a stand-out vegetarian salad, the Fırınlanmış Pancar (Roasted Beetroot Salad) is an absolute winner. This salad pairs tender roasted beets with creamy goat cheese, berries, radish, caramelized hazelnuts with a rich molasses dressing. It has a perfect balance of satisfying crunch and lingering depth which makes it highly recommended.

A güveç refers to a traditional Turkish stew or bake slow-cooked in a clay pot. We ordered the Güveç Sebze as the vegetarian main for dinner. This dish is a hearty mix of seasonal Mediterranean vegetables stewed until tender in a herb-infused tomato sauce. It is finally topped with melted kashkaval cheese which offers a comforting and rich taste. For an accompaniment, we paired it with hot flatbread or rice pilaf to make a wholesome meal.

The Bulgur Pilaf is perfectly fluffy with a light herbal lift and provides as a hearty base for the mains. Generally, bulgur is considered to be healthier than white rice.

Since the menu has many vegetarian options, I’ll obviously be visiting the restaurant again to try the remaining dishes. The chefs at Pera Turkish Grill and Mezze deliver tradition without compromise as they cook with the finest quality ingredients flown in from Turkey. The customer service surely embodies the genuine Turkish hospitality. If you are looking for an elegant date night, a celebratory meal or a casual catch-up after work, this Middle Eastern gem at South Beach in Singapore is definitely worth visiting.