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Boatspotting on the Bosphorus is a favorite pastime for those lucky enough to have windows with the right view. On any given weekend afternoon on the busy straits that divide this city, the ship and boat traffic unfolds like a caravan of the flags of the lesser-known countries of the world.
One afternoon at Suna’nin Yeri, a small fish restaurant that, with its army of tables, chairs and frazzled waiters, seems to have conquered the waterfront of the Bosphorus-side Kandilli neighborhood, a small boat from a nation we could not immediately identify pulled up in the wake of a tanker and unloaded two hungry patrons.
A closer look revealed the word “Guernsey” written on the back of the boat and we wouldn’t be surprised if the couple actually did come all the way from that island in the British Channel. The food at Suna’nin Yeri (“Suna’s Place,” in Turkish) is just that good. The chilled fava bean puree, for example, was so delicious that we immediately ordered two more for a further inspection. Usually not our first pick from the meze tray, Suna had coaxed something smooth and rich, almost custard-like out of the humble fava without abandoning its earthy beany flavor.
A plate of fried calamari was also a pleasant surprise – rough bundles of crispy legs and tiny rings mixed with large, soft flat pieces like a breaded sail. Each bite was a new chapter in texture accompanied by a delicious, tangy garlic sauce. We relished this rare moment – perfectly prepared, fresh food served in an environment that celebrates nothing more than the inherent beauty of the city itself – feeling that this was what a dining experience was inherently supposed to be. It felt specifically Istanbul.
Though big catches such as levrek, çupra and kalkan were tempting, we took the cue from all of the tables around us and ordered a large plate of small fried fish – hamsi flayed and ribbon-like, istavrit, and, our favorite, tekir. Each fish played its part with ease, as if Suna had a pep talk with the group before perfectly frying them in her little kitchen. After all that fish and a few rounds of “special cola” (cans of Efes Dark delivered with a wink in a plastic bag and served in Coca-Cola glasses), like real Istanbulites, we wanted more.
Tankers passed by – Romanian, Ukrainian, Lebanese – as the shadows grew long in Kandilli. The crew onboard those ships were likely oblivious to what was transpiring at Suna’nin Yeri, but not the folks from Guernsey. Like us, they were swooning over a plate of homemade baklava prepared by one of the wife of our waiter. We’ll carry that sweet memory with us until our next visit.
Address: Kandilli İskele Caddesi 4-17, Üsküdar
Telephone: (0216) 332 32 41
(photo by Ansel Mullins)
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