Turkish food incorporates Middle Eastern influence, Asian ideas, Mediterranean flavors, and traditional Turkish inspirations and ingredients. Usually, Turkish cuisine has a focus on rice, vegetables, eggplants, olive oil, cheese, bread, meats, and fish. If you’ve ever had Turkish food, you know that it’s cuisine that offers one of the most interesting combination of ingredients, as well as some of the most filling types of dishes. For Turkish food that will make you feel as if you’re in this Black Sea-bordering country herself, head to Empire Turkish Grill in Houston.

Crazy for Kebabs

Kebabs are a very common type of food in Turkish cooking, which is fine, because kebabs are downright delicious. In particular, try the lamb sis kebab, the filet mignon kebab, or the doner kebab. All kebab options are served with rice and assorted vegetables.

Turkish Must-Trys

While the following options may not spark your interest upon hearing them, trust us—they’re worth trying. For an appetizer, start with the falafel (fried chickpeas, and a personal favorite!) or the fried liver (which is amazing and really good for you). For your main dish, the lamb chops-ground lamb combination plate is amazing, and the doner with yogurt is both a great traditional option and one that’s sure to fill you up. If meat isn’t your thing, try the Turkish pasta, the vegetable stew, or the salmon. Also, if you like lentils, the lentil soup is to die for.

Forgive the Service

The biggest complaint that visitors to this restaurant have is in regards to the quality of service, which is a bit different than the traditional “I’m here to do anything you please,” Western standard. While the servers aren’t rude, and we can by no means lump all servers together here, you might want to prepare yourself for a bit of a delay in taking your order, refilling you water, bring the food to the table, etc. As always, be polite, practice the Golden Rule, and remember that they must just be having a bad day.

Off-putting Location, Welcoming Entrance

While Empire Turkish Grill is located in a bit of a rundown part of town that might be a bit off-putting at first glance, as soon as you walk through the door of this restaurant, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief. While Empire Turkish Grill couldn’t ever be described as cute, fancy, or quaint, it does feel authentic, family owned and operated, and casual. It’s clean and well put together, and there’s plenty of seating for a large group.

Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight is perhaps the most famous dessert throughout the country of Turkey, and is pretty much confections that are made from sugar and starch. Ask for Turkish Delight, or one of the other yummy desserts, before leaving Empire Turkish Grill.