Exploring Ankara’s Hidden Gems: 4 Budget-Friendly Shabby Places Worth Visiting
Efe Çavuşoğlu & Yasemin Dinç & Zeynep Peker / Food Detectors / COMD 357 Multimedia Journalism İlkbahar 2022-2023 Listeleme Projesi
Hello Foodies!
Welcome to Food Detectors, the ultimate food lover’s blog! This is our first blog post that will jollify your mouth. In the chilly Ankara weather, if you are hungry and looking for a place to eat and flavors to memorize, as Food Detectors, we toured Ankara and found four delicious shabby places that won’t break the bank. To cater to a range of tastes, we’ve chosen places that specialize in meat dishes, chicken dishes, and giblets. Our first stop was Esat Antrikot near Bilkent, which serves up mouth-watering rib steak in a delightfully shabby atmosphere. Next up was Kanatçı Tarık, a must-visit for lovers of BBQ wings. These wings are some of the best in Ankara and are sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. Pilavcı Bekir Usta is a chicken dish master, and their classic Turkish chicken and rice dish is both simple and delicious. Finally, no Turkish food lover’s journey is complete without a visit to a Kokoreççi, and we saved the best for last with Kokoreççi Berat Usta. This final stop will leave you feeling full and satisfied, with deliciously cooked Kokoreç that you won’t soon forget.
So come along with us on this culinary journey through Ankara, and discover some of the city’s hidden gems with Food Detectors!
1. Esat Antrikot – The Shabbiest one to rule them all!
For our first destination, we wanted to start with the shabbiest of them all, so we went to Esat Antrikot. Don’t be confused by the name, Esat Antrikot is not in Esat, it is located at Bilkent, in the parking lot of RTÜK and the name Esat comes from the owner. However, if you are near RTÜK during the nighttime, you cannot miss the place thanks to its rib steak (antrikot) smell coming from the van. Also, it is very surprising that only real food lovers know this place because it has been operating for more than 30 years in the same location. It is kind of hard to call it “a place” as it is a food truck that is operated by Mr. Esat. They open the van at 8 PM and serve till 5 AM, so it is a great place to visit whether you are hungry after studying for your exams or just want to eat after an event.
Esat Antrikot has a menu that you will be greeted with and they are all sandwiches with the options such as Turkish Sausage (sucuk), meatballs (köfte), and chicken (tavuk). Their signature dish is their all-time favorite rib steak with kashar cheese. All sandwiches include fresh greens, tomatoes, and onion as an accompanist to your meat choice, but you can remove any ingredient as you wish. We tried that famous rib steak and Turkish sausage because we couldn’t resist the sausage’s smell. Even though rib steak is the famous one, we strongly suggest you give it a shot at Turkish sausage as well. The price of rib steak is 90 TL and 75 for Turkish sausage. It is a very good place in terms of price for performance as well as it is pleasing to be able to eat meat at this price for today’s conditions.
When we said to Mr. Esat that we were going to take pictures for our blog, he asked us why we came to the food truck instead of their new restaurant and told us we should have gone there for better pictures. Due to the high demand and to be able to serve all customers, Mr. Esat has opened a place in Bilkent 3. However, we wanted to experience the original place and for this great experience, we recommend the van as well. So, if you are in the Bilkent area and it is late, give Antrikotçu Esat a visit!
Esat Antrikot has a menu that you will be greeted with and they are all sandwiches with the options such as Turkish Sausage (sucuk), meatballs (köfte), and chicken (tavuk). Their signature dish is their all-time favorite rib steak with kashar cheese. All sandwiches include fresh greens, tomatoes, and onion as an accompanist to your meat choice, but you can remove any ingredient as you wish. We tried that famous rib steak and Turkish sausage because we couldn’t resist the sausage’s smell. Even though rib steak is the famous one, we strongly suggest you give it a shot at Turkish sausage as well. The price of rib steak is 90 TL and 75 for Turkish sausage. It is a very good place in terms of price for performance as well as it is pleasing to be able to eat meat at this price for today’s conditions.
When we said to Mr. Esat that we were going to take pictures for our blog, he asked us why we came to the food truck instead of their new restaurant and told us we should have gone there for better pictures. Due to the high demand and to be able to serve all customers, Mr. Esat has opened a place in Bilkent 3. However, we wanted to experience the original place and for this great experience, we recommend the van as well. So, if you are in the Bilkent area and it is late, give Antrikotçu Esat a visit!
Our Rating:
Speed: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Taste: 😋 😋 😋 😋 😋
Price: 💰
Speed: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Taste: 😋 😋 😋 😋 😋
Price: 💰
2. Kanatçı Tarık – The Wings that will make you fly!
Real gourmets know that if you don’t know where to eat but you want to eat well, you should either eat in the industrial area or in places where bus drivers eat on long roads. That’s why for our second destination, we went to Ostim to get a taste of the famous wings of Kanatçı Tarık. Beware, if you love spicy wings, this place will certainly create an addiction! When we went to an industrial area after parking our cars, we found the place by following the scent. Believe us after 11:30 AM in Ostim you can smell the savory wing scent from Kanatçı Tarık even among car engine oil scents, it is very differentiated and appetizing. And even if you cannot smell, you can still find the place as if you put it with your finger thanks to the long waiting queue.
When we say addiction we mean it because we went to Kanatçı Tarık at noon and we thought that we were going to be early, but we saw that we were very wrong as the place got crowded just after us. That place was absolutely full and one of the waitresses made a very long waiting list right after we arrived. But no blame to anyone because regardless of how big the place is, there would be a long queue for this pleasure. Since the place is very crowded it can be hard to get a hold of the waiters but trust us, the wings are worth the wait.
There are two food options, their special spicy wings (kanat), and their boneless chicken thighs which they call “Armut”. We tried both of the chickens to get the full experience and we were not disappointed. They were both well-cooked but also juicy with flavor. They also brought a salad per person and lavash and you can get as many of those as you wish free of charge. Here the astınish part is that lavash tastes like spaghetti bolognese, which you cannot find anywhere else. The portions are more than enough, you can be sure that you will leave this with a full stomach. As of the time we are writing this, the prices of Armut and the wings are the same, 90TL, and drinks are 20TL. So, if you are in the Ostim area and looking to eat some spicy wings, give Kanatçı Tarık a visit!
When we say addiction we mean it because we went to Kanatçı Tarık at noon and we thought that we were going to be early, but we saw that we were very wrong as the place got crowded just after us. That place was absolutely full and one of the waitresses made a very long waiting list right after we arrived. But no blame to anyone because regardless of how big the place is, there would be a long queue for this pleasure. Since the place is very crowded it can be hard to get a hold of the waiters but trust us, the wings are worth the wait.
There are two food options, their special spicy wings (kanat), and their boneless chicken thighs which they call “Armut”. We tried both of the chickens to get the full experience and we were not disappointed. They were both well-cooked but also juicy with flavor. They also brought a salad per person and lavash and you can get as many of those as you wish free of charge. Here the astınish part is that lavash tastes like spaghetti bolognese, which you cannot find anywhere else. The portions are more than enough, you can be sure that you will leave this with a full stomach. As of the time we are writing this, the prices of Armut and the wings are the same, 90TL, and drinks are 20TL. So, if you are in the Ostim area and looking to eat some spicy wings, give Kanatçı Tarık a visit!
Our Rating:
Speed: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Taste: 😋 😋 😋 😋 😋
Price: 💰 💰
Speed: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Taste: 😋 😋 😋 😋 😋
Price: 💰 💰
3. Pilavcı Bekir Usta – Do you want to rice it up?
For our third destination, we wanted to continue with Pilavcı Bekir Usta which is located on Bestekar Street in Tunalı. As it is easily understood from its name, it comes from the owner of the place, Mr. Bekir who has been doing this business since 2006. It is a small business that creates a warm ambiance with its minor design. Thanks to its design, no one strains and feels like they are in their homes. In addition to that, the restaurant’s logo includes his picture with his smile which gives a sincere feeling to customers. This feeling continues when you enter the place and see Mr. Bekir and his friendly and welcoming attitude increases your enjoyment of the meal.
Pilavcı Bekir has a menu that shapes rice with different flavors which are kavurma, chicken, and ciğer representing Turkish palatal delight. Rice with chicken (tavuklu pilav) is the signature dish of the restaurant. Especially meat, after that chicken is an indispensable part of Turkish cuisine. While serving them with rice, they won’t forget to add chickpeas to make it more delicious. Furthermore, it consists of a buffet that includes garnishes of rice plates which include different types of pickles, and a small portion of dressing salad. As every food lover knows, every type of pickle creates a good harmony with rice and whets your appetite. According to our experience, although the salad portion is small, their rice portion is enough to fill your stomach for 5 hours straight which we consider pretty satisfying considering our appetite. As of the time we are writing this, the price of chicken and rice is 60 TL for one portion and one-and-half portion for 85 TL. Also for the Kavurma option, one portion has a price of 140 TL and the one-and-half portion is 210 TL.
Thanks to its small design and sincere ambiance and also acceptable prices considering today’s condition, the restaurant has high demand from its customers. Pilavcı Bekir serves from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM to its rice lovers. When we were there around 7 PM the place was already crowded but we were lucky enough to find a spot. After us, a line started to form just like what happened in Kanatçı Tarık and there were many people who were waiting to experience this taste. In addition, its unrivaled taste of having no franchise of Pilavcı Bekir also makes it more special and preferable for people which increases their curiosity about the flavor. So, if you are in the Tunus area and looking to eat something great, give Pilavcı Bekir Usta a visit!
Pilavcı Bekir has a menu that shapes rice with different flavors which are kavurma, chicken, and ciğer representing Turkish palatal delight. Rice with chicken (tavuklu pilav) is the signature dish of the restaurant. Especially meat, after that chicken is an indispensable part of Turkish cuisine. While serving them with rice, they won’t forget to add chickpeas to make it more delicious. Furthermore, it consists of a buffet that includes garnishes of rice plates which include different types of pickles, and a small portion of dressing salad. As every food lover knows, every type of pickle creates a good harmony with rice and whets your appetite. According to our experience, although the salad portion is small, their rice portion is enough to fill your stomach for 5 hours straight which we consider pretty satisfying considering our appetite. As of the time we are writing this, the price of chicken and rice is 60 TL for one portion and one-and-half portion for 85 TL. Also for the Kavurma option, one portion has a price of 140 TL and the one-and-half portion is 210 TL.
Thanks to its small design and sincere ambiance and also acceptable prices considering today’s condition, the restaurant has high demand from its customers. Pilavcı Bekir serves from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM to its rice lovers. When we were there around 7 PM the place was already crowded but we were lucky enough to find a spot. After us, a line started to form just like what happened in Kanatçı Tarık and there were many people who were waiting to experience this taste. In addition, its unrivaled taste of having no franchise of Pilavcı Bekir also makes it more special and preferable for people which increases their curiosity about the flavor. So, if you are in the Tunus area and looking to eat something great, give Pilavcı Bekir Usta a visit!
Our Rating:
Speed: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Taste: 😋 😋 😋 😋 😋
Price: 💰
Speed: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Taste: 😋 😋 😋 😋 😋
Price: 💰
4. Kokoreççi Berat Usta – It’s Time for Koko
Imagine walking down a street filled with shabby-looking eateries, each boasting its own culinary delights. Among the vibrant sights and sounds of Ankara’s bustling food scene, there is one street food that stands out: kokoreç. It’s a dish so beloved that it’s impossible to imagine the city’s culinary landscape without it. From late-night cravings to lunchtime munchies, visiting a kokoreççi is always a good idea. And when it comes to the best of the best, Kokoreççi Berat Usta in Öveçler is a must-visit destination. Despite its shabby exterior, Kokoreççi Berat Usta is a warm and welcoming place, thanks in large part to its friendly and hospitable owner, Berat Usta. The lack of fancy decor is intentional; Berat Usta believes that taste and quality should take priority over aesthetics. And with some of the best kokoreç in Ankara, it’s clear that he’s on to something.
Berat Usta’s kokoreç is unique in that it hails from the İzmir and Balıkesir regions, which means it differs slightly from the classic Ankara version. Made from lamb and chopped into larger pieces than traditional kokoreç, Berat Usta’s version is less spicy, allowing the natural flavor of the meat to shine through. The result is a softer, more flavorful dish that’s sure to leave you craving more. Another alternative that captivates us with its smell is the Atom. Atom is the classic kokoreç which is marinated with special sauce. But kokoreç isn’t the only dish on the menu at Kokoreççi Berat Usta. For those who prefer something a bit different, there are meatballs that are just as delicious and made with the same high-quality meat. And to accompany your meal, you can’t go wrong with stuffed mussels and the restaurant’s delicious pickles and pickled hot peppers.
With prices that are comparable to its competitors, Kokoreççi Berat Usta is a must-visit for anyone who loves kokoreç. The dish itself is priced at 95 TL, while the meatballs cost 80 TL and the stuffed mussels are 5 TL per mussel. Beverages include ayran and cola, both priced at 20 TL. Due to its popularity, we recommend visiting Kokoreççi Berat Usta after business hours to avoid the crowds and to find parking more easily. Once you’ve tasted the kokoreç and experienced the warm hospitality of Berat Usta, we’re sure you’ll want to become a regular. After all, when it comes to street food in Ankara, there are few places that can match the flavor and quality of Kokoreççi Berat Usta.
Berat Usta’s kokoreç is unique in that it hails from the İzmir and Balıkesir regions, which means it differs slightly from the classic Ankara version. Made from lamb and chopped into larger pieces than traditional kokoreç, Berat Usta’s version is less spicy, allowing the natural flavor of the meat to shine through. The result is a softer, more flavorful dish that’s sure to leave you craving more. Another alternative that captivates us with its smell is the Atom. Atom is the classic kokoreç which is marinated with special sauce. But kokoreç isn’t the only dish on the menu at Kokoreççi Berat Usta. For those who prefer something a bit different, there are meatballs that are just as delicious and made with the same high-quality meat. And to accompany your meal, you can’t go wrong with stuffed mussels and the restaurant’s delicious pickles and pickled hot peppers.
With prices that are comparable to its competitors, Kokoreççi Berat Usta is a must-visit for anyone who loves kokoreç. The dish itself is priced at 95 TL, while the meatballs cost 80 TL and the stuffed mussels are 5 TL per mussel. Beverages include ayran and cola, both priced at 20 TL. Due to its popularity, we recommend visiting Kokoreççi Berat Usta after business hours to avoid the crowds and to find parking more easily. Once you’ve tasted the kokoreç and experienced the warm hospitality of Berat Usta, we’re sure you’ll want to become a regular. After all, when it comes to street food in Ankara, there are few places that can match the flavor and quality of Kokoreççi Berat Usta.
Our Rating:
Speed: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Taste: 😋 😋 😋 😋
Price: 💰
Speed: ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Taste: 😋 😋 😋 😋
Price: 💰
