Diners are a part of American food culture. Taking their name from a train’s dining car, these establishments resemble wagons with a counter, bar stools and open kitchen. Generally patronized by members of the working class, diners are becoming more and more popular among all demographics because they serve food until the late hours.

Though it is home to many foreign restaurants, Istanbul has been lacking a diner, a real one that serves the same kind of delicious hamburgers American diners do. Last month, a diner that perfectly fit this concept opened its doors in Istanbul’s chic Nişantaşı neighborhood. Located behind the Teşvikiye Mosque, Egg&Burger is a typical American-style diner opened by a Turkish couple, Zeki and Simla Anlağan, who both love hamburgers.

Zeki Anlağan has worked in the food industry in Turkey for more than 15 years. After he quit his job at a big company, the couple decided to open their own place. The interior of Egg&Burger is pretty small, just like the diners in America, and dominated by the color red. There are a few tables in front of the small counter, which is decorated with metallic colors and topped with various pies. The one thing missing is a jukebox.

The menu offers a large variety of food, including salads, pastas, breakfast dishes and hamburgers. The breakfast and hamburger selections make you feel as if you are in America because there are options with bacon as well as ones for vegetarians. Egg&Burger offers eight different types of hamburgers. Zeki Anlağan said he changed the place where he buys meat because most of them can’t provide the amount of fresh meat he needs. There is no special sauce for the hamburgers, but ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, Tabasco sauce and sweet and sour pickles are all available.

The hamburgers come with tasty French fries that are produced with a special machine. They are not served on the side, however, but put inside the burger. Another house specialty is the burger with egg. Anlağan said most customers order the classic hamburger and cheeseburger. But the vegetarian burger is one of the most delicious ones. Prices range between 14 and 25 Turkish Liras. For the full diner experience, skip the Coke and order a milkshake instead.

Egg&Burger opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. Try to leave some room for dessert, accompanied by filter coffee.



Article & Photo from: Daily News - www.hurriyetdailynews.com