Sultan Suleyman Turkish Cuisine Blends Ramadan Traditions with Modern Turkish Flavors
In the spirit of Ottawa's diverse culinary landscape, attention turns to restaurants serving the capital's Muslim community during the holy month of Ramadan. Among them, Sultan Suleyman Turkish Cuisine stands out not only for its Ramadan offerings but for its ambitious approach to Turkish cooking that deserves broader recognition.
Ramadan Specials and Experienced Culinary Leadership
Located in a Carling Avenue strip mall east of Cole Avenue, Sultan Suleyman opened last fall in the space previously occupied by Allo Beirut. The restaurant represents the latest addition to Ottawa's growing collection of Turkish eateries. Chef and co-owner Murat Erturk brings exceptional experience to the kitchen, having cooked for more than twenty-five years in Turkey, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Hungary before arriving in Ottawa over three years ago.
During Ramadan, the restaurant offers specially priced set menus ranging from $25 to $35. Each menu includes traditional red lentil soup, an assortment of dips with bread, a main course, and a dessert. These meals cater specifically to Muslims breaking their fast after sundown during the holy month.
Extensive Menu Highlights and Signature Dishes
The restaurant's comprehensive menu features numerous well-executed options that have impressed diners. The mixed grill for two ($64.49) serves as an excellent introduction to Turkish cuisine, providing a meat-lover's sampler that includes:
- Bowl of lentil soup
- Fresh bread with three dips: house-made hummus, garlicky haydari, and vibrant chopped-vegetable ezme
- Four different kebabs
- Eight cubes of skewered chicken
- Two lamb chops
- Two chicken wings
- Generous portions of shaved doner meat
- Grilled vegetables, rice, and bulgur
Portions prove substantial enough that leftovers typically provide satisfying meals for the following day.
Innovative Creations and Premium Offerings
Beyond traditional favorites, Sultan Suleyman showcases more innovative dishes. The ali nazik ($27.99) presents cubes of tender lamb meat nestled within a luxurious mixture of roasted eggplant puree and garlic-infused yogurt. This dish particularly appeals to those who appreciate the smoky richness of baba ghanoush.
The restaurant's flatbread selection includes the excellent hand-chopped "bisak arasi" meat pide ($22.49) and the slightly more restrained but equally delicious minced beef flatbread ($19.99).
Premium grilled meats distinguish Sultan Suleyman from competitors, with options including beef tenderloin, slow-cooked beef ribs, lamb neck, and rack of lamb. These higher-end selections make the restaurant suitable for special occasions.
New-Generation Kebabs and Future Directions
One particularly intriguing creation is the Sultan Suleyman special platter, which combines adana kebab, roasted eggplant, and mozzarella wrapped in lavash bread, then topped with pistachios and drizzled with butter. This innovative approach may represent what Chef Erturk describes as his ambition to create "new-generation kebabs"—modern interpretations of traditional Turkish grilled meats.
While the restaurant currently focuses on serving Muslim diners during Ramadan, its culinary offerings demonstrate broader appeal. The combination of traditional Turkish cooking techniques with contemporary innovations positions Sultan Suleyman as a noteworthy addition to Ottawa's diverse restaurant scene.
