Turks Eetcafe Kilim

Have you ever woken up the day after you’ve had a bad dining experience and you’re still mad at yourself for eating somewhere? That’s what is happening to me right now. We went to Kilim for dinner last night. We had reservations for 6:30pm but I was in the neighborhood and had nothing else to do so decided I’d go in and have a glass of wine while I waited for my dinner companion. I arrived at 6pm and had trouble opening the door because I injured my back and it was stuck. I thought they might have been closed at first because I couldn’t see anyone in there (this is a good sign to stay away — I’ve walked by the place 100 times and always assumed it was closed because nobody was in there). But then a worker saw me and came to open the door. He was obviously annoyed with me at that point and laughed at me with another man. So, I already felt stupid. He sat me in the back corner and never returned. For 30 minutes. Once my dining companion arrived, he came and was on his game. Well, expect that we ordered two glasses of white wine and he brought red. After changing to white, we ordered our food and it was out in 2 minutes. The food was fine. Nothing I’d ever return for. I’ve had better at many places with much better service. In fact, the only place I’ve had worse service in Amsterdam is Sonny Falafel. So I won’t be returning. Obviously. And I don’t recommend that you waste your money here either. Orontes has good service and good food and is nearby!

Wonderful turkish mezze (‘tapas’) and meals, quick, tasteful and as healthy or unhealthy as you want… We (2p) ordered mezze for 1, and two warm starters: kalamar tava (fried squid or calamari) and Ispanak pogaça böregi (pastry with spinach). Next to this, we ordered one main dish prepared in the oven: tender pieces of veal with a mousse of aubergine and tomato sauce, all being served almost at the same time. With the mezze (humus, baba ganoush and two other delicious ‘thingies’ to eat with bread), the two starters and one main course it was more than enough for two, and a very nice combination to try some different things, although we kind of ordered randomly. It was very good, service great and I almost felt like I was in Turkey in one of the better restaurants. Will visit again!

If you want to more about Dutch immigrant cultures, this Turkish restaurant in the trendy Pijp area is a must. The owner has been here for over thirty years and his daughter, Karsu, is an internationally known Dutch jazz singer. A very affordable and friendly place, with a lovely atmosphere. Especially suitable for vegegarians, ask for their mezes, a mixed portion of snacks. I felt their Sigaraböregi, Turkish cheese in though, was way to salty, and wasn’t a fan of their Russian salad either, but loved their spicy vegetable spread and spinach boreki, small spinanch pastry.