The picture on the left isn't a pizza. Hope that grabbed your attention. Efes restaurant in Shanghai has served authentic and modernized turkish kebabs, lahmacun, and other mouth-watering dishes at Lujiazui for more than 10 years. Receiving multiple Dazhongdianpin awards and with great online reviews, I thought it was a spot worth-trying. Hidden away in a small and cozy outdoor mall, the restaurant boasts an enchanting atmosphere. With welcoming lights and friendly staffs, you will feel right at home. Leave some space for the free - well, technically its included in the price of your meal but don't be that guy - deserts they bring out at the end too!
The exterior of the restaurant is very open and modern with large glass pannel-windows and a smooth wooden frame. Their simple logo is put on bright display with a beaming sign.
Dishes
Complementary bread - 0 rmb
Golden brown on the outside and fluffy on the inside, it's delicious bread that can't go wrong. Dipped into the bitter, acidic olive oil and balsamic combo, the slight sweetness from the bread is balanced out nicely. I could eat this all day - except we have real dishes to move on to.
Traditional eggplant appetizer (patlican salatası) - 55 rmb
An appetizer served cold at Efes, the eggplant is spiced perfectly with the natural flavor of tomato, the acidity of lemon juice and garlic, and some tahini. The green peppers and eggplants were turned into a puree-like texture, but in the most appetizing way.
Turkish Style Homemade Hummus - 55 rmb
With sumac sprinkled on top, the hummus delivers a smooth texture and a nutty taste that isn't overly grainy or overpowering. The oil dressing on top of the hummus gives it that glistening presentation. I recommend getting the hummus with Efe's signature bread - Lavas.
Turkish flatbread (or Lavas) - est. 25 rmb
Pop it open, and you find literally nothing. You could say this flatbread is airy. With blisters from the heat, the patterns on this flatbread almost looks like the moon's craters. It's such a unique experience and its not a gimmick either: the crispy crust pairs very well with any of the appetizer dips.
Combo Kebab Platter - 178 rmb
This is the highlight of the restaurant. It's the one thing you can't walk away without trying. Cubed up pieces of beef and chicken; it seems very unremarkable. When you dip it into the yogurt sauce and take a bite, it changes everything. With a hint of char and flame, it melts in your mouth. Then, the tangy and clean yogurt sauce gets you ready for another bite. My favorite was the beef, but the chicken and lamb are also fabulous.
Baklava - est. 48 rmb/2 pieces
Probably the most iconic desert of Turkey - the baklava. Crispy pastry with a sugary syrup, dusted with pistachio, its better than any generic pastry filled with cream. The warm and crunchy wrapper-like base, topped with a solid block of ice cream, the baklava was very enjoyable at Efes. However, after looking at the reviews online, I would suggest exploring the other desert options at Efes instead of going with the baklava (in my opinion, it was good but it wasn't anything extraordinary).
There's something heartwarming about finishing off a meal with a complementary hot drink. With a sugar cube placed on the side, there's a homey feeling to it The black tea was very good quality as it was not excessively bitter, and was a great finish to a decadent meal!
Complementary Black tea - 0 rmb
Overall Summary:
Let's first recognize that the prizes are expensive - more expensive than other restaurants at this quality in Shanghai. However, we also need to factor in that it is located in Lujiazui, a city center. I would also say its meant for special occasions. Otherwise, the experience is great with accommodating service, complementary drinks and desserts, and authentic Turkish classics. The black tablecloths were also a perfect canvas for photos. While the menu might be a little intimidating at first with unfamiliar items, just give it a go and order a mix of what you know and don't know. Efes' atmosphere is perfect for greeting visiting guests or formal meetings. If you're a kebab enjoyer, you can't miss out!
Address: Lujiazui, 1885 Mall, 1st floor
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