Discover Bade Turkish Restaurant: Where Modern Elegance Meets Authentic Turkish Flavors
London is home to a dizzying array of cuisines, making it a paradise for food lovers. Recently, I had the pleasure of trying Ethiopian and Somalian cuisines during the London African Food Week, where bold flavours and unique dishes took centre stage. Inspired by this gastronomic adventure, I felt it was time to delve into another rich culinary tradition.
This time, my taste buds were set on discovering Turkish cuisine, and what better place to start than at a highly recommended spot just outside the bustle of the capital?
Enter Bade Turkish Restaurant in Teddington.
Address and Opening Hours
If you think Teddington isn’t the place for Turkish cuisine, think again! Nestled in this charming South West London suburb, Bade Turkish Restaurant is here to change your mind and tantalize your taste buds.
Located right on the High Street and very close to the Landmark Arts Centre (as well as a brisk walk away from the National Trust Ham House and Garden), Bade is ideally situated for both locals and visitors.
You can find them at 122 High St, Teddington TW11 8JB and they are open 12-11 PM Monday to Saturday and 12-9.30 PM on Sundays.
First Impressions: Ambiance and Decor
From the outside, Bade Restaurant doesn’t quite look like your usual local Turkish.
Big glass front, white cloth tables, and a bar that screams sophistication — it’s enough to make you wonder if you’re underdressed. But don’t let that fool you into thinking you need to wear your Sunday best. Inside, it’s modern and elegant but with a chill vibe that’s perfect for a laid-back dining experience.
Stepping into Bade, you immediately notice the chic and Instagram-worthy decor. Think pastel colours, flower corners, and pink velvet seats reminiscent of the old Sketch Gallery style creating an inviting yet elegant setting; perfect for snapping a few pics before you dive into your meal!
It’s the kind of place where you can feel fancy without having to act fancy, which is a win in my book.
And here’s a quirky tidbit: Almost the whole time we were there, they were playing music from The Sims! Yes, you read that right, as in the game! When we asked our waitress about it, she confirmed and said she loved it — proving yet again that the restaurant isn’t as serious as it looks on the outside, in the best way possible!
Service
Arriving on a lazy Saturday afternoon, when only one other table was occupied, we were greeted with friendly smiles and seated immediately. Quick service might have been due to the downtime, but hey, we’ll take it!
The staff were accommodating and quick to serve, making us feel right at home! in fact, as soon as we sat down, we were greeted with warm, fresh lavash bread (which they charmingly call bubble bread), served with butter and curd cheese. This delightful starter set the tone for what was to come and added a homey touch that made us feel instantly welcome.
A special shoutout also to the kitchen for allowing us to swap some of the mezes — nothing beats a menu that bends to your whims!
The Menu at Bade Turkish Restaurant
Now, onto the main event — the food.
We started with a selection of cold and hot starters to share among three people. The portion sizes were perfect for sharing, and everything was incredibly fresh.
Cold Starters
Our mixed cold starter platter was a delightful array of hummus, cacık (which we swapped for haydari), babaganoush, tarama, and tabbouleh.
The hummus was creamy and smooth, with a perfect balance of garlic and lemon that danced on the palate. The cacık, which we swapped for haydari, was the ideal complement to the richness of the hummus. Together, they formed a satisfying and light duo, preparing our taste buds for what was to come.
The babaganoush was smoky and rich from the roasted eggplant, while the tarama, a fish roe spread, added a briny note that was unexpected yet delightful (but perhaps should’ve been the one we swapped instead of cacık).
The tabbouleh was a fresh and zesty mix of parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur, with a tangy lemon dressing that tied everything together. It was a refreshing palate cleanser between the richer dips and set the stage perfectly for the hot starters.
Hot Starters
The hot mixed starter was equally impressive, featuring sucuk, börek, falafel, and halloumi.
The sucuk, a spicy Turkish sausage, delivered a delightful explosion of spices that warmed the soul with each bite. The börek, a flaky pastry filled with cheese, was golden and crispy, providing a contrast in texture that was highly enjoyable.
The falafel, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, was seasoned to perfection. Paired with the grilled halloumi, which was salty and slightly chewy, this combination was a highlight of the hot starters.
I also ordered içli köfte. While not the best ever I’ve ever had, it was a strong contender in the flavour department with its crispy exterior and savoury filling.
We paired our starters with a bottle of Turkish wine — Villa Doluca with beautiful Narince grapes, which was as lovely as a summer’s day. The wine had a light, crisp flavour that complemented the starters perfectly.
Mains
When it came to the mains, Bade really flexed its culinary muscles.
The yoghurt kebab with succulent lamb on a bed of pide? Absolutely divine! If the gods of Mount Olympus had a BBQ, this would be on the menu. The lamb was tender and flavorful, and the yoghurt sauce added a tangy kick that elevated the dish to a whole new level. Every bite was a burst of flavour, making it clear why this dish is a staple in Turkish cuisine.
The lamb shank? A total showstopper, with a portion size that could feed a small village and meat that fell off the bone with a mere glance! It was served with a side of buttery mashed potatoes, which absorbed the gravy beautifully, adding a creamy texture to each bite.
The beyti, minced meat, wrapped in a thin layer of pastry and grilled, was flavorful and juicy. It was served with a tangy tomato sauce, which complemented the meat nicely. Although it didn’t quite reach the heights of the other mains, it was still a solid choice for those looking for something a bit different.
Desserts
Sadly, we had no room left for dessert (I know, a first for us, right?!), but if the starters and mains are anything to go by, we’ll definitely be back with a bigger appetite.
The dessert menu looked tempting, with options like künefe and baklava, some of our absolute favourites. Based on the exceptional quality of both starters and mains, I have no doubt that these desserts would be equally amazing. I’ve got my eye on those for the next visit!
Overall Experience
Whether you are looking for a place for family dinners, romantic dates, or even larger gatherings, Bade Turkish Restaurant Teddington has you covered!
Its welcoming ambience, excellent service, and delicious food make it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy an authentic Turkish meal with an upgrade from takeaway to a sit-down feast. Or just anyone looking to dine at one of the best restaurants in Teddington.
And sure, it may not be the cheapest place in town, but the experience is worth every penny!
And here’s a bonus for pet owners: pooches are welcome! Bring your doggie bowl, and the staff will gladly fill it up. It’s not every day you find a restaurant that caters to your furry friends as well.
So next time you’re in Teddington, and your stomach starts rumbling, head over to Bade. Your taste buds will thank you, and who knows, you might just find your new favourite spot!
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