Istanbul on King is a rather nondescript shop front on a corner block on King Street in Newtown. While the bulk of its customers seem to buy food for takeaway there are a couple seats further into the back of the shop for those who need somewhere to eat. It’s furnished in Persian colours and rugs, as well as some historical prints. It’s really not too shabby.
I had the chicken burger on K’s recommendation. I’m not much of a chilli person so passed on the chilli sauce. The burger bun itself is made fresh in store I’m told. And it shows – the surface of the bun is deliciously crispy while the innards are soft and fragrant like you’d expect of bread out of the oven.
The chicken was tender and juicy too. I’m rather terrified of dry, stringy chicken breast – the texture gave me the chills, weird I know – so ordering chicken without knowing what part of the chicken it is, is a gamble. Coated in some melted cheese and a bit of lettuce and it was a rather tasty burger even during the hot weather.
Istanbul on King is located at 159 King Street, Newtown NSW 2042.