Rubin Mardini Turkish Cuisine in Penang

We had an exciting new find over the weekend, a Turkish restaurant that is.

Rubin Mardini is probably the one and only Turkish restaurant in Penang, opened since the beginning of this year. Restaurant owner cum chef, Halil Duzgun who is also an avid backpacker hailed from the historic province of Mardin in Southeastern Turkey, which explains the name of the restaurant. He runs the restaurant with his Malaysian wife.

We were quick to order the Chicken and Lamb Shish Kebab sets which is meat grilled on skewers.

Traditionally shish kebab is made with lamb and I have to say the lamb kebab was definitely a great pick. The lamb meat was very well marinated with spices and hubs just couldn’t get enough of the juicy and tender lamb meat.

The set is served with Turkish pilaf rice, fries, roast vegetables, fresh salad with pomegranate sauce and extra olive oil on the side and Turkish flat bread.

We also ordered the highly recommend Mutton Tirshik which is a roasted vegetables stew cooked with mutton. They also serve the chicken alternative of the stew.     

Rubin Mardini serves the famous Turkish dessert i.e. baklava. I like their version of the walnut pistachio baklava which is thin, crispy and not too sweet.

We don’t have photos of the Turkish pizza (Pide) which we ordered to go. That’s another Turkish dish that you should not miss. Turkish pizza has a thin dough and can be ordered plain, with egg or with minced chicken or mutton.  

The lovely meal sure brings back a lot of fond memories of our holiday in Turkey two years ago. Turkey is such a beautiful country with very rich natural reserves. We must have spent at least half an hour chatting with Halil after our meal, reminiscing about the diverse beauty and rich history Turkey.

Rubin Mardini is currently running a promotion on Groupon so don't miss the chance to try the authentic Turkish cuisine. Do check out the restaurant's new menu at their website (link below).

Banana Chocolate Yoghurt Shake

Turkish tea

Baklava

Lamb Shish Kebab set

Chicken Shish Kebab set

Mutton Tirshik

Turkish Coffee

Here are some photos we took of the beautiful sites in Turkey:

Hagia Sophia

Trojan Horse in Troy (Canakkale)

Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia

Pamukkale

Rubin Mardini
Permai 32
12A Lebuh Lembah Permai
Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Penang
info@rubinmardini.com
http://rubinmardini.com

Blue Reef Fish & Chips

Blue Reef has only been opened a little more than five months at Permai 32, Tanjung Bungah.

It serves the traditional beer battered fish and chips and a handful of other western and fusion syled cuisine. The menu is rather limited now but I guess it's excusable as their specialty is fish and chips after all.

Our niece and nephew were immediately given a box of colour pencils each once we were seated

Children drawings on the wall

The setting is simple, neat and cozy

Fish and Chips (RM16)

There is a choice between battered or crumbed. We chose the battered version. The crust was crispy and fish tender. We loved the crispy and slightly thicker chips.

We were told the fish they used was mahi mahi.

Seafood Galore (RM32)

This dish is recommended for two to share given it's huge serving. This platter comes with fish and chips, scallops, prawns and calamari rings. We chose the battered version instead of crumbed. We absolutely loved the prawns and scallops as they were juicy and tender.

Pan Seared Salmon and Mediterranean Coucous and Tomato Confit (RM19)

It was Mother's Day so we also ordered the Mother's Day Weekend Special Menu at RM55 nett per person.

Mother's Day Weekend Special Menu

Starter - Vietnamese Spring Roll with Fresh Salad

The spring roll was fresh with beansprouts, carrot and basil. I loved the strong basil flavour and springy skin.

Soup - Cream of Watercress Soup

This soup was an interesting twist to the Oriental watercress soup.

Main - Herbed Crust Grilled Salmon with Cilantro Mashed Potatoes Served with Bell Pepper and Basil Tomato Confit

The salmon was grilled well and I absolutely loved the mashed potato.

Main - Chicken Ballontine with Caramalized Potatoes served with Lemon Butter Cream Cheese Sauce

This chicken dish turned out to be very good for a restaurant specilizing in seafood cuisine.

Orange & Ginger Creme Brulee Accompanied by Chocolate Orange Brownie with Strawberry Coulis

Home made tartar sauce and malt vinegar

They are currently having a weekday lunch promotion until 12 June 2009.

Picture credits

Featured in local daily

Blue Reef Fish & Chips
Permai 32, No.22 Lebuh Lembah Permai 411200 Tanjung BungahPenang
Tel : 04 8999128
Business Hours : 11.30am - 2.30pm & 6.30pm - 10.30pm (Closed on Monday)