Turkish Neighbourhoods

Dalston and Hackney, E8 and Stoke Newington, N16

The stretch of road between Dalston Kingsland railway station and Stoke Newington Church Street is home to Turkish and Kurdish shops, restaurants, cafés, businesses and services. The Turkish food available here is the most authentic in London, with many regional specialities available that are rarely seen elsewhere.

Look out for a variety of pillow-soft Turkish breads, succulent, expertly-made kebabs, light and tasty mezze and aromatic baklava and other traditional pastries. For some great eating options in the area, check out Istanbul Iskembecisi, Mangal II and 19 Numara Bos Cirrik (34 Stoke Newington High Street).

Transport: Dalston Kingsland or Stoke Newington rail

Green Lanes, Haringey, N4 and Newington Green, N16

Stretching from Newington Green in the south to Palmer's Green in the north, this was once a predominantly Cypriot area, with a mixture of Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot communities and businesses (which sit side by side to this day). However, Green Lanes has been changing in recent years. Many newer Turkish immigrants - including Kurds from the south-east - have been settling in the area. As a result, there are plenty of cheap and cheerful ocakbasi (open charcoal grill) eateries, many of which are unlicensed (you can bring your own alcohol) and open 24 hours a day.

Green Lanes is also a marvellous place to buy high quality fruits and vegetables, fresh green nuts in their pods, enormous bunches of fragrant dill, mint and coriander, freshly baked breads and pastries, and halal meat. Many of the shops also stock large piles of beans and rice, and buckets filled with homemade cheeses, pickles and olives.

Transport: Manor House Tube/Canonbury rail