Sahara is an oasis of good food
Plating delicious food fit for a king (or queen!)
In the last couple years, I have developed a real passion for Mediterranean food. With the cuisine’s flavorful dips and spreads, wide variety of grilled meats, and baklava and other desserts, I love it all. The only problem is that many Mediterranean restaurants end up in one of two categories: fancy and expensive bistros or hole-in-the-wall gyro joints.
Sahara, on the other hand, falls right in the middle. This Turkish restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, have a romantic dinner, or eat a casual lunch—I have done all three.
The restaurant is decorated with expansive murals on the walls, along with large iron chandeliers and arching windows. The bathroom is also covered with a mural, making it by far the nicest restaurant bathroom I’ve ever seen. Additionally, the bathrooms are designated by paintings of a man and woman in traditional Turkish outfits. These images are a big improvement over the usual male and female stick figures. Although they could easily have gone over the top with the décor, Sahara’s interior is tastefully done and really enhances the dining experience.
Although the bathrooms are definitely reason enough to visit Sahara, the main draw is obviously the food. The menu features an extensive list of appetizers. Of these, I would recommend ezme, a spicy and jazzed-up tomato paste, and cacik, yogurt with cucumber, garlic, dill, and mint. All appetizers are served with an unending supply of pita wedges.
Sahara also offers several different salads, including the familiar Greek salad and the not-so-familiar Fattoush salad. The house salad, which comes with any entrée, is a huge plate of romaine lettuce, tomato, and onion flavored with lemon juice and herbs.
As for the entrées, Sahara serves up traditional meaty fare, such as shawarma and kebobs, as well as several fish and vegetarian options. Although I have never been disappointed with any entrée, my favorite is the iskendar kebab, a mountain of sliced lamb covered with tomato sauce and yogurt.
I’m usually stuffed beyond capacity by the end of the meal, but the desserts are definitely worth a try. While baklava is always a favorite, Sahara also offers baked rice pudding and keskul, custard served with pistachios.
I have eaten at Sahara several times already and have no plans to quit. Because of its comprehensive menu, huge and fairly priced portions, and, of course, its wonderful bathrooms, it should be easy to see why Sahara has become a regular destination for me. Give it a try, and you might become a regular too!
Sahara Restaurant
165 Easton Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
saharacafenj.com
