If you’ve ever wandered the multicultural streets of Itaewon, you already know it feels like holding a passport to places around the world, especially through their food. Among the many international dishes you’ll find in Itaewon, Turkish cuisine stands out with bold flavors and rich spices! Rooted in Mediterranean tradition and Central Asian heritage, it is more than just a cuisine but a cultural bridge between East and West.

Here’s how I enjoyed my Turkish food journey in the heart of Itaewon without ever leaving Korea!

Kervan - Authentic Turkish restaurant in Itaewon

Every time I visit Seoul with my husband Ryan, it’s almost tradition for us to head to Itaewon. For my husband, a true Turkish food lover, Itaewon is like a dream come true where he can hunt for new Turkish dishes. This time, I found a spot with the best reviews that I hoped would impress us both.

As soon as I stepped into Kervan, it almost felt I’d left Korea for a moment. Surrounded by colorful tiles, mosaic lanterns, Turkish music and the aroma of flavorful spices, the atmosphere instantly made me feel like walking into a cozy, busy restaurant in Istanbul. It didn’t take long to realize that we finally found the first Turkish restaurant in Korea that truly hit the mark for both of us!

The menu includes a wide selection of Turkish favorites like kebabs, grilled meats, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). As most dishes were authentic Turkish plates, it was hard to recognize many of the names. Thankfully, the menu was clearly written in both Korean and English with ingredient descriptions. Whether you’re new to Turkish food, vegetarian, or seeking halal options, it’s easy to find a perfect dish that suits your taste.

They also had great starters like a Mediterranean-style Greek avocado salad and creamy hummus. But for my meat-loving husband, I let him choose Sac Kavurma—a lamb dish braised with onions, tomatoes, and peppers and a mixed Turkish BBQ set.

The set came with fresh Turkish bread, warm soup, and a drink—either soda or Ayran, a traditional salty yogurt beverage. I asked the waiter if Ayran would taste okay for foreigners like us. He smiled and said, “You’ll find out only when you try.” I asked my brave husband to try Ayran while I ordered soda. A bit strong for us, the ayran was the only part of the meal we didn’t finish.

We did, however, devour the sac kayurma. If you enjoy lamb, you must try it. The tender lamb pieces were deliciously soaked in tomato-based broth. We started wrapping mouthfuls of the juicy lamb with soft lavash bread, just the way my husband loves. That moment was a genuine Turkish experience. Later, as I insisted, we mixed Turkish fried rice with the warm, savory leftover broth. The fusion of western and Asian flavors was incredible and delicious.

The assorted Turkish BBQ was even more impressive––a flavorful platter of five kinds of grilled meat served with fried potatoes. Each bite, whether lamb, chicken, or beef, was tender, smoky, and perfectly seasoned. It was a large dish, but once we wrapped them in lavash bread with a spoonful of tzatziki (yogurt sauce), it disappeared in no time. It was a bite of heaven!

The restaurant also serves a variety of delightful Turkish desserts like Kaymak, a thick and clotted cream served with honey. You can enjoy it there after your meal or take some home.

Kervan is perfect for date nights, friend or family gatherings or anyone curious about an authentic Turkish experience — no passport required. What makes this place so special is the Turkish chefs truly bring the heart of their homeland to every dish. My husband is still dreaming of their Turkish BBQ platter. Just make sure to come hungry and bring someone to share with because they have many good options!

• Address: 192 Itaewon-ro, Youngsan-gu, Seoul or near Line 6. Itaewon Station Exit 3

• NAVER MAP: https://naver.me/5XJIv8eu

• Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 a.m. (next day) – year-round

• Prices for two: Approximately 40,000–70,000 won

Alpedo – Turkish bakery and café

Our Turkish food journey wasn’t complete we finished dessert time at Alpedo, a beloved Turkish bakery and café just a short walk from Kervan. This café truly felt like discovering a hidden gem in a small Istanbul alley.

Beautifully filled with the scent of honey and an array of sweets, cakes and pastries, Alpedo is a feast for the eyes. They looked not only delightful but also uniquely exotic. Many items were very affordable, priced around 1,000 won to 3,000 won which was also an exciting part.

Before entering the shop, we promised ourselves that we’d order only one small item as we were so full from the big Kervan meal. However, when we stepped into this dreamy dessert spot, we couldn’t help but said, “Maybe we can take it to go if we can’t finish.” In the end, we left the café with empty hands but dangerously full bellies.

The café’s pre-packed cookies looked perfect for gifting or enjoying at home. It’s easy to see why many locals and Turkish people in Seoul stop by to grab their favorite sweets.

One of the must-try items at Alpedo is baklava, a sweet, crispy pastry made of thin layers of phyllo dough, filled with pistachios or walnuts soaked in honey or syrup. Make sure to grab a free sample of baklava that is sure to entice you to purchase some more treats. Kaymak, a clotted cream dessert served with honey and bread, is another dessert at Alpedo and reason why there’s always a long line at peak time.

Alpedo’s Turkish coffee, brewed over hot sand and served with a piece of Turkish delight, a sweet confection, wasn’t just a simple drink. It was more like a cultural experience. Watching the brewing process in the traditional way was both fascinating and fun!

Please note that Turkish desserts tend to be on the sweeter side, so they may not suit everyone’s taste. But if you enjoy rich, exotic treats that bring a taste of another culture, Alpedo is a fantastic spot to end your Turkish food journey!

• Address: 174 Itaewon-ro, Youngsan-gu, Seoul or near Line 6. Itaewon Station Exit 4, NAVER MAP: https://naver.me/G4WoL3kd

• Hours: Open 24 hours daily (year-round)

• Prices: Cookies and pastries 1,000 won–10,000 won / Beverages: 2,500 won–8.000 won

USAG Yongsan

Turkish

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