On October 29th, Turkish nationals all over the country celebrated the 90th anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic. In light of the nation’s recent anniversary and celebrations, what better way to seek refuge from Montreal’s cold autumn evenings than by enjoying a homemade meal at Café Replika.
Opened only three months ago by Ozan and Ceren, a young Istanbulite couple, Café Replika serves Turkish dishes inspired by their hometown. Their goal is to bring the salient tastes of Turkey to Montreal, while still adding in their own personal twists.
Ozan finds delight in finding numerous culinary inspirations all throughout the city of Montreal. Montreal, he explained, has the second highest density of restaurants per person in North America, which offers endless culinary experiences and possibilities to those who seek it.
All items on the menu at Café Republika are homemade and quickly prepared on the spot. As a result, Replika has become very popular among students who find comfort in the café’s gustatory delights, spacious tables, large windows, and bright lights.
Ceren is a photographer. A few of her pieces are featured on the café’s walls, along with vintage photographs of her relatives. Thus, Replika manages to tastefully combine this couple’s love for modern culinary precision with graceful aesthetics of the past.
One of the clientele’s favourite dishes is the Simit, one of Istanbul’s most popular street foods.
Simit can be served with either olive tapenade or smoked salmon, and comes accompanied by a delicious roasted red pepper spread, arugula, and feta cheese.
Another favourite item is the Börek, a Turkish phylo stuffed with either Bastourma meat or spinach, both mixed with feta, cheddar and peppers. Ceren and Ozan love Turkish Mezzes (small tapas style dishes), so they never forget to include a few selections on the menu.
Though the choice of mezzes’ varies seasonally, their all-time favourite is the recently featured Midye Dolma (stuffed mussels), also one of Istanbul’s most popular street foods.
Produced by Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi and brought back directly from Turkey, their Turkish coffee is served in delicate porcelain, and comes accompanied by a Turkish delight.
Their iced tea is homemade with ultimate precision, served in a small glass with a striped straw. You’ll find yourself sipping it up and finding ultimate and complete justification for your love for Replika.
Café Replika, 252 Rachel Est
Monday-Friday: 8am-8pm
Saturday-Sunday: 12pm-5pm
WRITTEN BY CARLA MAVADDAT & SOPHIE AUFFRET
PICTURES BY CARLA MAVADDAT & SOPHIE AUFFRET
