I can’t say I’m particularly familiar with Anthony Bourdian, when Ludo and Max first mentioned him I assumed they were talking about Pierre Bourdieu, the French Sociologist, who professionally at least, was more concerned with cultural capital rather than lamb kebabs.

We, however, are definitely much more interested in kebabs so it would have been rude for us to not visit a place that Bourdian described as having some of the best wraps in Istanbul.

We took a seat outside on the corner of the road, only partially covered from the blistering afternoon sun and within 2.7 seconds (rounded up) the guy working there was towering over us ready to take our order. Ludo had run off to find a loo and feeling mildly flustered by the speed at which we had to decide, we ordered two wraps for 170 L each. Not bad. 

We managed to move out of the sun after Ludo returned but remained under the watchful eye of both the staff and the slightly haunting images of Bourdain that lingered on the side of the building.

In what felt like no time our wraps arrived, a lack of veggie options meant Max would have to wait for some food but we were excited nonetheless.

I’m not actually sure whether there was lamb or beef inside the wrap but it was delicious, the wrap was crispy and firm. Not too big nor too small, the spices blended together for a little more of a kick than some other food we sampled. Delightful.

The veg and the sauce really made it for me. I could see the picture of Tony eyeing up my wrap but he wouldn’t have had a chance to get near it.

After finishing our wraps we peered around the door to see where the magic happens. We watched as the chef expertly put them together. The level of precision was almost an art form. I don’t remember seeing a performance this impressive in Turkey since watching Joe Morrell in 2023.

Feeling full and refreshed we were ready to find Max some food and see more of the capital and culture (no not that Pierre) to make the most of my brief visit.