Musa Dağdeviren is the intrepid food pioneer behind the super successful Ciya. He hails from Gaziantep and has scoured Turkey and culinary hot spots further afield to find the best recipes for his eclectic repertoire of dishes. The menu changes every day, testament to the sheer scope of his visionary cuisine. On a typical day, you will find delicacies from Syria, Georgia, southern Iran and all parts of Turkey featured on the menu.

Expect to find interesting versions of favorite staple dishes, for example stuffed artichoke rather than the usual stuffed pepper, grilled loquats filled with rice and minced meat mixtures or caramelized onions atop the classic dolma. Mr Dağdeviren is also a master of juices, involving tamarind to add a certain je ne sais quoi, and often prepares the popular candied pumpkin which rounds off a typical Turkish meal.

Çiya is to be found on the Asian side of town, which is usually an off-putting factor in deciding on restaurant choice, but even the laziest of European dwellers make the effort to come to Çiya for a decidedly above average meal. The place has kept its original, modest atmosphere while grappling with many hungry and appreciative customers every day. Join the throng.

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