Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı Şaşkınbakkal
An unlimited Aegean-style spread breakfast near Bağdat Avenue, with hot bazlama bread and gözleme refilled at the table.
Before the bread basket goes cold, a fresh one arrives. Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı's motto sums it up: no leaving the table hungry. According to the brand's own story, it began in 1992 in Çeşme on the Aegean coast, in the kitchen of a small stone hotel run by Nurten Tuncer's family. Today it has several branches in Istanbul; on the Asian side it sits in Şaşkınbakkal, close to Bağdat Avenue.
What to order
There is one breakfast menu, and it is unlimited. Bazlama is a thick, soft village flatbread cooked on a griddle. It comes to the table hot and is replaced as you finish it. Alongside are pişi (fried dough), several kinds of gözleme (filled flatbread) and menemen, eggs scrambled with tomato and pepper.
On the cold side you get cheeses, olives, honey with clotted cream (bal-kaymak) and tahini with hazelnuts. The jams are the brand's signature: homemade jams sold under the name Nurten Anne, several of which come to the table. You can buy jars of the ones you like. Extras include simit filled with egg and kavurma (preserved beef) and grilled halloumi.
Visiting tips
The branch is on Noter Street on the Suadiye side, a few minutes' walk from Bağdat Avenue. A walk along the avenue or the seaside park makes a good follow-up.
Since the spread is unlimited, take your time and ask for refills of the hot dishes. Weekends can be busy, so large groups should call ahead. There is a children's menu too.
Check the restaurant's accounts for current opening hours.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Cesme Bazlama Kahvalti in Saskinbakkal?
On Noter Street on the Suadiye side of Kadıköy, a few minutes' walk from Bağdat Avenue.
Is the breakfast unlimited?
Yes. There is one spread breakfast menu, and bread, gözleme and tea are refilled as you go.
Can I buy the jams?
Yes. The homemade jams, sold under the Nurten Anne name, are available in the branches and on the brand's website.