Easily considered one of the most varied cuisines in the world, Turkish food is rich in both flavor and history. It’s a cuisine, much like French and Italian food, that boasts little to no weaknesses. Whether you’re talking meze (appetizer), kebab or dondurma (ice cream), it’s a glorious gastronomic occasion in our eyes (and bellies).

Here in Guangzhou, there are two Turkish eateries that have raised the city’s F&B scene to new heights – and both are easily considered must-visit food destinations for anyone with an appetite.

Below, we introduce these foodie havens to our dear readers and explain their allure – plain and simple.

Mado 

Image provided by Mado

Mado is your one-stop shop for all things ‘turklicious’ – and if that’s not a word than it should be! The eatery is far more than you’d expect, offering patrons specialty Turkish dishes, baked goods, desserts and, by our assessment, some of the tastiest ice cream in town. Their handmade, imported ice cream is a major reason why the Turkish franchise – which dates back to 1850 – has enjoyed immense success in China.

Image via That’s

Within the last five months, Mado has upgraded their menu to include a wider range of delightful eats that will simply make your mouth water uncontrollably. One thing that stands out above all else: The freshness of the meats and vegetables in every dish. Think free range lamb and fresh Turkish vegetables, herbs and spices, culminating in the ultimate dish.

Image provided by Mado

Their main branch in Taojin is three stories, but fills up quickly as hungry patrons come from all around town to enjoy a meal. Mado also has two new locations for residents living in Baiyun and Panyu, meaning everyone is assured a top-quality Turkish meal regardless of where in Canton they reside. Mado also recently expanded to Yiwu city in Zhejiang province, and hopefully many more Chinese cities in the years to come.

See listings for Mado near the bottom of the article.

Sultan Restaurant Turkish BBQ

Image provided by Sultan

As the longest-tenured Turkish restaurant in Guangzhou, Sultan is practically a household name for expats in the city. Established in 2005, Sultan has two locations – off Huanshi Dong Lu in Taojin and Liede’s Xingsheng Lu – that have earned a sterling reputation over the years for their delectable eats. 

Image via That’s

From their savory soups and breads to flavorful meat kebabs and shawarmas, it’s a foodie’s paradise with authentic and fresh ingredients perfectly combined to create an unforgettable meal. It’s no wonder that many of their customers, whether they live across the street or the globe – always come back for more.

See listings for Sultan at the bottom of the article.

Mado Listings

See listing for Mado (Taojin central branch).
See listing for Mado (Baiyun branch).
See listing for Mado (Panyu branch).
See listing for Mado (Yiwu branch).

Sultan Listings

See listing for Sultan Restaurant Turkish BBQ (Xingsheng Lu branch).
See listing for Sultan Restaurant Turkish BBQ (Taojin branch).
See listing for Sultan Restaurant Turkish BBQ (Yiwu branch).

[Cover image via Pixabay]