Pide is Turkish pizza, but of course don’t tell a Turkish person that. Pizza is the Italian Pide! Jokes aside though, Pide is a dish that is rightfully belonging to its own category. It is toppings on fresh dough that is baked in wood-fired oven in high temperatures and it comes in a very unique boat shaped end result as opposed to the typical pizza look. You’ll find Turkish restaurants serving Pide on their menu, but I’d encourage you to try it from Pide specific restaurants and there are a few in the capital.
ÖzAntepliler
ÖzAntepliler is a Pide spot in a hidden corner of Enfield London. This hidden cluster is full of some real Turkish gems and from them is this super popular Pide spot. As we ordered and stood there, customers were popping in continuously either to dine in or to take away. The front of the shop is the famous big wood-fire oven that is used to bake the bread and Pide. And the back is where the seating is. Like typical Pide spots, they have a simple menu consisting of Pide, Lahmacun (which is circular in shape, thinner and has minced lamb on it) and an aspect that is slept on in such spots is Sutlac for dessert, that is the Turkish rice pudding. A must! Anyway, back to the Pide. The Pide offerings are many and they differ essentially in terms of the toppings. The toppings range from minced meat, sausage, cheese, spinach and vegetables. I would recommend the minced meat and cheese combo or the spinach and cheese combo.
Our experience
We just wanted to take away the Pide here. So, upon entering we were greeted with smiles and nice words. However, there did seem to be somewhat of a language barrier as they needed to double check our simple order quite a few times. We wanted to video them making the Pide and so asked for permission and even though they gave it, they kept looking at us in a curious manner. The men are the bakers here and the two women are the ones who greet the customers, take the orders and seat them. We found it strange that the two women felt the urge and need to stand right there at the front door / oven/bakery counter (from where I wanted to video) even though there was no obvious need at times. We kept getting in each others ways and so eventually we just sat down (well they actually told us to sit down). Nonetheless, this is their place of work and we must respect that, so it’s calm.
Let’s talk about the all important taste though. We took it away and because we were very full (we ate at other restaurants in the area) we didn’t have the Pide until the following day. But when we did have it, it tasted like the best Pide we have had so far in London! We were so amazed at how good it was! It was much better than the one we tried on Green Lanes. The quality of the bread was so good; it tasted like it was fresh out the oven. And the minced meat and cheese (even though we asked for garlic sausage and cheese) tasted exceptional. Our only issue was why didn’t we get more!?!?
Getting there:
Parking: The road round the corner from the restaurant (Brick Ln, Enfield EN3 5BA) has unmarked parking spots (free parking). Other than that most roads are Sundays and Weekends free.
Nearest Mosque: Palmers Green Mosque is a bit far (15 minute drive), but I think the closest one with female facilities unfortunately. Enfield Islamic Centre is closer (4 minute drive).
Nearest station: Southbury
