Capital Bites: Abra Kebabra in Sanlitun

Just like magic, a new Turkish kebab joint, Adanali Halal Doner House, has materialized at China View in Sanlitun, taking over the downstairs space of Pullman Steak. It’s a cozy brick affair with a handful of tables and a small open kitchen, containing a smoky charcoal grill and a rotating vertical spit.

Currently, only the set menu is available: RMB 88 for Ezogelin soup (a Turkish staple of tomato, bulger and red lentils), a salad of red cabbage, mixed leaves and tomato, a little basket of poppy seed bread, and a beef doner plate (pictured) - juicy meat and cubes of doughy bread, topped with cheese and served in a lake of yoghurt and sour cream. Oh, and rounded off with a (rather dry) Tiramisu.

The food is a little unpolished for now as might be expected for a restaurant barely open a day, but the full menu (featuring a range of kebabs, steaks and other meats) should be available next week. The charming waitress gave us a free dessert of Sütlaç a deliciously sweet, spicy rice pudding served cold.

Hot on the heels is Biteapita, the popular hummus “n” bread house and victim of Super Bar Street’s untimely demise. It’s apparently soon to open in Sanlitun’s Nali Patio in the spot formerly occupied by Kick bar (and the tattoo parlor next door).

What goes around comes around – Peppes is no more. A source told us the restaurant has closed but will remain as a private function space. Close by, Bei at the Opposite House will close in the New Year for several weeks’ renovation.