I think we can all agree that £14.90 for a two-course Turkish meal is a bit of a bargain. That’s what’s on offer at Bury St Edmunds Turkish restaurant The Sheesh on weekdays. Served between 12pm and 4pm, their lunch deal is not only incredible value, but also delicious. I recently treated the six-year old during a trip into town.
The restaurant was disappointingly quiet when we went – surprising during the school holidays. Located on Risbygate Street, they’re a little out of the town centre, so unlikely to be stumbled across by tourists. They’ve just joined Instagram, though, so hopefully a bit more promo will give them the custom they deserve.
Walk in and you’ll spot various kebabs piled high in the chiller counter, ready to cook over charcoal. The team greeted us with a smile and that sense of warmth and hospitality continued throughout our visit.
Inside The Sheesh, the mirrored walls at one end make the place look bigger. It’s pretty smartly decorated, with images of Turkey and Turkish music playing softly through the speakers.
We started with drinks: a Fanta for him, a Diet Coke for me, both priced at £3.50 and served in glass bottles (which always taste better!), before turning our attentions to the menu.
On weekday lunchtimes you can enjoy one starter and one main for £14.90 – including both meat-based and vegetarian options. We opted for the sigara boregi to start and the chicken shish for the main. We also ordered a portion of their beetroot tarator as an extra, as my son’s obsessed with the stuff.
The beetroot tarator (£6.90)…well, just look at that colour! It tasted as good as it looked, the earthy flavour of the beetroot mingling with plenty of dill to create an incredibly moreish dip.
It came with a big basket of fresh, warm bread. Nicely seasoned, some pieces were thin and crispy, some dense and chewy – and all perfect for scooping up that dip.
The stand-out dish for me was the sigara boregi: two crisp pastries filled with a mixture of halloumi, feta, spinach and herbs. The pastry itself was super light and crispy, letting the flavours of the filling shine through. The balance between the cheeses, spinach and herbs was beautiful – and there was no need for the sweet chilli sauce that accompanied them.
The chicken shish was beautifully tender and juicy, with a lovely charred flavour from the grill on the outside. It came with a mound of buttery rice and vegetable-laden bulgur, plus a tasty salad that combined both fresh and pickled ingredients.
Bury St Edmunds is pretty light on Turkish restaurants, but The Sheesh definitely hits the spot. They’ve got plenty more to offer beyond their great value lunchtime menu, and I’m keen to head back one evening to try out more of their offering. If you’re a fan of Turkish flavours, I definitely recommend a visit.