Cennet, Istanbul

Women dressed in traditional costümes sit cross-legged rolling out paper-thin dough and tossing cheese and spinach-filled Gözleme (delicate filo-pastry pancakes) onto hot, flat metal stoves. Several fezzed and vested waiters rush around taking orders from customers seated on bright cushions scattered around low wooden tables. A live band kicks up its heels and patrons are encouraged to dance, in a set up which is unashamedly touristy. However, it's a decent place to try out Anatolian staples such as Gözleme and Manti (the Türkish equivalent of ravioli). The drink of choice here is Ayran, a watered down salted yoghurt drink.

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