After posting about my oregano and thyme translation drama yesterday, I sought out the help of the Expat world in Turkey and posted on one of the expat pages.
I was informed that in fact that correct translation for oregano is "güveyotu".
Oregano is not very common in Turkey and Wikipedia even reports that thyme is most commonly used in Turkish cuisine.
If you are in search of it, I believe you can find it possibly at Mısır Çarşı, the Egyptian Spice Market, in Eminönü.
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Lost in translation
On a recent trip to the Şişli Organik Pazarı, my friend and I discovered the translation confusion or lack of translation for two common herbs; Oregano and Thyme.
In the dictionary both translate to "kekik" in Turkish, but, as us native speakers and foodie people know, they are two very different herbs.
According to Wikipedia, thyme is a basic ingredient in Turkish food, but it doesn't say the same for oregano, which is common in Greek, Spanish and Italian cooking.
I was told by someone that oregano is not common in Turkey and very hard to find, so kekik is in fact the word for thyme.
So what about when I see the name in English on a pack of kekik as "oregano"? Does this mean that it's thyme?
Does anyone have the answer to this culinary question?
In the dictionary both translate to "kekik" in Turkish, but, as us native speakers and foodie people know, they are two very different herbs.
According to Wikipedia, thyme is a basic ingredient in Turkish food, but it doesn't say the same for oregano, which is common in Greek, Spanish and Italian cooking.
I was told by someone that oregano is not common in Turkey and very hard to find, so kekik is in fact the word for thyme.
So what about when I see the name in English on a pack of kekik as "oregano"? Does this mean that it's thyme?
Does anyone have the answer to this culinary question?
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Monday, 15 June 2009
The map to nowhere
On Saturday I set out to find the Şişli Organik Pazarı in an area of Istanbul I hadn't visited before. I went along with my heavily pregnant friend Jade.
I thought from a map a friend had drawn that it would be fairly straightforward to find. Jade also had a map from the internet which seemed to point us in the same direction. So, with maps in hand, we envisaged we would be there in about 15 minutes. So off we went.
But soon after we set off we realised that we were on the road to nowhere with our maps as the otopark where the pazar was supposed to be held was nowhere to be found. After asking many shopkeepers and calling my friend who supplied me with my map, we managed to find the pazar, after much pavement pounding, albeit a little bit hot and bothered.
It was strangely located in an underground car park, which, although odd, offered up protection from the afternoon sun and provided a cool space in which to browse in.
What we realised however, was the downside to organic in Turkey = very expensive. Organic is still yet to really break through here and not everyone can appreciate the clean natural food and of course, the price that comes with it.
Nonetheless, we sat and enjoyed a fresh organic juice (TL 5) and a fresh gözleme which resembles a savoury pancake with spinach and cheese. It's then cooked over a concave heated dome and served piping hot. For only TL 4, it was the best bargain of the day. With that followed a fresh piece of homemade lemon cake (3 TL).
The pazar is worth a look. Although expensive you can find a variety of items from dried fruits, legumes, lentils and fresh produce to organic household cleaning products and organic cotton clothes, all with orgnic certification. The atmosphere is relaxed and easy and the food on offer to purchase is fresh and tasty. There is also a small Organik Büfe next to the pazar where you can also have tea from.
Şişli Organik Pazarı
Feriköy Semt Pazarı, Bomonti Caddesi, Lala Şahin Sokak
(Eski Tekel Bira Fabrikası alt sokağı) Feriköy - Şişli
Tel: (0 212) 252 52 55
Every Saturday from 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Packages in the mail!
I love getting mail.
Yesterday I received a package from my mum with the most recent copy of The Australian Women's Weekly, a hand written letter and photo of mum and a couple of friends. I also received a beautiful handmade card from my sister.
Immediately my mood lifted and I felt a rush of excitement and happiness. It's amazing what the small things can do.
The postage cost more than double that of the magazine, but I'm sure she knows how much I appreciate it!
I sat up in bed last night and read the magazine cover to cover twice, including all the adverts. It was great and I felt back in the loop with the Australian tabloid gossip and goings on.
Today I also received my first copy of Glamour in replacement of my subscription to Domino which went out of business earlier this year. Foreign magazines cost so much here, sometimes four or fives times that of the marked price so I decided to invest in a couple of subscriptions. I also signed up for Jamie Oliver's cooking magazine which I should receive next month.
I'm hoping that may encourage more cooking and more time in the kitchen for me. We'll see.
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