YOU would think the Turkish pie shop is a well-kept secret in Jeddah, but more people should know about this place, as thousands drive past each day. Located just across from the Pepsi Factory, it is nestled between the Kwality (yes that’s the spelling) ice cream store and the old Chinese restaurant Tropicano. You really can’t miss “Turkish Pie.” After passing underneath the Pepsi Factory “Kubri” (overpass) it’s immediately on your right. A large sign spells out the restaurant’s name.

Turkish Pie sells (funnily enough!)... Turkish pies, and with a Turkish chef it’s easy to see why they do it so well. Not only is the food good here, it’s also great value for money — prices almost no one could have qualms about. A pie costs about SR3 and a freshly-prepared pizza SR10 ... hardly your pizza franchise prices.. and I believe many would prefer these over some of the big brand offerings in town.

The pies are divided into two types, sweet and savory, and getting a selection of both is a great way to get a feel of the cooking. Everything is made fresh, so be prepared to wait, and if you’re not too keen on sitting in for the meal, you can (as many do) just order takeout, although pickup is currently only available. The interior is relatively small, with four small tables available for those who wish to eat in, and two large Pepsi refrigerators cooling a selection of drinks to accompany each meal. There’s hardly any markup here with a Pepsi for SR1 as it should be.

The brick-stone oven lies behind the counter, and it’s great to watch the chef prepare his pies for customers, as he is a master in getting the food in and out of the oven in the shortest possible time.

The menu is extensive, from the very simple Turkish pies & Fatayer; like meat, to more creative types like banana and cheese.

I ordered a mix, a banana pie, banana and cheese, chicken, meat, meat and egg, and “spinach and cheese,” (which was more than enough for me and some friends). Although there are more flavors available including labnah, tuna, feroz pie, kabab pie, necanek with cheese, vegetable and a selection of pizzas, you can even finish it all off with an apple pie if you want.

Of all the above tried, my personal favorite was the meat pie, it was the perfect size for one, but I could easily have eaten more. As the pies are cut up into small pieces, it gets quite addictive, you think you’re not eating much, but before you know it, it’s all gone! The banana and cheese might sound like a strange combination, but they work surprisingly well together. There is definitely more banana than cheese and the slight topping on the banana goes crispy in the oven.

That left me wondering why I hadn’t thought of such a combination before. Spinach and cheese was more like spinach and Philadelphia, the egg and banana tasted like French toast, and the meat and egg was also fantastic.

I then ordered a pizza to see what they were like and they are pretty good too, although the pies are even better. If you want a great meal, that costs next to nothing, check out Turkish Pie Store in Madinah Road! It is a secret that should be shared with the wider community.

Address: Madinah Road, opposite Pepsi factory.

Tel: 6647558

(Rashed Islam is a food critic who hosts the website Jeddahfood.com.)