Kosebasi is a gem located at The Tavern Mall in Jabriya, easily distinguished by its classy sharp design and bright red accents. The restaurant features a picturesque, wide open space with beautiful outdoor seating. There are cozy, private booths for small couples and big tables to accommodate the largest family. The prime appeal of their outdoor seating is that you’re still shielded from harsh weather or direct sunlight, but still get to enjoy the pretty view and gentle breeze. Besides its prime location in Jabriya, Kosebasi can be found across different areas in Kuwait, including the Grand Avenue – The Avenues, and also in Salmiya.
The interior is very warm and inviting, with soft lights and gentle music playing melodiously in the background. Their atmosphere feels both laidback and luxurious, perfect for people who want to dress up or down for a delicious meal. I was immediately seated by a friendly hostess, and offered a cool glass of fresh Laban. It was tangy, thick, and a tasty hint of the deliciousness that is yet to come.
I started with four classic appetizers that arrived on fairly sized shareable plates. The hummus really highlighted the taste of chickpeas; it was perfectly seasoned and packed a punch with drizzled chili oil. I tried the Soslu Patlican, which featured tiny cubes of juicy eggplants and a mouthwatering tomato puree. I enjoyed the unique taste of the Kisir that had a similar flavor profile of tabouleh. It was soaked bulghur wheat mixed with capsicums, parsley, green onions, and pomegranate sauce. I was most impressed with the bright pink Pembe Sultan, a homemade yogurt mixed with beetroot, garlic, and bursting with rich flavor.
The starters went perfectly with their fresh-baked bread, which was soft and coated with tasty roasted sesame seeds. When I was done, I tried one of their most popular dishes called Henemen. It was a giant, sizzling pan of fluffy eggs, onions, tomatoes, and chives. The dish was light but I appreciated the crispy side salad it came with, and specifically liked the thick golden hash brown.
After the breakfast, I was treated to several freshly grilled classics. The Saslik Kebap featured barbecued slices of marinated beef and onion rings; it was wonderfully charred and served with roasted tomatoes and peppers. The Tavuk Sis had juicy cubes of barbecued chicken, served neatly with a mound of rice that melts in your mouth. I also tried the Ali Nazik, which was homemade yogurt mixed with eggplant, garlic puree, and grilled cubes of marinated lamb. The personal star was the Döner, which was a simple plate of tomatoes, pickles, and mixed lamb-beef strips grilled to perfection.
Although I was stuffed beyond belief, there’s always room for a spot of tea. They swiftly served me a piping hot glass of black tea with a plate of fresh mint leaves. Naturally, I asked about their dessert options and they suggested I try their iconic Künefe. Although it’s a popular dish in Kuwait, it was prepared with a modern Kosebasi twist that turned the messy dessert into a classy neat treat. The oven-baked kadayif, the emblematic Middle Eastern stuffed pancake, had a beautiful golden crust, and was lightly dressed in syrup. It was delicately sprinkled with pistachios and a dollop of Kaymak, a rich dessert cream that cut the sweetness of the syrup. It was positively scrumptious.
All of the portions were generous and could easily be shared amongst family members. I appreciated the family-friendly nature of the restaurant and the attentive service I received. I highly recommend Kosebasi to anyone interested in getting a taste of Turkish cuisine with stellar service!
You can find Kosebasi at The Tavern Mall in Jabriya, The Grand Avenue – The Avenues and Salmiya. For more information or reservations, call 2531 0491 or visit their website, www.kosebasi.com/locations.
