Masala Meze: A Turkish promise that falls short

Earthy tones, colourful Turkish motifs, natural light, and carefully chosen décor come together to create a space that feels deliberately unhurried. It is elegant and aesthetic without trying too hard. For a moment, it feels as though you have stepped into a polished corner of Istanbul—except this one sits in Dhaka.

Masala Meze positions itself as a destination for Turkish cuisine, and visually, it largely delivers. The restaurant speaks the language of contemporary dining spaces: clean floors, well-spaced tables, tasteful lighting, and a sense of order that many eateries struggle to maintain.

The staff are attentive, well trained, and consistently polite. Service is prompt, with no noticeable waiting time between orders. Hygiene, both visible and implied, is clearly prioritised. As dining experiences go, the setting does much of the heavy lifting.

The restaurant's motto, "Born in Turkey, perfected with love in Dhaka", sets expectations that go beyond ambience. There is also the claim that the chef is from Turkey and that the food served is authentic.

Mercimek

This classic Turkish red lentil soup arrives warm and neatly presented, accompanied by crackers. Mercimek is not meant to be complex; it is a comfort dish—simple and soothing. Unfortunately, here it is almost too plain. The soup tastes like a standard lentil preparation, lacking depth, warmth of spice, or any distinctive Turkish character. It fills the stomach but not the memory. While inoffensive, it is entirely forgettable and difficult to recommend.

Price: Tk300

Hummus with meat

Redemption comes with the hummus with meat. The hummus itself is creamy and smooth, with a pleasant tang and nutty undertone that suggests care in preparation. For first-time diners unfamiliar with Turkish food, this dish may feel inviting.

However, the meat topping is disappointingly dry, and the bread served alongside is hard, detracting from rather than complementing the hummus. It works as a one-time experience but does not inspire a return order.

Price: Tk650

Masala Meze mixed grill

The centrepiece is clearly intended as a showstopper. The platter features four types of skewers—Tavuk Shish, Beef Shish, Adana Kebab, and chicken wings—served with lavash bread, a mix of onion and parsley, garlic sauce, and a choice of bulgur rice or French fries. Visually, it arrives with promise, and the aroma is inviting.

In terms of taste, the platter is uneven but not without merit. The Beef Shish has a smoky flavour, though it leans slightly too salty. The Tavuk Shish is tender and well-cooked. The Adana Kebab is juicy, with minimal masala and a slightly raw undertone that may appeal to some but feel underwhelming to others. The onion garnish adds freshness, though it cannot fully compensate for the lack of seasoning. The chicken wings stand out, offering a smoky, slightly unusual flavour profile and good juiciness.

Paired with French fries and garlic sauce, the platter is at its best. Yet the fundamental issue is quantity. For the price, the portion feels notably inadequate. It is a platter that tastes decent but does not satisfy, leaving diners questioning value rather than flavour—a shortfall that is difficult to ignore.

Price: Tk2,800

Mint mojito

Refreshing, balanced, and well prepared. The soda provides a lively punch, lemon dominates without becoming sharp, mint adds freshness, and the sweetness is restrained. It is easily the best item on the table and the one that feels fully aligned with its price.

Price: Tk390

Dubai chocolate cheesecake

Unfortunately, it closes the meal on a heavy note. The cheesecake is thick, overly cheesy, and noticeably low on sweetness. The flavour is bland and unremarkable, and rather than offering a pleasant finish, it leaves a lingering sense of heaviness.

Price: Tk510

Despite claims of authenticity and a Turkish chef at the helm, the flavours do not consistently live up to expectations. Nothing is outright bad, but little is memorable. For a restaurant positioning itself as a Turkish destination, that is a significant gap.

Masala Meze's strength lies elsewhere. If taste and value are secondary considerations, and what you seek is a beautiful, calm place to sit, talk, and spend time, the restaurant succeeds. The décor, cleanliness, staff behaviour, and efficient service create a dining environment that feels polished and reliable. In that sense, Masala Meze understands hospitality, even if its kitchen struggles with consistency.