Imam Cagdas Kebab and Baklava Restaurant

İmam Çağdaş Kebap ve Baklava is not just a restaurant, but a true culinary icon of Gaziantep, which is rightfully considered the gastronomic capital of Turkey. With over a century of history since its founding in 1887, this establishment has become a symbol of the city and a legend presenting the world with the authentic flavors of local cuisine. The restaurant is so popular that it ranks among the best in the city, a fact confirmed by high ratings on Tripadvisor and a Travellers' Choice award.

The restaurant's menu is an ode to traditional Turkish dishes prepared with impeccable skill. The establishment gained particular fame for its lamb kebabs created according to ancient recipes, and fragrant lahmacun (Turkish pizza) which uses garlic instead of onions. Dishes are prepared in wood-fired ovens, giving them a unique flavor. The establishment adheres to the motto inherited from its founders: "You can deceive a person's eyes and mind, but never their taste."

And, of course, a visit to İmam Çağdaş would be incomplete without tasting its famous baklava. It is believed that the saying, "Good baklava should make a 'hırsh!' sound," was invented here, emphasizing the dessert's perfect crunchy texture. The establishment pays immense attention to the quality of ingredients and food safety, guaranteeing guests the freshness and perfection of every dish.

If you wish to reserve a table or clarify the opening hours, it is recommended to contact the restaurant directly. Below are the establishment's contact details.

A visit to İmam Çağdaş is more than just a lunch or dinner; it's a true immersion into the gastronomic culture of Gaziantep, the recognized culinary capital of Turkey. For many travelers, a visit to this legendary establishment founded back in 1887 is a must-do. Here, you can not only enjoy authentic dishes but also touch the culinary history of the region, feeling like a part of centuries-old traditions.

The main activity here is, of course, tasting. The menu offers a wide selection of dishes, but there are a few items considered the restaurant's signature. Be sure to try the famous Ali Nazik kebab—tender meat on a bed of eggplant puree with yogurt. Equally noteworthy is the traditional lahmacun (Turkish pizza), prepared here according to a special recipe with garlic instead of onions. It is also worth trying other types of kebabs, such as Patlıcan kebab (with eggplant) or juicy shish kebab prepared using ancient techniques.

Beyond tasting the main courses, you will gain a unique experience being in a place with a rich history. Despite its immense popularity, the restaurant maintains an authentic and fairly simple atmosphere where all attention is focused on the food. Guests are consistently impressed by the impeccable and fast service, allowing them to enjoy their meal without a long wait. Thus, a visit to İmam Çağdaş leaves unforgettable impressions, introducing you to the true taste and hospitality of Gaziantep.

Getting to the legendary İmam Çağdaş restaurant is quite simple, as it is located in the heart of the historical center of Gaziantep. The establishment is situated on the bustling Uzun Çarşı shopping street (which translates to "Long Market"), at the foot of the famous Gaziantep Castle. Due to this central location, the restaurant is a convenient point on any tourist route. If you are already exploring the old city, the best way to get here is a leisurely stroll through the colorful market streets.

For those coming from other parts of the city, a taxi is the most convenient option. İmam Çağdaş is an iconic landmark known to every local, so simply giving the name to the driver is enough. A trip from most city hotels won't take long. You can also use public transport—buses heading to the city center. From the nearest stops, it is a few minutes' walk to the restaurant while enjoying the atmosphere of the ancient market.

When planning your visit to İmam Çağdaş, consider it more than just lunch or dinner, but a part of a cultural itinerary. You can combine gastronomic pleasure with a visit to Gaziantep Castle or shopping at the historic market. This approach will allow you to fully experience the authentic spirit of this amazing city, where culinary traditions are closely intertwined with a rich history.

The history of the İmam Çağdaş Kebap ve Baklava restaurant is a true saga of devotion to tradition, spanning over 135 years. The establishment was founded in 1887 and has since evolved into a genuine culinary legend, bringing worldwide fame to Gaziantep cuisine. Management has been passed down through generations, and today, six generations of the family carefully preserve and apply the secrets of preparing authentic dishes. This makes İmam Çağdaş one of the oldest kebab restaurants in all of Turkey and a living symbol of the city's cultural wealth.

The founder, Hacı Hüseyin Efendi, who arrived from Aleppo, opened his first shop in 1887 and moved to the current location in the historic Uzun Çarşı district in 1898. Later, the business passed to his successor, Imam Usta, whose name made the restaurant famous. Imam Usta was known for his incredible meticulousness, love for his work, and phenomenal memory: stories say he could recognize a guest who had visited 17 years prior and remember their order. He established the main principle of the establishment: "You can deceive a person's eyes and mind, but never their taste."

The secret to İmam Çağdaş's long-standing success lies in unwavering adherence to tradition and top quality. They still bake lahmacun in a wood-fired oven and prepare kebabs according to ancient recipes using only select lamb. While Gaziantep is famous for its kebab houses and signs featuring the city's name can be found everywhere, İmam Çağdaş stands out due to its deep history and impeccable reputation. This place has become more than just a spot on the map for foodies—it is an integral part of cultural heritage that continues to attract locals and travelers from all over the world.

You should set aside approximately 1 to 2 hours to visit the legendary İmam Çağdaş Kebap ve Baklava restaurant. This time will be quite sufficient for a full and leisurely lunch or dinner. During this period, you can comfortably explore the menu, enjoy one of the famous main courses, such as kebab or lahmacun, and, of course, finish your meal by tasting delicious baklava with tea or Turkish coffee.

The duration of your visit may depend on the time of day and the day of the week. During peak hours, especially at lunch and in the evening, the venue is extremely popular, so it may take some time to wait for a free table. If you plan to visit with a large group or want to arrange a true gastronomic tasting by trying several signature dishes, it is wise to allocate a bit more time—about 2–2.5 hours. This will allow you to enjoy each dish without rushing and fully experience the lively atmosphere of this historic location in Gaziantep.

İmam Çağdaş Kebap ve Baklava restaurant welcomes guests daily, although opening hours may vary. According to most sources, the establishment is open until 22:00. However, opening times are listed differently across various sources, so it is highly recommended to check the current schedule on the official website or by phone before visiting, especially if you are planning a trip on public holidays.

While advance booking is not always mandatory, it is highly desirable, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours (lunch and evening) or are traveling with a large group. İmam Çağdaş is an extremely popular spot for both tourists and locals alike, so a table reservation will help you avoid a long wait and make your dining experience more comfortable.

Visiting the iconic İmam Çağdaş restaurant is a wonderful opportunity to explore not only the gastronomic but also the historical treasures of Gaziantep. The establishment is located in the heart of the old city, surrounded by many iconic sites literally just a few minutes' walk away. A stroll through the neighborhood before or after your meal will allow you to immerse yourself deeper into the atmosphere of this ancient city and make your journey even more enriching.

Thanks to its prime location at the historic market, other attractions are easily accessible from the restaurant. You can combine your gastronomic experience with a fascinating tour, exploring ancient caravanserais, bustling bazaars, and monumental structures that hold centuries of history. Below is a list of interesting places located in the immediate vicinity.