Aspendos is purportedly the oldest Turkish restaurant in Ghent, opening in the 1970s. Previously known as Istanbul, it changed first its name, then its owner, to become the gem it is today. It’s located directly across the street from the Flemish writer Herman Brusselmans' apartment, and lucky patrons might have the pleasure of dining with him, as he’s known to frequent the place.

With the exception of a few discrete middle eastern elements, the restaurant looks otherwise like any other Flemish establishment. Cushioned wicker seating, heather and burgundy walls, deep blue carpet. The only furniture revealing Turkish influence is the bar in the back, covered with a stencil reminiscent of Arabic calligraphy and backlit with a neon turquoise.

The wine list is, expectedly, a little on the thin side. However, it does offer the opportunity to taste a couple of decent, reasonably priced Turkish wines. Fruity and palatable for the casual wine drinker, they are a little too shallow and unstructured for connoisseurs. Something lacking in many restaurants, wine by the glass or half-bottle is available in abundance here.

Although the dishes are based on Turkish recipes, they are tweaked to tempt Flemish taste buds. As such, the menu features all the classics of Turkish cuisine as we know it here in Flanders. The recommended house dish is the Herdersspecialiteit (Shepherd's Specialty), a sort of Turkish bolognaise, served with a side salad, potato and heavenly, warm Turkish bread. It is mildly spicy and very flavorful, with mushrooms, chili peppers, onions and your meat of choice.

Bring an empty stomach, as the portions are large enough to satisfy serious appetites.

Where: Oudburg 11, Ghent

Open: 11:30 to midnight daily except Tuesdays

Meals: €8-€14