A Gateway to Turkish Culture and Flavors @ Sofra Turkish Café & Restaurant, Singapore
Sofra Turkish Café & Restaurant isn’t just a place to enjoy a delicious meal—it’s an immersive experience that transports guests into the heart of Turkish culture. Drawing its name from the traditional yer sofrasi, a low dining table used in Turkish households for shared meals, Sofra captures the essence of communal dining, where the joy of food is meant to be savored with those we hold dear. Here, meals are about much more than just feeding the body—they are about forging connections, creating memories, and celebrating the flavors of Turkey. With a reputation that has endured over the years, Sofra has become an integral part of Singapore’s dining scene, inviting patrons to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates rich traditions and vibrant tastes with every dish.
A Story of Growth and Resilience: From Shaw Towers to Marina Square
Sofra’s journey began in 1999 as a humble yet inviting corner restaurant at Shaw Towers. It was a place where guests could indulge in authentic Turkish cuisine, prepared with care by talented chefs who brought the flavors of Turkey to Singapore. As Sofra’s popularity grew, so did the need for a larger space, and in 2001, the restaurant relocated to the second floor of Shaw Towers. This allowed Sofra to accommodate even more guests and continue to showcase the depth and richness of Turkish culinary heritage.
But, like many stories, Sofra’s path took a turn in 2020. Due to redevelopment plans for Shaw Towers, the beloved restaurant had to say goodbye to its original location. Although the decision was a tough one, the memories of two decades spent serving loyal customers would never be forgotten. Today, Sofra has opened the doors to a new chapter in its story, finding a new home in the bustling Marina Square. Here, the essence of the restaurant remains unchanged—offering a welcoming atmosphere and an expansive menu of Turkish dishes—but now with the added allure of a modern space that continues to honor the restaurant’s long-standing commitment to authenticity and quality.
A Comfortable Dining Experience with Stunning Views
At Sofra, the dining experience is just as important as the food itself. Located in Marina Square, Sofra offers breathtaking views of the iconic Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore city skyline. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch or a celebratory dinner, the view from Sofra adds to the magic of the moment. On special occasions, like National Day or New Year’s Eve, Sofra guests have the unique opportunity to watch the famous fireworks displays or the F1 Grand Prix race from the comfort of their table—without the need to purchase an expensive ticket. For those who enjoy a thrill, you can even catch the paratroopers landing up close during the National Day Parade, making for an unforgettable dining experience.
Whether it’s the view of the stunning skyline, the excitement of the F1 Grand Prix route right below, or simply the ambiance created by the restaurant’s welcoming environment, Sofra provides more than just a meal—it offers an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve finished your last bite.
A Place to Celebrate Life’s Special Moments
Sofra’s interior perfectly captures the essence of Turkish culture through its colorful décor and cozy atmosphere. The vibrant hues and traditional Turkish touches, such as intricate patterns and ornate fabrics, transport diners to a warm and inviting space. The décor not only reflects the beauty of Turkey but also creates an environment where guests feel at home, whether they are enjoying an intimate dinner or a festive gathering with friends and family.
In addition to the comfortable dining space, Sofra offers both cozy and grand private dining rooms. Whether you’re planning a small family gathering or a grand celebration, these private spaces provide the ideal setting for any occasion. Sofra’s team ensures that every detail is taken care of, so you can focus on what matters most—enjoying a delicious, authentic Turkish meal in the company of those you love.
Whether you’re visiting for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a large family gathering, Sofra offers the perfect setting to celebrate life’s special moments. With its welcoming ambiance, stunning views, and exceptional food, Sofra is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where memories are made. The staff at Sofra goes above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels at home, offering excellent service and a genuine passion for Turkish cuisine.
An Authentic Menu with a Rich Variety of Dishes
The menu at Sofra is a true reflection of the diverse and rich culinary heritage of Turkey. Drawing inspiration from the many regions of Turkey, the dishes at Sofra showcase the bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and intricate techniques that are characteristic of Turkish cuisine. From appetizers and salads to main courses and desserts, Sofra’s offerings are sure to delight every palate. Moreover, Sofra is a 100% Halal restaurant.
Blueberry Ayran
Blueberry Ayran is a reinvention of the classic Turkish yogurt drink, Ayran. Ayran is a staple in Turkish cuisine, typically made from yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt, offering a refreshing, cool respite from the often spicy and hearty Turkish dishes. Sofra takes this classic drink a step further by infusing it with the sweet-tart essence of blueberries, which adds a delightful complexity to the beverage. The creamy texture of the yogurt perfectly balances the light, fruity tang of blueberries, creating a drink that is simultaneously smooth and refreshing. The slight saltiness of the traditional Ayran melds beautifully with the blueberry flavor, which both complements and enhances the richness of the yogurt. The result is a beverage that’s both thirst-quenching and indulgent—a perfect match for the array of flavors that await on your plate.
Whether you’re enjoying this as a refreshing palate cleanser before a meal or pairing it with savory Turkish dips, the Blueberry Ayran offers a playful yet sophisticated twist on a beloved Turkish classic.
Salad Plate (Karisi Meze Tabagi)
A combination of Sofra Salad, Eggplant salad , Hummus, Acuko/Muhammara, Cacik
and Sofra Salad(Gavudagi Salatasi). Served with Sesame Bread.
The Karisi Meze Tabagi is a delightful platter that offers a diverse selection of Turkish appetizers. This dish is a combination of some of Sofra’s signature offerings, each bringing its own distinct flavors and textures to the table. The Sofra Salad is a refreshing mix of vibrant vegetables, while the Eggplant Salad has a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with its creamy consistency. The Hummus, with its smooth texture and delicate balance of chickpeas and tahini, provides a rich yet light bite, while the Acuko/Muhammara adds a slightly spicy kick from roasted red peppers and walnuts. The Cacik, a cooling yogurt dip with cucumber and fresh herbs, brings balance to the platter, offering a refreshing contrast to the richer dips. Finally, the Gavudagi Salatasi, a fresh and tangy salad with tomatoes, green peppers, parsley, and crushed walnuts, rounds out the plate, offering a perfect mix of crunchy and juicy flavors. The platter is generously served with sesame bread, perfect for dipping and scooping up each of the flavorful components. Together, this dish is a wonderful introduction to Turkish meze culture, providing a taste of a variety of flavors and textures that come together in perfect harmony.
Cacik
Turkish Yoghurt dip with Cucumber and herbs. A refreshing treat on summer days!
Cacik is a refreshing Turkish yogurt dip that serves as a cooling, flavorful appetizer, especially perfect for hot summer days. Made from thick Turkish yogurt, it’s combined with finely chopped cucumber, garlic, and an assortment of herbs, creating a light, fresh, and slightly tangy flavor. The creamy texture of the yogurt contrasts beautifully with the crisp cucumber and aromatic herbs, making it a wonderfully balanced dip. The simplicity of Cacik allows its ingredients to shine, offering a cooling relief against the heat of more robust dishes. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with the warm bread served at Sofra, Cacik is an essential component of Turkish meze tables, offering a bright and healthy start to any meal.
Hummus
Mildly spiced chickpeas and tahini with olive oils and spices. A perfect dip!
Sofra’s Hummus is a rich and creamy spread that stays true to the traditional Turkish recipe. Made from puréed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and a delicate blend of spices, this dip is simple yet flavorful. The chickpeas lend a subtle earthiness, while the tahini brings a nutty depth, and the olive oil adds a touch of smoothness that makes the texture perfectly velvety. Mildly spiced, Hummus is not overpowering but rather soothing to the palate, making it an excellent accompaniment to fresh Turkish bread or as part of a larger spread of meze. Its simplicity is its strength, offering a satisfying, comforting dip that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Acuko/Muhammara
Walnut and roasted red pepper dip that is savoury sweet slightly smoky and just enough spicy
The Acuko, or Muhammara, is an unforgettable dip that showcases the smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors that are characteristic of many Turkish dishes. Made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, and a hint of chili, this dip balances savory richness with a subtle sweetness. The roasted red peppers contribute a smoky depth, while the walnuts add texture and earthiness. A touch of pomegranate molasses imparts a delicate sweetness that complements the savory components, and a bit of spice provides the perfect amount of heat without being overwhelming. This dip is bold and full of character, offering a delightful contrast to the milder dips like hummus and Cacik.
Baba Ghanoush
Smoky taste mashed cooked eggplant with Tahini, garlic, lemon, olive oil and spices
Sofra’s Baba Ghanoush is a smoky, velvety dip made from charred eggplants. The eggplants are roasted to perfection, imparting a rich smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the smooth tahini, garlic, lemon, and olive oil that are blended in. The texture is creamy yet light, making it easy to scoop up with warm pita or sesame bread. The slight bitterness of the eggplant is balanced by the tartness of the lemon and the richness of the tahini, creating a perfectly harmonious dip that’s full of depth. Baba Ghanoush is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients, when prepared with care, can come together to create something complex and deeply satisfying.
Sofra Salad (Gavudagi Salatasi)
A must have saladbin Turkish kitchens. Juicy tomatoes, green pepper, parsley,; pomegranate syrup and crushed walnut halves. Gavurdagi Salastasi received its name from the mountain located between Adana City and the Ceyhan River.
A true staple in Turkish kitchens, the Gavudagi Salatasi is a refreshing salad that embodies the essence of Turkish cuisine with its fresh, vibrant ingredients. This salad is a perfect balance of juicy tomatoes, crisp green peppers, and the earthy flavor of parsley, all dressed with a tangy pomegranate syrup that adds both sweetness and acidity. Crushed walnuts provide a delightful crunch, while the addition of pomegranate syrup ties the flavors together with its slightly sweet and tangy finish. Named after the Gavurdagi mountain region between Adana and the Ceyhan River, this dish is a beloved salad that highlights the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients in Turkish cooking. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it an exciting and delicious part of any meal, offering a perfect contrast to the richer, heavier dishes often found in Turkish cuisine. The Gavudagi Salatasi is light, refreshing, and full of flavor, making it an excellent choice for those looking to experience the authentic flavors of Turkey.
Beef Shish Kebab
A popular dish of cubed meats on a skewer and cooked over an open fire
The Beef Shish Kebab is a classic Turkish dish that exemplifies the art of grilling, offering a satisfying combination of smoky flavors and tender, juicy meat. Cubed pieces of high-quality beef are marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and aromatic spices, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhance its natural richness. Skewered and cooked over an open flame, the beef takes on a beautiful char, creating a perfect balance between crispy edges and tender, succulent interiors.
Each bite of Beef Shish Kebab delivers a smoky, savory profile that’s heightened by the marinade’s zesty and herbaceous notes. The grilling process infuses the meat with a delicious smokiness, while keeping it tender and juicy, making every mouthful irresistible. To complement the kebab, Sofra serves it alongside a bed of fluffy rice, which provides a subtle base to balance the boldness of the meat. Grilled bell peppers and green chili add a smoky sweetness and mild heat, further enhancing the dish’s complexity. A refreshing raw onion salad, made with thinly sliced onions and a light dressing, offers a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the meat, providing a perfect contrast.
This dish is a quintessential representation of Turkish grilling techniques, where the simplicity of high-quality ingredients and the mastery of open-flame cooking create a flavor-packed experience that’s both comforting and exhilarating. Whether you’re a kebab aficionado or new to Turkish cuisine, the Beef Shish Kebab is sure to satisfy your cravings for an authentic and hearty meal.
Baklava (2 Pieces)
A rich homemade dessert made with Turkish filo pastry and pistachios. Sweetened with syrup
Baklava is one of Turkey’s most beloved and iconic desserts, and at Sofra, it is crafted to perfection. Made from Turkish filo pastry, the delicate layers are thin, crispy, and golden, enveloping a sweet filling of finely chopped pistachios, which provide both a rich flavor and texture contrast. What truly sets Sofra’s Baklava apart, however, is the syrup—made from sugar, water, and a hint of lemon juice—which is poured over the pastry, soaking into every layer and giving the dessert its signature sweet stickiness.
The filo pastry, when baked, takes on a beautiful golden hue and a satisfying crunch. Each bite is an irresistible combination of delicate crispness and the deep, nutty flavor of the pistachios. The syrup is perfectly balanced—not too overpowering, but enough to infuse every bite with sweetness, enhancing the flavor of the pistachios. As you enjoy each piece, you experience the contrast of textures—the crisp exterior and the soft, syrup-soaked layers within.
Sofra’s Baklava is the ultimate indulgence, a dessert that feels luxurious and comforting at the same time. It’s rich, decadent, and satisfying—a perfect conclusion to any meal, yet light enough to savor with a cup of Turkish tea. Each bite of this dessert embodies the art of Turkish pastry-making, and it’s one you’ll surely remember long after your visit.
Turkish Pistachio Ice Cream
No meal at Sofra is truly complete without a taste of Turkish Pistachio Ice Cream. Known for its creamy texture and unique elasticity, this ice cream, also called Dondurma, is quite different from your typical ice cream. Made with pistachios, sugar, milk, and the distinctive salep flour (a powder made from orchids), it has a rich, smooth texture that is both dense and chewy. The pistachios used are finely ground, imparting a subtle, nutty flavor that adds depth without being overly sweet.
What truly sets Dondurma apart is its consistency. Unlike regular ice cream, which melts quickly, Dondurma holds its shape longer, offering a chewy yet creamy texture that’s unlike anything you’ve had before. The pistachio flavor is pronounced but not overpowering, adding a nutty richness that complements the coolness of the ice cream. With every bite, you’ll experience a slight resistance before it softens, making each spoonful feel like an indulgent treat.
This dessert not only refreshes but also provides a delightful contrast in texture to the other sweets served at Sofra. Whether you’re enjoying it as a standalone treat or paired with the Baklava, Sofra’s Turkish Pistachio Ice Cream is the perfect balance of cool, creamy, and nutty, and a dessert that embodies the spirit of Turkish cuisine.
A Journey into Turkish Culinary Traditions
Sofra Turkish Café & Restaurant is more than just a place to enjoy a meal—it’s a place where Turkish culture comes to life. With its authentic dishes, stunning views, and warm hospitality, Sofra offers a unique dining experience that transports guests to Turkey with every bite. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, Sofra promises to deliver an exceptional meal and unforgettable memories. So gather your loved ones, make your way to Sofra, and let the journey into Turkish flavors begin.
Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant
6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square #03, #129A 3rd Floor, 039594
Tel: +65 6291 1433
Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant – Authentic Turkish Cuisine Since 1999
Sofra Turkish Cafe&Restaurant (@sofrasingapore) • Instagram photos and videos
