Zer01Kebab: Authentic taste of Türkiye arrives at Garbutt Central

Foodies can experience the authentic tastes of Türkiye without leaving Townsville, as the new owners of a beloved kebab shop realise their long-held dreams.

Eren Portakalci and Tugce Arisoy at their new Kebab shop, Zer01 Kebab. Picture: Shae Beplate.

North Queensland foodies on the hunt for interesting flavours are in for a treat after a new store offering authentic Turkish dishes has made its mark in Garbutt.

Originally from Türkiye (Turkey), Eren Portakalci had long nurtured a dream of opening his own traditional kebab shop – a place from which he could showcase the best culinary experiences his homeland had to offer.

With the support of his wife Tugce (TJ) Arisoy, the couple purchased the JFM Kebabs business eight weeks ago in Garbutt Central after being blown away by the flavours being offered by the previous owner – better than what they could find in Melbourne.

They named the business Zer01Kebab, after the 01 area code for Adana in Türkiye – Eren’s home city – which provides the inspiration for their distinct flavours.

“We wanted to have a more family-orientated welcoming atmosphere as we are a family, and we’ve got two children,” Ms Arisoy said.

Eren Portakalci and Tugce Arisoy at their new Kebab shop, Zer01 Kebab. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“We’ve been painting, getting new furniture, new tables, and are still decorating and trying to make it look really welcoming and inviting and clean and fresh for families to enjoy the meals here.”

In addition to traditional kebabs, Ms Arisoy said their business offers crispy, golden Turkish flatbread stuffed turnovers called gozleme, traditional red onion and sumac salad, vegan chickpea wraps, falafel salad, and a discounted rice, chickpea and meat dish for just $9.90.

A new Kebab shop 'Zer01 Kebab' has been opened by Tugce Arisoy and Eren Portakalci. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Authentic Turkish delights are available at new Kebab shop Zer01 Kebab. Picture: Shae Beplate.

For dessert, there was Turkish-style rice pudding called sütlaç and Turkish delights, and (coming soon), washed down with coffee imported from Türkiye.

“We’ve been getting a lot of feedback from customers, and they’re just loving it, and we play authentic Turkish music as well.

“One of our customers said it was so beautiful and calming with the music, and you’re all smiling.”

New Kebab shop Zer01 Kebab offers coffee imported from Türkiye. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Gozleme Turkish pancakes are available at Zer01Kebab. Picture: Supplied.

In the future, she was planned to serve baklava (layered pastry dessert), sarma (Turkish stuffed vine leaves), and Kizartma – Turkish fried vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, potato, onion, tomato, traditional herbs, “dressed up” with garlic sauce and Turkish tomato paste – served hot or cold.

Ms Arisoy was appreciative of the support that she received from Ray White Commercial in transferring the lease for the property as part of the business’ sale.

Zer01Kebab serves authentic Turkish kebabs. Picture: Supplied.

The family was presently searching for a reliable full time worker to hold down the fort, and have encouraged job seekers to drop off their resumes.

Originally published as Zer01Kebab: Authentic taste of Türkiye arrives at Garbutt Central