Turkish Tukka: Popular Launceston restaurant opens new store on busy Sandy Bay shopping strip

One of Launceston’s hottest restaurants has set its sights on the South, opening up a new shop in Sandy Bay as the owner plots further expansion in the future.

Turkish Tukka co-owner Yusuf Karazor with a mixed plate of marinated rotisserie lamb and chicken, served with bulgur wheat, mixed salad and a garlic and mint yoghurt sauce. Picture: Linda Higginson

Launceston’s most popular Turkish restaurant has expanded to the South, serving up kebabs, gozleme, and falafel at a new store on the busy Sandy Bay shopping strip.

Turkish Tukka was founded by Yusuf Karazor more than 13 years ago and started as a food van.

Its George St shop has developed a passionate following, convincing Mr Karazor to set his sights on Hobart.

“It’s really popular now and that’s wonderful. We’ve had so many customers from Hobart and we always get messages saying when are we coming to Hobart,” he said.

Marinated lamb and chicken on the coal fired rotisserie at Turkish Tukka in Sandy Bay. Picture: Linda Higginson

Mr Karazor’s Hobart shop, which also does takeaways, opened on January 13 and staff were run off their feet from day one.

“I didn’t think it would be this busy. We had a good response, everyone was happy. And [customers] were just saying they’re happy we’re here, which is great,” he said.

Turkish Tukka offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options and uses as much local produce as possible, the owner said.

Co owners of Turkish Tukka in Sandy Bay, Noah Chugg and Yusuf Karazor. Picture: Linda Higginson

“Our kebabs, we get them in, we cut them, we marinate them in the fridge overnight, and then we cook on charcoal and serve customers like that. It makes a big difference,” Mr Karazor said.

“We don’t cut corners, basically. We do it the old way, the proper way.”

Mr Karazor said if the Sandy Bay shop performed strongly, he would like to expand the business further.

“If everything goes well, I’d like to open more [shops],” he said.

Located at the old Burger Got Soul site at 160 Sandy Bay Rd, Turkish Tukka is a casual dining venue and is open 11am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday.

Signage at Turkish Tukka in Sandy Bay. Picture: Linda Higginson