El TURKO

Charcoal & craft: How El Turko is redefining Turkish food in the Hutt

In Lower Hutt, El Turko is quickly building a reputation for bringing authentic Turkish flavours, and a rare cooking style, to the local food scene.

Owner and chef Murat Akyol, who moved to New Zealand in 2014, grew up in Şanlıurfa in southeast Turkey, a region widely known as the country’s food capital. Coming from three generations of family cooks and trained as a pastry chef specialising in baklava, Akyol brings both tradition and technical skill to his kitchen.

After working in Turkish restaurants across Auckland, he saw an opportunity in Lower Hutt.

“I noticed the lack of Turkish competitors in Lower Hutt, with most kebab shops run by non-Turkish immigrants,” he says. “I wanted to bring authentic cuisine and cook the way we do back home.”

What sets El Turko apart is its use of charcoal grilling - believed to be unique in New Zealand. “Where I come from, cooking over charcoal is common and gives the meat a unique smoky flavour. It’s also healthier,” Akyol explains. “It takes longer and costs more,but we keep our prices affordable and focus on quality.”

The menu reflects this commitment. Popular dishes include the El Turko Special Family Plate, loaded with charcoal-grilled meats, fresh salads, and house-made dips, alongside vegetarian mezze platters and freshly baked flatbreads. Everything is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients.

Akyol says Lower Hutt has been the perfect place to build the business, with strong community support and a welcoming local customer base helping the restaurant grow through word-of-mouth. Being part of a close-knit community and seeing returning customers has been a major driver behind the restaurant’s success.

“Our food is all about authentic flavour, freshly prepared and cooked the traditional way over real charcoal,” says Akyol. “We also offer healthy options, from vegetarian to keto-friendly meals.”

LOCATION: 146 High Street, Lower Hutt

OPEN HOURS:

• Monday to Sunday, 10:00am—21:00pm

SOCIALS: @elturko_lowerhutt