DISH OF THE WEEK: Kazandibi at HAZAR TURKISH KABAB

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

Walking around Bay Ridge, Brooklyn really got me nostalgic for when I used to live in Queens. The streets are lined with independently owned shops and an intoxicating smell of spices emenating from ethnic restaurants and cafés.

I was here to sample the falafel at Hazar Turkish Kabab (look for that review soon), but left with so much more. I only got a taste of their menu, but I continue to dream about their kazandabi. If they were on my block in Queens, I might have already overdosed on the stuff.

Kazandabi is a Turkish pudding that translates to “burnt bottom milk pudding.” The semolina milk pudding is not too sweet, but creamy and cooling. Crowned on top is a thick browned shelled exterior that gives the impression of creme brulée meets flan. The rich, caramely flavors are completely addicting and although I vowed to only sample a little bit of the dessert, I polished it off without a second thought.

I’m sure there are some restaurants in Queens that make this luscious finale, if only I had discovered them when I was a resident there. But now that I’ve had a taste of Hazar, I’m wishing I lived in Bay Ridge.