Located in the heart of Barangaroo is Baharat, a 50-seat neighbourhood bar and eatery owned and operated by Turkish chef Somer Sivrioglu. Previously known as Tombik, the restaurant has relaunched as Baharat, which includes a cocktail bar, casual eatery and spice shop inspired by the buzzing Taksim street bars and fragrant spice markets of Istanbul.
The new venue will open on Friday 28 April 2023 and will launch with Sivrioglu engaging two of Turkey’s most renowned bartenders from Turkey: bar manager Emre Bilgin (ex-Geyik, a famous hole-in-the-wall bar in Cihangir, Istanbul) and assistant bar manager Berk Abdullahoglu (ex Kaia, a dive bar in Bebek, Istanbul).
“Our mission is to share the rich history and culture of Turkish spices through our unique blend of beverage and food experiences. After opening Tombik in 2022, we realised that the space couldn’t be more perfect for a cocktail bar. After much deliberation and rethinking, we are proud to relaunch Tombik as Baharat, in the form it was originally intended – your favourite neighbourhood bar and eatery. We look forward to welcoming guests and showcasing the incredible offering we have pulled together with Emre and Berk running the bar and Arman on the food. Our spice shop is a place of wonder, where customers can explore the depth and variety of Turkish spices. We believe that every spice has a story, and we are dedicated to sharing those stories with our customers, imparting knowledge and promoting cultural understanding!” says Somer.
The cocktail bar and eatery will add to the existing buzz of the Barangaroo precinct with regular live music and DJs playing 70s Turkish psychedelic rock songs. The newly added outdoor seating will allow guests to enjoy a cocktail and Turkish bar snacks while taking in the harbourfront.
Baharat translates to ‘spice’ in Turkish, and the menus will align with this theme. Baharat’s team of mixologists draws inspiration from the vibrant colours and intoxicating aromas of the famed Spice Bazaar, infusing traditional Turkish spices into a unique cocktail list including a pickled shalgam Bloody Mary, a sumac and black salt margaritas and a barrel-spiced negroni. The cocktail list will be complemented by a selection of Turkish beer and wine including Efes Fatboy beer and Sevilen wine.
To accompany the exciting drinks menu, Baharat will offer a selection of delicious Turkish eats. Group executive chef Arman Uz has curated the menu which includes pides, lahmacun, lamb tandir, dips, salads and complimentary pickle plates customary in Turkish dining. Pide and lahmacun are popular street foods and are variations of flatbreads with toppings including minced meat, vegetables, herbs and spices. The menu will also be available for takeaway.
Baharat will operate from 12pm till late Monday to Friday, and from 4pm till late on Saturdays (closed Sundays). The venue will operate on a walk-in-only basis and is located at Tower One, 100 Barangaroo Ave Barangaroo.