Babaji by Autoban

Renowned restauranteur Alan Yau opens Babaji, a new Turkish restaurant in the heart of Soho, London conceived by TLmag20- and TLmag Istanbul-featured design studio Autoban.

The Istanbul-based design studio took a contemporary spin on Turkish flare – while still using traditional materials, matched by classic recipes. Alan Yau – seem by some as the prince of Turkish cuisine – developed a menu with its own singature Pide – a Turkish pizza made with leavened dough that is flattened by hand to give its unique shape and texture. Pide comes with a variety of fillings. Alan Yau has applied his contemporary perspective on traditional Turkish recipes to create a new and exciting dining experience. Housed in a historic 19th century brick building, the exterior of Babaji was kept simple – as the facade mingles well with the surroundings of bustling Soho. Large windows reveal bright blue tile-clad walls inside. Autoban created something of a ‘vitirine’ for Turkey culture and almost forgotten craft. All the while this interior transports guests into contemporary Turkey.

All of the vivid-blue ceramic walls tiles are handmade by the expertise of Istanbul-based artisans. Inspired by the veins of Marmara marble, Autoban created a patterned texture with these elements.  This texture and application reflect Turkish style but also the dynamism of Soho. The geometric motifs are indeed indicative of the Iznik methods, compositions that follow through in the upholstery of sweeping banquets.

Babaji restaurant – 53 Shaftesbury Avenue /London W1D 6LB.