Review: Flatbread Turkish Bakery House, Haymarket Terrace

The shopfront on Haymarket Terrace introduces itself as Flatbread Turkish Bakery House, though if you follow the local food scene on Instagram, you might know them better by their social media handle, @OhMyFlatbread.

It is a spot that often features on feeds with friendly updates and tempting visuals, yet it can take a while to actually visit if you are not regularly traversing the West End. However, once you step off the train or the tram at Haymarket, it is a convenient and welcoming stop.

The venue is deceivingly spacious. It appears small from the pavement, but the space is long and narrow, leading past a tantalising bakery counter to a seated café area at the back. It is clean, bright, and feels more like a community hub than a transit stop for commuters.

Turkish Pizza and Pide

The menu is anchored by what many might call Turkish pizza, though purists will distinguish between the round Lahmacun and the boat-shaped Pide. At Flatbread, the options are plentiful. The Pide is an oblong delight with tapered edges, serving as a vessel for various toppings.

For those who enjoy a classic flavour without the heaviness of a takeaway, the Doner Kebab flatbread is a standout. It presents as a polite, friendly version of the late-night classic, offering all the taste with significantly less guilt. It is a refined way to enjoy familiar spices.

If you are visiting earlier in the day, the menu shifts effortlessly to brunch. Options like eggs with potato and halloumi, or a three-cheese gourmet toastie, cater to the breakfast crowd. It is worth noting for those with a hearty appetite that a single flatbread is a modest portion. If you are a big eater, you might find yourself eyeing the dessert counter to fill the gap, or perhaps ordering a side. For a light lunch, however, it is spot on.

The Bakery Counter

You cannot walk past the entrance without acknowledging the bakery display. The peanut brownie is particularly memorable and pairs well with a strong coffee.

A quick and attentive service team bolsters the atmosphere. Even late in the evening, the staff are plentiful and efficient, ensuring you are not left waiting. This efficiency makes it a reliable pitstop before catching a train or heading to an event at Murrayfield.

The authenticity of the flavours draws in a diverse crowd. During my visit, I overheard visitors from the Middle East remarking that this was the only place in Edinburgh that reminded them of home. While their specific point of origin was Dubai rather than Turkey, the endorsement of the regional flavour profile speaks volumes about the kitchen’s quality.

Things to do in Haymarket

Haymarket is a major transport hub, but it is also a gateway to the West End and Murrayfield. If you are arriving via TheTrainLine, you are perfectly placed to explore.

If you are looking to stay in the area, specifically if you are backpacking or looking for budget-friendly options near the station, Hostelworld offers a variety of listings for the West End. For families or groups preferring privacy, you might check Vrbo for short-term rental apartments in the Victorian tenements that line the surrounding streets.

For entertainment, check out what is happening at the nearby Murrayfield Stadium, or use Tiqets to book entry for attractions in the city centre, which is just a short tram ride away.

Overall

Flatbread Turkish Bakery House feels like a local business that has found its stride. It manages to be both a functional bakery for a quick bite and a sit-down venue for a relaxed meal. While the portion sizes on the flatbreads favour the light snacker over the ravenous diner, the quality of the dough and toppings is undeniable. It is a genuine slice of Turkish cuisine in the heart of the West End.