This week I ate: Istanbul's chicken rice, piled high at Bomonti Pilavcısı

You can spot this place from the pavement. Bomonti Pilavcısı keeps its rice in a glass window facing Silahşör Street, heaped up like a small hill with shredded chicken on top. It's a clever bit of advertising, and it works: one look and you know exactly what you're here for.

The dish is what Turks call tavuklu pilav, chicken with rice, a classic street food sold from carts and small shops in Turkish cities. Our editor's verdict came down to the rice. It's cooked so that the chicken fat soaks right into every grain, and that's where the flavour lives. Malaysians will recognise the idea straight away, because it's the same reason we love good chicken rice.

Then there's the size. A single plate here is very generous, with rice piled high and chicken covering the top. Our editor paid about 270 lira, and that included the chicken rice and a drink. Plan on sharing, or come properly hungry.

The plain version comes with soft shredded chicken over the rice, and it's the one to try first. On our editor's table there was also a plate topped with chunks of chicken in a red, peppery-looking sauce, a good choice if you want more colour and punch on your rice.

Diners who review the shop often mention how filling the chicken rice is, and they also speak warmly of the friendly, attentive team and the relaxed, clean room. It's listed as open every day until late, with takeaway and delivery too, so it suits a late lunch, dinner or supper after a day of walking around the city.

🍽️ What to order

• Tavuklu pilav, the plain chicken rice with shredded chicken
• The rice with chunks of chicken in red sauce
• A drink with your plate. Reviewers mention yayık ayranı, a churned yoghurt drink

💡 Good to know

• Portions are very large, so consider sharing
• Look for the rice display in the window on Silahşör Street
• Takeaway and delivery are listed as options, and cards are accepted