Hidden between tyre shops on an industrial estate, Mayya bakery in Salford has been quietly serving Turkish specialities for nearly two years, with its Gözleme stuffed flatbreads winning particular praise.
The family-run cafe, whose name means yeast or leaven in Turkish, sits on Duncan Street amid a row of car repair shops. It is easy to walk past without noticing it, as the writer of this review admits to having done on several occasions.
A Menu of Turkish Homemade Specialities
Led by couple Melike and Oguz, Mayya impresses with freshly-baked cakes, brunch dishes and specialities from their Turkish homeland. The menu includes handmade sesame bagels, toasties, soups and a 'Turkish breakfast feast' featuring beef sucuk sausage, honey with kaymck clotted cream and sigara borek pastry.
Their speciality, however, is the fresh Gözleme stuffed flatbreads, nicknamed Gozzies here. Choices include spinach, feta and onions; potatoes and onions; minced beef and onions; or mushroom, peppers and onions. A cheese-only version is also available, but the onion versions sell out quickly.
A Comforting Lunch at a Fair Price
The reviewer opted for the beef and onions Gozzie, the most expensive option at £7.50, and added a flat white, bringing the total to £11.50. Inside, the cafe is small and compact, with about three tables and a countertop with three chairs, offering a prime vantage point of a wall of customer drawings.
When the food arrived, it was more than expected. The flatbread came split into four slices with two little dips of sauce, one of which was ajvar, a smoky relish made from roasted red bell peppers and eggplant. The chopped spring onions and cheddar inside complemented the soft flatbread with crunchy ends, and the ajvar's sweet smokiness with a faint heat completed the lunch.
Steady Customers and a Second Location
Throughout the visit, there was never a lull in customers, with most ordering takeaways. The cinnamon buns seemed particularly popular during the stay.
It was recently announced that Mayya would be opening a second spot in Salford, with a base in Chapel Street. The original base on Duncan Street is easy to miss, with a row of parked cars obscuring it from view, but once discovered, it is not easily forgotten. Mayya is on Duncan St, Salford M5 3SQ.
