Check Out the Menu for New Turkish Street Food-Slinger Tempo

A new fast-casual Turkish street food spot is shooting to start feeding 9-to-5 workers at the end of the month, with a boat-shaped Turkish pizza called “pide” being the focal point of the operation.

The menu for Tempo (1195 20th Street NW), which went live this week, is centered around a long list of build-your-own options. The star is pide, a traditional Turkish pizza that bakes in less than two minutes; at Tempo it can be topped with eggplant, chicken, lamb, Turkish pastrami, or spinach ($10.59 to $11.99). Or customers can make their own, created with an assortment of featured meats and vegetables, for under $10. Tucked in the “street specialties” section is sucuk — a popular spicy Turkish beef sausage, grilled and served in a rice bowl or pita with toppings ($8.39 to $9.59).

There’s also lahmacun (thin-crust flatbread with minced beef and herbs), doner (Turkish-style shawarma or gyro), falafels, and salads (with greens as bases and toppings with homemade dressings). A diet-busting Turkish baked potato dubbed “kumpir” — a classic to-go order found in Istanbul — comes mashed with butter and cheese, alongside 15 toppings to choose from.

Tempo, which is located next to lunch spot Jack’s Fresh, will feature 45 seats and a grey-and-white color scheme with pops of red.

“We are looking incorporate a modern and clean feel, with authentic Turkish motifs for an experience that will transport our customers to the bustling and hospitable streets of Istanbul,” owner Ugur Altintas tells Eater.

Tempo [official photo]

Tempo [Official photo]

Tempo is projected to operate from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Management is considering staying open later on weekends. Management is expected to announce an opening date in the coming days.

• Tempo Is Bringing Spicy, Cheesy Turkish Staples to D.C. This Summer [EDC]