Çılbır (Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt) and Washington, D.C.

A recipe for Çılbır (Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt)! Eggs are gently poached, placed on top a bed of garlicky yogurt, then finished with a drizzle of pepper-infused butter and a sprinkling of fresh mint.

We left the D.C. area four months ago (2023 update- we have moved back!) and I finally put together some of my favorite places and links to my other D.C. posts.

I will also be sharing a recipe for Çılbır, Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt, inspired by our meal at Zaytinya.

In case you missed it, here are my other goodbye posts for Northern Virginia:

• Paletas Heladas de Galleta Oreo (Oreo Popsicles) and Woodbridge, Virginia
• Nutella Latte and Northern Virginia

Washington, D.C.

National Mall

One of the most visited areas in Washington, D.C. is the National Mall. This long strip of land stretches over a mile from the Washington Monument to the Capitol.

It is bordered to the north and south by a collection of museums, including many by the Smithsonian Institution.

When visiting the National Mall on the weekends, we usually parked in the garage under the Ronald Reagan Building and National Trade Center.

The price is a bit more on weekdays, so I parked at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and took the metro in during the week. There are a few metro stops nearby (Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, and L’Enfant Plaza).

National Museum of Natural History

Dinosaur Bento and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

National Museum of American History

Berry Rice Krispies Treats and Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture was completed in September 2016. It is open daily (except December 25th) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Entry to the museum at the time of this post requires timed entry passes. I actually visited the museum in May 2018 during the Walk-Up Wednesdays promotion.

In January and February 2019, walk-ups will be available on a first-come, first-served basis every weekday.

I only had about four hours and it wasn’t nearly enough time to see everything. A full day or two is definitely recommended to really be able to focus on the exhibits.

The museum has 85,000 square feet of space with nearly 3000 objects on display. Current exhibitions include Slavery and Freedom; Power of Place; Making a Way Out of No Way; More than a Picture; Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom; Double Victory; City of Hope; Cultural Expressions; A Changing America; A Century in the Making; and more.

On the concourse level is the Sweet Home Cafe. The food is served cafeteria-style and broken into the following regions: The Agricultural South, The Creole Coast, The North States, and The Western Range.

National Air and Space Museum

Galaxy Doughnuts and National Air and Space Museum.

Freer and Sackler Galleries

We visited the Freer|Sackler Galleries during their IlluminAsia grand reopening in October 2017. The festival included local food vendors, cooking and art demonstrations, live music and dancing, and creations by local and international artists.

This museum first opened to the public in 1923 and was the first art museum on the Smithsonian campus.

Exhibits include American Art, Ancient Near Eastern Art, Art Across Asia, Arts of the Islamic World, Chinese Art, Contemporary Art, Japanese Art, Korean Art, South Asian and Himalayan Art, and Southeast Asian Art.

National Museum of the American Indian

Fry Bread and National Museum of the American Indian.

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument was closed during our time in DC (for anyone who has seen Spider-Man: Homecoming, Evan is insistent the events in the movie are the reason why) and is set to reopen in Spring 2019 with an updated elevator system.

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is a little over a two mile (3.2 kilometer) walk from the United States Capitol. Inspired by the Parthenon, construction was completed and and the dedication took place on May 30, 1922.

The memorial is 190 feet (58 meters) long, 99 feet (30 meters) tall, and the interior is divided into three chambers which contain the seated statue of Lincoln, inscriptions of his Second Inaugural Address and Gettysburg Address, and murals portraying governing principles evident in his life.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is just a short walk northeast of the Lincoln Memorial and also open 24 hours/day.

It includes three parts: the Three Soldiers statue, Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall (which lists chronologically the names of the more than 58,000 Americans who lost their lives or remain missing).

The closest metro stops are Foggy Bottom and Federal Triangle (about a mile away).

World War II Memorial

The World War II Memorial is at the end of the Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.

It was dedicated on May 29, 2004, a month after opening, to honor the 16 million Americans who served, the over 400,000 who died, and those who supported from home.

Tidal Basin

The Tidal Basin is just south of the World War II Memorial as a part of West Potomac Park.

Surrounding the basin are the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, Floral Library, Japanese Lantern, and John Paul Jones Memorial.

The area is especially beautiful (and crowded) in the spring during Cherry Blossom season.

Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial opened to the public in 2011 and is officially located at 1964 Independence Avenue SW.

His statue is carved into the 30 foot (9 meter) high Stone of Hope along with the words from his “I Have a Dream” speech, “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”

The 450-foot (137 meter) long Inscription Wall features 14 quotes from his speeches, sermons, and writings. Smithsonian is the closest metro stop at a little less than a mile away.

Penn Quarter

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is just north of the National Mall at 8th St NW & F St NW. Entry is free and it is open 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM daily (with the exception of December 25th).

Highlights include the portrait of the Former First Lady, Michelle Obama by Artist Amy Sherald in the 20th Century Americans exhibit on the third floor; the official portrait of the 44th President, Barack Obama by Artist Kehinde Wiley in America’s Presidents; Recent Acquisitions; The Four Justices; and American Origins. 

It was temporarily closed during our visit, but Explore! is an area dedicated to children. Evan was mesmerized by Electronic Superhighway: Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii by Nam June Paik.

Zaytinya

One of last meals in DC before the move was at Zaytinya. It was also one of the most memorable.

Part of José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, this restaurant highlights Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines with an innovation Mezze menu.

We were there for brunch and tried the Peynirli Pide (favorite with the kids- Turkish tomato sauce and halloumi cheese), Çılbır (Cilbir, poached eggs, toast, Greek yogurt, paprika butter, sumac), Htipiti (marinated roasted red peppers, feta, thyme), Brunch Falafel Burger, and Greek Yogurt and Apricots. 

There is also a location in Frisco, Texas.

National Building Museum

Rice with Butter and Soy Sauce and National Building Museum.

Teaism Penn Quarter

We stopped by Teaism one morning before visiting the National Mall. The kids especially loved the koi pond in the downstairs seating area.

There are also locations in Dupont Circle and Lafayette Park.

Barracks Row

Barracks Row, a collection of restaurants and shops along 8th Street SE just south of the Eastern Market, was a favorite spot for us to go for brunch.

District Doughnuts

I first came across District Doughnuts while at MetroCooking DC.

During our visit, we took home the Salted Dulce de Leche, Baklava (my favorite), Brown Butter, Milk Chocolate, Bananas Foster Creme Brûlée, and Blueberry.

Ted’s Bulletin

Ted’s Bulletin was a particularly fun brunch spot for the kids.

We barely missed their massive cinnamon rolls, but did enjoy the homemade tarts.

Lavagna

Lavagna was another great brunch spot. The kids were huge fans of the Mascarpone Pancakes with Honey Nutella and the homemade pasta was wonderful.

H Street Corridor

Finding parking along the H Street Corridor can often be difficult, so we usually parked at Union Station and rode the (free) streetcar to our destination.

Stable

The interior of Stable was absolutely gorgeous. It was the perfect place to celebrate my birthday.

We tried the Berliner (doughnuts with strawberry jam), Assorted Breads, Berner Rösti, and Schnitzel Sandwich.

Toki Underground

The Fried Chicken Steamed Buns were my favorite at Toki Underground.

Downtown

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

We kept going back to Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken again and again to try their seasonal offering along with my favorite Creme Brulee doughnut.

In addition to the DC location at 1308 G Street NW, they also have a shop in Falls Church, Virginia.

Shaw

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

I often went to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for MetroCooking DC and the Washington DC Travel & Adventure Show. The area around the center has some great food options.

Tiger Fork

Tiger Fork is tucked away in Blagden Alley on 922 N Street (Rear) NW.

Featuring Hong Kong cuisine, we particularly enjoyed the Cheung Fun with shrimp and flowering chives, Fried Rice with chicken and Chinese sausage, and Kowloon Buns.

Dupont Circle

Un Je Ne Sais Quoi

One of my favorite spots in Dupont Circle is Un Je Ne Sais Quoi. They have a wonderful assortment of French and Belgian pastries to choose from along with coffee and tea.

I tried the Merveilleux, a Belgian pastry comprised of two layers of light and airy meringue with a coffee chocolate filling and a coating of chocolate flakes. Other flavors include white chocolate, violet, speculoos, and chocolate.

Georgetown

Grilled Mac and Cheese Sandwich and Georgetown, DC.

Other Areas

National Zoological Park

Nutella Stuffed Aebleskiver and Smithsonian National Zoological Park.

United States National Arboretum, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and Union Market

Homemade Spinach Fettuccine and United States National Arboretum, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and Union Market.

A Baked Joint

A Baked Joint is the sister store to Baked & Wired. Located at 440 K St NW, it was an easy walk from the convention center for a quick breakfast. We especially loved the lattes and breakfast sandwiches.

This is just a sampling of some of the incredible places DC has to offer. There were so many restaurants, stores, and museums that we never got a chance to visit and definitely hope to move back someday.

Çılbır (Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt)

I was inspired to make Çılbır (Cilbir, Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt) by our meal at José Andrés’ Zaytinya. Eggs are gently poached and placed on top a bed of garlicky yogurt.

The dish is finished off with a drizzle of pepper-infused butter and a sprinkling of fresh mint. Serve immediately with slices of crusty bread or flatbread.

According to Marianna Yerasimos’ 500 Hundred Years of Ottoman Cuisine, Çılbır was a staple in the palace kitchen of the Ottoman Sultans.

A Few Çılbır Notes

I like to prepare the yogurt first so it sits at room temperature for a bit before adding the spiced butter. I used a combination of Pul Biber and paprika.

If you are unable to locate Pul Biber or Aleppo pepper, you can you use paprika in its place. If you want more heat in the Çılbır, use more pepper.

The garlic can be omitted, but I especially love the additional flavor. Fresh dill can be used in place or in addition to the mint.

For a Çılbır variation, try this walnut butter version from Piper Nigrum.

Çılbır (Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt) Recipe

Adapted from Almost Turkish Recipes

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5 from 4 votes

Çılbır (Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt)

A recipe for Çılbır (Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt)! Eggs are gently poached, placed on top a bed of garlicky yogurt, then finished with a drizzle of pepper-infused butter and a sprinkling of fresh mint.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Turkish

Keyword breakfast, brunch, egg, garlic, pepper, Turkey, Turkish, yogurt

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 minutes minutes

0 minutes minutes

Total Time 19 minutes minutes

Servings 2 -4 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Turkish or Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic
• 5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 4 eggs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Pul Biber or Aleppo pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Fresh mint or dill for serving
• Crusty bread or Pide for serving

Instructions

• With a mortar and pestle, smash the peeled garlic cloves with a pinch of salt until smooth. Mix the garlic into the yogurt and transfer to individual serving plates. 
• Crack each egg into separate, small bowls. 
• In a medium pot, combine the water, vinegar, and pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce heat to medium and stir the water in circles to create a vortex. Gently add each egg, one at a time, into the center of the vortex. Cook them in batches if needed. Poach for about 3-4 minutes before removing each egg with a slotted spoon. Place one to two eggs over each plate of garlicky yogurt.
• While the eggs are cooking, melt the butter over medium heat in a small pan. Once it begins to sizzle, stir in the pepper and paprika and remove from heat. 
• Drizzle the spiced butter over the eggs and yogurt. Sprinkle with fresh mint and/or dill and a pinch of salt. Serve immediately with slices of crusty bread or Pide.