FOOD AND DRINK
Here’s a selection of food and drink articles and posts for chef’s cruising in Turkey, and all those interested in Turkish food and food culture.
Here’s a selection of food and drink articles and posts for chef’s cruising in Turkey, and all those interested in Turkish food and food culture.
In celebration of World Kebab Day, we thought we would dedicate a post entirely to this well-loved street food and culinary delight! Turkish kebabs are a testament to the country’s rich food heritage. With a vast and interesting history, kebabs are a go-to snack and menu option for many who visit or cruise in the country – no matter their age and social standing. Although some only associate kebabs with the well-loved doner, there are many incredible varieties of kebabs in Türkiye...
Recently, Turkish wine has had a renaissance. Alongside the well-established vineyards and estates, many incredible new-generation wineries have emerged where you can enjoy wine tasting in Türkiye. From visits to established wine producers to an afternoon at a boutique young vineyard, we can arrange an exciting excursion where you gain a real insight into how the local producers are harnessing the characteristics of the land to create exceptional red, white, and rose wines suiting most tastes, even those of the most discerning wine connoisseur...
Yoghurt plays an important role in Turkish culture and cuisine. From refreshing yoghurt-based drinks to delicious, savoury mezes and soups, yoghurt adds a creamy and refreshing element to many appetisers and mains at the traditional Turkish dinner table. Here’s a look at some of the best Turkish yoghurt dishes and mezes, their history, and how to serve them on board.
Morel mushrooms are a gourmet delight, and very few realise that they fill the local markets in Turkiye each Spring. Turkish morel mushrooms' distinctive honeycomb-like caps and earthy flavour have captivated the culinary world for decades, making them an excellent addition to the yachting provision list if you’re cruising the coast between late March and early May. If you would like us to add some fine Turkish Kuzu Göbeği to your supplies, this can easily be arranged when they are in season...
From the sweetness of summer fruits to the freshness of winter varieties, seasonal fruits in Turkiye are celebrated regularly in the local markets. Matalya apricots, Bursa peaches, and Aydin’s figs are now considered some of the best in the world, and many other seasonal fruits from Turkiye are also known for their exceptional taste and quality. Fresh fruit is a staple on superyacht provision lists, so with that in mind, here’s a look at the fine local varieties and a rundown of when they are at their best...
It’s the holy month of Ramadan, a period where Muslims refrain from certain pleasures, including eating and drinking during daylight hours. Although keeping the fast is one of the five pillars of Islam and an act of devotion, this period doesn’t mean those that observe the fast don’t think about food. In fact, Ramadan has played a significant role in shaping Turkish food culture...
Products that receive the coveted EU Geographic Indication (GI) are known for their unique qualities. It’s a label that not many products attain, as they must prove to be from a specific geographic location with distinct characteristics pertaining to that area. Up until 2023, a total of nine vegetables, nuts, fruits, and desserts were listed as Turkish GI products, with another 45 products in application. Here’s a look at those that made it on the list...
Turkey's culinary scene is now in the spotlight with the announcement that several restaurants in Bodrum and Izmir have been added to those in Istanbul and included in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Turkey. There are now 111 restaurants listed in the guide, with 19 in Bodrum, 6 in Izmir, and the number in Istanbul rising to 77. Here's a quick look at the new MICHELIN star restaurants in Turkey alongside those that received the Bib Gourmand...
Floral arrangements, bouquets, and welcome flowers are essential elements to help set the mood onboard. The presence of fresh flowers suggests elegance, style, and sophistication. Flowers can also help stage an event, create a feeling, or be a thoughtful gesture, especially when given to a guest on arrival or gifted to someone celebrating a birthday or special occasion. Here’s a look at the type of flowers for superyachts we can deliver and a few tips on displaying them onboard.
If you’re looking for inspiration on what to serve the guests as a light lunch or appetiser this season, consider preparing some Turkish meze. Most traditional tables feature a few meze dishes to excite the taste buds before the main course arrives. This vibrant and exciting range of appetisers make fabulous sides for fish and grilled meat,, and they are also ideal for serving on a Turkish night...
Last year was a big year for many restaurants in Istanbul, as it was the first time 53 of the city’s great haunts gained Michelin recognition. A total of 5 were awarded Michelin Stars, with the wonderful Turk Fatih Tutak receiving a prestigious 2-star rating. Many restaurants in Istanbul enjoy fabulous views but admiring the Golden Horn, Ortaköy Mosque, and the Bosphorus Bridge from your table always ensures an backdrop to remember...
The Ottoman palace kitchen registers offer a fascinating insight into the food once served to the Sultans. These detailed notes contain lists of the ingredients used to make many of their favourite dishes, some of which you may recognise if you are familiar with Turkish cuisine. If you are hosting a Turkish night or looking for inspiration for a dinner party, consider serving some of these famous Ottoman dishes...