The placing becomes best on the Ministry of Food. Turkish flags hung from the walls and meal stations, while tunes from the Turkish long-necked flute, baglama saz, played inside the history. We were at Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks to enjoy the Afiyet Olsun (that means bon appétit) Turkish Food Festival.
Curated by chef de partie Sedat Hamarat from Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, the spread showcases high-quality Turkish delicacies — kebabs, salads, mezze, bread, and soups. We started our meal with the Kisir (Bulgur Salad). The Kisir, made with cracked and parboiled wheat, marinated with lime and red chili, and crowned with mint, supplied the suitable establishment for an intricate dinner. The citrusy and refreshing flavors have been ideal for the warm nighttime.
In soup
We then sampled the Ezogelin Soup — a staple in Turkey made with bulgur and purple lentils. The thick and warm broth was an incomplete assessment of the salad. The lentils and bulgur had been cooked to perfection, making them feel easy. From the kebabs, we attempted the signature chook Turkish Kebab. With its juiciness, this became a palate pleaser, and the hint of smokiness went nicely with yogurt marination. We paired this with flatbread, and the combination became apt.
We attempted the Lamb Papaz Yahni from the mains. A lamb stew cooked with onions, spring onions, carrots, and herbs became extra like comfort food. Although the spices used have been limited, the herbs delivered flavor to the clear stew. The mutton was cooked properly and fell off the bones. It paired well with pita bread, too. We endorse the Vegetable Turlu, a stew cooked with boiled potatoes, scallions, eggplant, beans, and carrots from the vegetarian dishes. The warm flavors of the Turkish spices made this a success. However, our dinner’s highlight was the Turkish Pide — an oval flatbread filled with minced lamb and crowned with melted cheese. It is typically referred to as the Turkish Pizza. This is an ought to attempt.
Pudding alongside
A meal pageant could be incomplete without a complex dessert menu, and Afiyet Olsun goes beyond expectations to provide an expanded selection of genuine desserts. From the menu, we attempted the Tahini Halva and the Cherry Pudding.
The Tahini Halva, made with floor tahini, butter, flour, and sugar, became delicious. The cherry pudding, with its grainy texture and fresh cherry flavor, also became enjoyable. With a combination of true Turkish dishes and a medley of flavors, Afiyet Olsun is certainly worth striving for.
In the land where the grape is grown
Urgup is home to the international, prize-winning Turasan Winery, which has recently made a splash with its annual Wine Festival held every June. Slowly but surely, Turkey is refining its wine industry and picking up where the Greeks left off when they left the area nearly 85 years ago. Turan’s red wines are very nice. Try the 2005 Kalecik Karasi, a fruity Pinot-style wine perfect for a late afternoon lunch. Goreme, don’t miss the Orient Restaurant and its fine collection of local wines and delicious entrees.
