by Marion Kate
On 7 August 2026, IDSA members were warmly welcomed to the residence of Murat, spouse of the Turkish Ambassador, Nilvana Yer, for a special Turkish coffee morning and cooking class celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Türkiye.
The gathering offered guests an opportunity to experience traditional Turkish hospitality while discovering some of the country’s most beloved dishes under the expert guidance of Turkish Chef Yunus Kılıç.
The morning began with Turkish coffee and tea, accompanied by a degustation of traditional delicacies, including stuffed vine leaves, or dolma, and börek, a much-loved Turkish pastry. The selection offered guests an introduction to the flavours and culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The cooking class then took participants on a culinary journey through three iconic dishes from Türkiye.
First was Ali Nazik, a celebrated speciality from Gaziantep. The dish combines smoky roasted eggplant with creamy yoghurt and is topped with seasoned minced lamb or beef. Its distinctive combination of smoky, creamy and savoury flavours reflects the celebrated gastronomic traditions of Gaziantep, a city renowned for its exceptional cuisine.
Participants also prepared Bulgur Pilavı, a staple of Turkish home cooking made with cracked wheat, vegetables and aromatic spices. Nutritious and wholesome, bulgur pilaf has long been part of family meals across Anatolia and remains deeply rooted in Turkish culinary culture.
The final dish was Şekerpare, a traditional Turkish dessert made from delicate semolina and butter pastries. Baked until golden and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, Şekerpare is a much-loved sweet commonly enjoyed during festive occasions, celebrations and family gatherings.
More than simply a cooking class, the morning provided an opportunity to share food, stories and cultural traditions. Through cuisine, IDSA members were able to experience another dimension of Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying the warmth and conviviality associated with Turkish hospitality.
The gathering also demonstrated the unique role that food can play in cultural exchange. Around the table, recipes became an opportunity for conversation, learning and connection, offering guests a delicious window into the history and traditions of Türkiye.
With Turkish coffee and tea flowing, traditional delicacies being shared and the aromas of freshly prepared dishes filling the residence, the morning was a wonderful celebration of flavour, culture and togetherness, and a warm reminder of the hospitality for which Türkiye is renowned.
