Turkish food festival begins in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Rosewood Jeddah is hosting a Turkish food festival, which continues till Jan. 20, under the supervision of Turkish Sous-Chef Tahir Guneysu.
More than 150 Turkish dishes, described as most popular and traditional, feature the festival being held at the hotel’s Habsburg restaurant.
Guests at the opening performed by Turkish Consul General Fikret Ozer included diplomats, members of the staff from various consulates, and business and community leaders.
The Turkish ambiance at the venue includes a statue of the Ottoman sultan.
Among those present at the inauguration were Indian Consul General B.S. Mubarak, Turkish Vice Consul Hadan Eskiocak, Qatar Airways Country Manager for Kingdom and Yemen Ahmed Mir and Rosewood Jeddah MD Hans Peter Leitzke, aside from Guneysu.
Executive Chef Amjad Al-Ghandoor said the two-week festival will treat the hotel’s guests on a “rich and memorable” culinary journey, allowing them to sample varieties of Turkish cuisine.
Guneysu and Al-Ghandoor presented a selection of vegetable and meat dishes, including a choice of cold Turkish mezze appetizers, Iskender kebab, one of the meat dishes of north western Turkey. and guvec, a traditional Turkish stew, as well as lahmacun, a round thin piece of dough topped with minced meat and vegetables, and herbs.
“We are thrilled to organize the Turkish Food Festival at Rosewood Jeddah,” said Chef Amjad.
“The idea behind the festival is to bring well-known and popular dishes from Turkey all the way to Jeddah. I’m hopeful that the guests will experience and enjoy the true Turkish dining experience right here in Jeddah,” he added.
A variety of different live cooking stations feature a selection of “mouth-watering” Turkish desserts, including gozleme, a savory traditional Turkish pastry and a Turkish renowned dondurma (ice-cream) served in authentic Turkish style. Guests utilized the opportunity to interact with the chefs.
“I am honored that my home country cuisine is recognized and presented at the first Turkish Food Festival and, of course, very excited to be managing the event on behalf of the hotel. I am so proud of the cuisine created in Turkey and really can’t wait to know how much this food festival will be loved by the people of Jeddah,” said Guneysu.
Guneysu added that he and Amjad have prepared a diverse and rich menu for visitors, including a large selection of Turkish specialties, with menu rotating every day.
The event is sponsored by The First Group, Platinum Magazine, Alam Al-Rajul magazine, Destination Jeddah, Mix FM and Qatar Airways.
Those eager to experience a taste of Turkey will be able to dine each evening from 7 p.m. to midnight, and the brunch on Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the festival.
Guests can enjoy the Turkish dinner buffet for SR205 per person, including water and a choice of Turkish coffee or tea; the Friday brunch is priced at SR230 per person, including a welcome drink.
Prizes for the daily raffle draw include Qatar Airways flight tickets to various destinations, a football match ticket, a jersey shirt signed by a football player or a night’s stay at the stunning Rosewood Jeddah.