Türkiye is famous not only for its azure beaches, rich history and charming oriental bazaars, but also for its cuisine. Turkish cuisine is a real kaleidoscope of tastes, aromas and colors that can charm even the most sophisticated gourmets. And abroad, Türkiye’s gastronomic fame is largely determined by its talented chefs.
Meet the most popular Turkish chefs abroad, whose names have long become synonymous with culinary creativity.
Photo: bigpicture.ru
Nusret Gökçe: “Salt Handsome” is an icon of Turkish cuisine who has conquered the world with his signature steak and masterful knife skills.
His image is familiar even to those who do not know his name: a short, dark man in black glasses, pouring salt onto steaks from his elbow. They say that this spectacular gesture is the fruit of the work of the world's best PR specialists.
Nusret restaurants are a Mecca for stars: football players, singers, actors and politicians. Maradona, Kirkorov and Kadyrov dined here. Nusret's refrigerators languish meat for the world's richest people. If you belong to the elite, then most likely you have already tasted his signature steaks.
Nusret's meat empire is located primarily in Istanbul and is represented by two types of establishments: steakhouses and burger joints. Steakhouses are positioned in a higher price segment, while burger houses are more affordable.
All restaurants are named Nusr-et. Et means “meat” in Turkish. And here you can’t argue – with such a naming, Nusret was lucky from birth.
Photo: asiaplustj.info
Burak Ozdemir, popularly known as CZN Burak, is a Turkish chef who has won millions of hearts on social media. His infectious energy, beaming smile and incredible giant culinary creations made him a sensation.
In his native Türkiye, Burak is not just a star, he is a national hero. Millions of subscribers on social networks, a handshake from Recep Erdogan himself - all this speaks of his people's love.
In his free time, the chef works tirelessly to do good. He travels around the country with humanitarian aid and gifts for those in need.
But that's not all! Burak does not forget about our smaller brothers. He buys prosthetics for homeless dogs, giving them a chance for a new, full life.
In addition to three restaurants in Istanbul, Burak opened an establishment in Dubai. Unlike Nusret, who positions himself as a chef for the rich, Burak relies on accessibility. Portions in his establishments are generous and prices are affordable.
Burak often visits his restaurants, is always happy to take pictures with guests and gives them his signature smile.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org/Sahinnedim
Nedim Sahin: King of Rice with Dali Mustache
Ding-ding! Bugün ne yediniz? – this cheerful exclamation, accompanied by the clink of a metal bowl, is already familiar to millions of TikTok users.
Nedim Sahin is a Turkish chef whose image with a bushy mustache, as if straight out of a Salvador Dali portrait, has become an integral part of his viral video recipes.
Unlike many star chefs, Nedim does not rely on exotic ingredients or complex techniques. His main character is ordinary rice, which he elevates into a cult. In his establishments, positioned as “for every day”, Nedim offers affordable and satisfying dishes based on rice. Add a topping of meat, vegetables, potatoes - and voila, a delicious lunch is ready!
Nedim's videos always follow the same pattern. In a white shirt, with a cup in his hand, he hits it with a ladle, fervently asking: Bugün ne yediniz? (What will we eat today?). The answer is not long in coming: “Today we will eat...”. This is followed by the deft placement of rice, the addition of topping and the ritual of the first spoon.
Within a few years, Nedim not only expanded his first restaurant, but also opened a new one in the trendy Besiktas district. His establishments are always full of people, and he happily communicates with guests, takes pictures with them, gives them his signature mustache (even girls!) and charges them with his positivity.
Farukh Gezen creates culinary masterpieces from seafood
Today Farukh is the only public Turkish chef specializing in fish. He is known for his unique style of serving dishes. At the end of cooking, he always tries a piece, and then, with a satisfied look, shows the “OK” sign to the camera, confirming the impeccable taste of his creation.
In his videos, Farukh demonstrates masterful knife skills, deftly cutting fish and sea creatures.
Impeccable styling and beard are an integral part of his image. Farukh always looks “in style”. He is not so famous among tourists, since his restaurant is located in Ankara.
If after reading the article you want to try authentic Turkish dishes without leaving Ashgabat, then visit Soltan restaurants. The restaurant chain will be happy to open your doors to the world of gastronomic traditions of this country.
The menu offers visitors an abundance of delicious dishes, from aromatic kebabs and pide to the most delicate lahmacuns and hearty doners. And the friendly staff will be happy to help you choose dishes and answer any questions.
The talented chef Ovez Atayev masterfully brings to life the best recipes of Turkish cuisine. Unique marinades, spices and signature sauces give dishes a unique taste.
Soltan is not just a restaurant, it is a piece of Türkiye in the heart of Ashgabat.
Addresses and contact details of Soltan restaurants:
• Shopping and entertainment center “Berkarar”, 3rd floor, D 17. Phones: (+993 65) 30 88 88, (+993 12) 46 84 44, (+993 12) 46 88 44;
• Shopping and entertainment center “Berkarar”, 3rd floor, D 2. Phones: (+993 61) 60 60 60, (+993 12) 46 88 08, (+993 12) 46 88 09;
• Shopping and entertainment center “Berkarar”, 3rd floor, K 1. Phones: (+993 60) 20 50 02, (+993 12) 46 84 80, (+993 12) 46 84 81;
• st. Andalib, 80 B, 2nd floor (Parahat-4). Phones: (+993 65) 69 16 16, (+993 12) 47 40 25, (+993 12) 47 40 26;
• Magtymguly avenue 217, Gül Zemin shopping and entertainment center, 3rd floor, D 09. Phones: (+993 63) 20 86 86, (+993 12) 90 33 70, (+993 12) 90 33 80;
• Shopping and entertainment center “Ashgabat”, 3rd floor C-3.24. Phones: (+993 62) 21 86 86, (+993 12) 41 54 50, (+993 12) 41 54 51;
• st. G. Kuliyev (Obyezdnaya), no. 72, 2nd floor. Phones: (+993 65) 72 61 62, (+993 12) 75 48 44, (+993 12) 75 49 44, (+993 64) 69 44 44, (+993 12) 75 35 55, (+993 12) 75 36 66.
Resource: perito.media
