A new Turkish cuisine café has opened in Bishkek, and a correspondent from VB.KG attended its opening, discovering the interesting story behind this establishment.
Furkan Kaptanoglu, the café owner, shares that his interest in business is rooted in family traditions. In 1959, his father founded a coffee shop where he offered unique ice cream and sweets. From that moment on, the family began passing down a recipe that became a true relic.
The ice cream Maraş dondurması, associated with many memories, originated in Turkey, in the city of Kahramanmaraş. Furkan's father prepared it using a traditional recipe passed down from his ancestors.
Furkan has been living in Kyrgyzstan for over twenty years. During this time, he not only received an education and started a family but also decided to continue the business related to Turkish cuisine.
Three years ago, as a result of a devastating earthquake in Turkey that affected his homeland, his brother, who worked as a doctor, tragically passed away. Inspired by his memory, Furkan made a firm decision to continue the family business and preserve his father's recipe by opening the first point of traditional Turkish ice cream in Bishkek.
Over time, he expanded his business by opening a restaurant where southern Turkish dishes are now offered. The menu pays special attention to dishes baked in a tray oven (tepsi), which is characteristic of Kahramanmaraş and the neighboring Gaziantep, and is considered a gastronomic hallmark of southeastern Turkey.
Turkish cuisine is known for its richness of flavors, but the southern regions stand out, renowned for their use of spices and meat delicacies. Kahramanmaraş and Gaziantep are rightly considered gastronomic centers of Turkey, where recipes have been formed that have become famous far beyond the country's borders.
Furkan Kaptanoglu emphasizes that his goal is not only to prepare food but also to convey the culture of his region. He believes that the dishes familiar to him from childhood help maintain a connection with his homeland and become dear to people in another country.
