Who Are We

“Merhaba! Welcome to Turkish Flavours, where the love for food and the joy of cooking come together to celebrate the richness of Turkish cuisine. I’m not a chef with fancy diplomas, but my culinary journey is inspired by the passionate souls who shared their love for cooking, igniting in me a deep-seated enthusiasm for the flavors and traditions of Turkish food. In the embrace of a family where the table was always adorned with delectable dishes and where the warmth of shared meals created lasting memories, I discovered my love for cooking. Growing up surrounded by parents who were exceptional cooks, I learned invaluable lessons: that the best meals are the ones we create ourselves, and, more importantly, that food holds the power to bring immense happiness to those we share it with. Cooking for friends became not just a hobby but a way of sharing the joy and passion I hold for Turkish cuisine. There’s an unparalleled joy in witnessing that ‘oh my God, this is the best thing I’ve ever tasted’ look on someone’s face after enjoying a dish I’ve prepared. It’s incredibly gratifying to introduce others to the flavors of my country, sparking their enthusiasm and appreciation for Turkish gastronomy. I am deeply passionate about sharing the culinary treasures of Turkey with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It brings me immense delight to surprise and witness the delight on people’s faces as they uncover the diverse and vibrant world of Turkish cuisine. To me, food isn’t just sustenance; it’s a bridge that unites cultures and people. Join me on this journey of discovering and savoring the tastes, aromas, and stories behind Turkish dishes. Let’s explore the richness of Turkish culinary traditions and create delightful moments by coming together to enjoy the beauty of food and the connections it fosters.”

Berna, a true Istanbulite at heart, discovered her lifelong love for cooking through the vibrant tapestry of flavors spun by her grandmother. From a tender age, Berna was captivated by the artistry and soul her grandmother infused into every dish, igniting a passion that would shape her culinary path. Growing up in the bustling heart of Istanbul, Berna imbibed the wisdom of cooking with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Her grandmother’s teachings ingrained the significance of honoring quality produce, teaching her that the essence of a great dish starts with the finest, freshest elements. An avid seeker of culinary adventures, Berna’s passion for food is matched only by her relentless pursuit of discovering new flavors and innovative tasting experiences. She’s on an endless quest to unearth the hidden gems of Istanbul’s food scene, curating a treasure trove of insider spots that exemplify the city’s gastronomic spirit. With an insatiable curiosity and a fervor for culinary exploration, Berna has developed an intimate knowledge of Istanbul’s most exquisite epicurean locales. She continuously seeks out novel flavors and experiences, eager to share her discoveries and passion with the world. Berna stands as an emblem of the rich culinary heritage of Istanbul, bringing a fusion of tradition, innovation, and an undying enthusiasm for savoring life’s flavors. Join Berna on a journey through Istanbul’s culinary landscape, and together, let’s explore the boundless realms of taste and tradition. She speaks English.

Aylin has studied architecture and conservation of historic structures in Turkey, Italy and the UK. She practiced her profession for 15 years but her passion for food and travel eventually led her to write on food. Since 2003 she holds a weekly food column at Cumhuriyet, a prestigious national daily. She contributes to various food magazines. She has been a Jury member of the Slow Food Award 2000-2003, her nominees receiving awards. She contributes to Terra Madre and Presidia projects as the leader of the Ankara Convivium. She gave consultancy to Channel 4 documentary enacting the funeral dinner of King Midas and appeared in the Turkey episode of the ‘Diaries of a Foodie’ of National Geographic. She won the Sophie Coe award on food history in 2008 by her article “Poppy: Potent yet Frail” presented previously at the Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery. She has worked as curator for the Antalya City Museum, Culinary Culture Section and currently working for another City Museum in Istanbul, again for the culinary exhibition. She recently contributed to ‘The Encyclopedia of Food Cultures of the World’, by writing the entry for Turkey, due to appear from Greenwood Publications. Aylin chips in to help us with our special projects.