TORONTO — The traditional Turkish Breakfast is so special and unique to Turkey’s culture, it’s now a candidate for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage designation.
That honour was more than enough reason for Turkish Airlines to celebrate with industry partners and trade media at a recent event.
Taking place at Soho House Toronto, the morning (naturally) get-together was a feast for the eyes and the appetites, as guests dined on Turkish delicacies while learning more about Turkey and its customs – and how to get there via Turkish Airlines.
Turkish Airlines’ network covers 130+ countries and 350+ destinations. From Toronto, Turkish Airlines flies six times weekly to Istanbul. Passengers can take advantage of TK’s free stopover program, plus stretch out in the airline’s award-winning Business Class, recently named top J class for the 10th year in a row by Skytrax.
“At Turkish Airlines, we believe that every journey begins long before takeoff,” said Fatih Atacan Temel, GM, Canada for Turkish Airlines, in his welcoming remarks.
“It begins with culture, with connection, and yes, with cuisine, with the airline that flies to more destinations than any other in the world, over 350 cities across six continents,” he said.
“We see ourselves not just as a carrier of passengers, but as a bridge between people, culture and stories,” Atacan Temel added. “Wherever you go with us, we aim to offer not just a flight, but a sense of place, a taste of tradition and the feeling of hope, no matter how far you travel.”
The traditional Turkish breakfast “is deeply rooted in our identity,” he said, “Turkish breakfast is not just a meal. It is an experience, a ritual, and in many ways, a reflection of who we are as a people.”
TURKISH BREAKFAST 101
At the event guests were treated to an incredible meal, steeped in rich cultural tradition. It’s a must-try experience for visitors.
Turkish breakfast offers a diverse range of dishes including various cheeses, olives, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, cured meats, eggs, homemade pastries, freshly baked bread, seasonal fruit jams, natural honey and clotted cream, all accompanied by endless cups of fragrant Turkish black tea.
With regional variations, there are certain foods that breakfasters can expect to appear on every Turkish breakfast table.
Here’s a primer …
- Cheese and olives are among the most iconic components of Turkish breakfasts. While white cheese is the centrepiece of Turkish breakfasts, many local varieties are featured in different regions. Ezine cheese, Konya’s blue mould cheese, Kars’ aged kaşar, and Van’s herb cheese are just a few examples.
- Olives are also an essential component of the breakfast spread. Türkiye is one of the world’s top five producers of olives and olive oils, and the Aegean region is home to most olive groves. Black and green olives, often seasoned with olive oil, local herbs and spices, add a richness to the meal.
- Seasonal vegetables, especially summer tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as fresh greens and herbs, are served with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Melon and watermelon can make a refreshing addition to the spread in summer.
- Eggs are another defining feature of Turkish breakfasts. They are prepared in various styles, from sunny-side up and omelettes to soft-boiled or poached. The must-try egg dishes are menemen – scrambled eggs with peppers and tomatoes; fried eggs with sucuk, a spicy Turkish sausage; and çılbır, poached eggs served atop a bed of garlicky yogurt.
- Pastries are also an essential part of the Turkish breakfast experience. Crusty and freshly baked bread is a staple on every table. Simit, sesame-covered Turkish-style bagels; poğaça, a pastry with various fillings like cheese or potatoes; pişi, a deep-fried dough; and gözleme, flatbread stuffed with fresh greens, cheese, minced meat or potatoes are also commonly served.
- Turkish breakfasts are not complete without a sweet finish. To end the breakfast, there’s natural honey and clotted cream, and Turkish jams and marmalades. It’s all accompanied by endless glasses of brewed black tea in tulip-shaped glasses.
“Let this be more than a meal. Let it be the beginning of a connection with our culture, with our people, and hopefully with Turkish Airlines,” said Atacan Temel.
More information about Turkish Airlines can be found at TurkishAirlines.com.
