A new establishment dedicated to Turkish cuisine has opened in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. A correspondent from VB.KG attended the grand opening and learned about how the idea for this café came about.
Furkan Kaptanoglu, the owner of the café, shares that his story is closely tied to family and traditions. In 1959, his father founded a coffee shop where he began selling unique ice cream and sweets. This recipe has been passed down through generations, forming a family legacy.
The ice cream Maraş dondurması, famous in Furkan's homeland, originated in the Turkish city of Kahramanmaraş. His father prepared this dessert using an authentic recipe, which became an important part of family traditions.
Furkan has lived in Kyrgyzstan for over 20 years, where he studied, started a family, and decided to promote Turkish culinary culture.
The tragic events of three years ago, when an earthquake in Turkey claimed the life of his brother, a doctor, motivated him to continue the family business and preserve his father's recipe. As a result, the first point offering traditional Turkish ice cream opened in Bishkek.
Later, Furkan decided to broaden his horizons and open a restaurant, offering dishes from southern Turkish cuisine. The menu features dishes baked in a tray oven called tepsi, which is characteristic of the regions of Kahramanmaraş and Gaziantep, known for their gastronomic culture.
The southern regions of Turkey are renowned for the diversity of their cuisine, rich flavors, and generous use of spices. Kahramanmaraş and Gaziantep have become gastronomic centers, with recipes known even beyond the country's borders.
According to Furkan Kaptanoglu, his mission is not only to prepare food but also to share the richness of his region's culture. He emphasizes that traditional dishes, familiar from childhood, help him maintain a connection to his homeland while also becoming beloved by people in another country.
