Turkish cuisine is considered as one of the most important ones in the world, together with Italian, French and Chinese traditions, and is characterised by a variety of dishes combining some features of Mediterranean gastronomy, such as olive oil, with features of Asian cuisine, like spices, creating a very appetizing mixture. Besides these features, the basic ingredients in Turkish gastronomy are roasted meat (above all mutton and lamb meat) and vegetables (in particular aubergines, the main ingredient in many dishes). All those who have tasted even just a simple and fast dish like kebab in one of the various restaurants that are now to be found all around the world will assert that Turkish cooks are very good in combining meat and vegetables.

However, Turkish cuisine is much more that meat and vegetables (just think about pilav rice dishes or the cakes prepared with almonds, honey, eggs and milk), and a whole book would not be enough to include its history and all its recipes. Thus if you want to discover something more about Turkish gastronomy tradition, and to taste some dishes created by some of the greatest chefs in the world, but also if you want to compare Turkish cuisine with other countries? traditions, plan an Istanbul tour, gird yourself with fork and knife and visit the International Gastronomy Festival, which will take place in the Turkish city from the 21st to the 24th of March. For 7 years the festival has summoned the best chefs in the world, who have gathered in Istanbul to cook their best dishes, but the 2009 edition will rise in value: last year, indeed, the event has been accepted into WACS (World Association of Chefs Society), which has made it gain international prestige and reputation. Thus the chefs that will take part in the festival will have the possibility not only to cook their dishes in front of an international audience of professionals and gourmets, but also to be officially praised for their ability: they will participate in a competition, and the best cooks will receive a medal and, what is more important, an internationally accredited certificate.

The festival will be an important event for cooks, but also for visitors: spending some days in Istanbul, perhaps staying in one of the several cheap B&Bs of the city, visitors will have the possibility to discover something more about Turkish and international gastronomy traditions. The festival, indeed, is not only meant to make Turkish cuisine spread all over the world, but also to encourage an exchange and confrontation between different countries, and it does so in Istanbul, a city which has always been characterised by encounters between different cultures.

You are drooling, aren't you? A trip to Turkey can turn into a gastronomy tour, thanks to the Istanbul International Gastronomy festival!

Date: 21 24 March 2009

Location: Tuyap Istanbul Exhibition Palace, Istanbul, Turkey