Istanbul flavours meet Bahrain shores

TDT | Manama

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A three-night culinary showcase at Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain brought together the artistry of Turkish cuisine and Bahraini hospitality, marking a collaboration between Gulf Air and acclaimed Turkish chef Umut Karakus.

Held from October 16th to 18th at Zahrat Al Fayrouz, the event titled ‘A Journey from Istanbul to Bahrain’ offered guests a tasting journey inspired by memory, heritage, and imagination.

Cultural harmony

Chef Umut, founder of Muutto Istanbul, reinterpreted Anatolian classics with Levantine and Bahraini influences, each dish reflecting his philosophy of connection through food. “Cooking, for me, is the most beautiful form of dialogue,” he said. “Through taste, we build bridges - between cultures, between stories, between hearts.”

Set against Arabic-inspired interiors and live oud melodies, the evenings embodied Jumeirah’s spirit of Arabian hospitality.

Distinguished presence

The event was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Ayse Hilal Sayan Koytak, Ambassador of Türkiye to Bahrain, alongside ambassadors and diplomats from Algeria, Egypt, Oman, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Bangladeshw, as well as United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain Khaled El Mekwad. Prominent business leaders and media members were also present. Thibault de Vries, General Manager of Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain, said the collaboration with Gulf Air and Chef Umut celebrated not only fine cuisine but the spirit of connection that defines true hospitality.

The partnership with Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, symbolised a union of journeys through both air and flavour, carrying Bahrain’s spirit of welcome beyond its shores.

As the final evening concluded, ‘A Journey from Istanbul to Bahrain’ stood as a tribute to shared heritage and the timeless dialogue between cultures that defines the region’s hospitality.