Ambreen Yousaf SRINAGAR : With the rise of global culinary trends and food tourism, Turkish restaurants and cafes have found wider audiences in India. This trend has led to fine dining establishments and casual eateries in Kashmir incorporating Turkish specialties into their menus, alongside fusion dishes that blend Turkish and Indian flavors. Among them is The Terrace, a newly launched Turkish rooftop restaurant in the plush area of Srinagar that transports guests straight to the streets of Istanbul.
As the first of its kind in the region, it offers authentic Turkish cuisine crafted from 150-year-old recipes, prepared by Gokhan Eser Kesen, an experienced Turkish chef and eighth-generation Ottoman culinary master. The menu at The Terrace features a variety of Kashmiri, Middle Eastern and Turkish delicacies. Main courses include Adana, döner and juje kebabs, which bear a resemblance to Kashmiri seekh kebabs.
Guests can also enjoy Turkish platters and mezzes paired with special dips or hummus. For dessert, options like güllaç, künefe and baklava – a beloved Turkish pastry in India – are available. The beverage selection is extensive, with Turkish tea, or “çay,” served in small tulip-shaped glasses, being particularly popular among locals.
Suhail Gul, the marketing manager at The Terrace, noted that “around 70% of the restaurant’s revenue comes from Turkish cuisine.” The unique texture and aroma of Turkish dishes complement the bold flavors of Indian cuis.
