Authentic Turkish Food Festival at The Leela Palace Bengaluru with Chef Yildiz O. Samaha

Bengaluru: The Leela Palace Bengaluru is setting the stage for a grand culinary celebration, as it prepares to host an exclusive Turkish Food Festival at its all-day dining restaurant, Citrus. From April 23rd to 27th, 2025, the hotel will transform into a portal to Turkey, offering a rare and refined dining experience curated by the celebrated Turkish chef, Yildiz O. Samaha. This pop-up promises a deep dive into the culinary landscape of Turkey, with a menu that explores time-honoured Ottoman recipes, bold spices, and vibrant regional delicacies.

Chef Yildiz O. Samaha brings with her a rich legacy of Turkish culinary traditions. With years of experience and a deep understanding of Ottoman-era cooking, her food is as much about storytelling as it is about flavour. Her approach is rooted in authenticity and reverence for heritage, ensuring that each dish is an ode to Turkish culture. For Bengaluru’s gourmands and global cuisine enthusiasts, this festival is not merely a meal, but a journey through the bustling souks, serene coastlines, and fertile kitchens of Turkey.

The experience begins with an inviting selection of mezzes and salads, carefully designed to whet the appetite. Diners can expect favourites like Kisir—a zesty bulgur wheat salad, and Muhammara—a smoky, spicy red pepper and walnut dip. The Çoban Salata, a classic Turkish shepherd’s salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley, offers a refreshing bite, while the Kapya Biber Salata made from roasted red peppers adds a touch of depth. A highlight among the starters is the marinated seabass, which balances citrus, herbs, and delicate seasoning.

Moving into the mains, the grill selection is where Chef Samaha’s mastery shines. Turkish cuisine is famed for its robust kebabs, and the festival does not disappoint. From Doner Kebab and Chicken Şiş Kebap to regional classics like Urfa Kebap and Eggplant Kebap, the variety on offer captures the essence of Turkish street food elevated to fine dining. A vegetarian kebap option ensures inclusivity without compromising on flavour. Each of these mains is paired with Ankara-style rice and sautéed cabbage, creating a plate that is hearty, balanced, and authentic.

The dessert section brings a fittingly decadent close to the meal. Traditional Turkish sweets like Baklava—layers of filo pastry soaked in syrup and filled with nuts—and Kadayıf, a shredded wheat dessert, highlight the richness of Middle Eastern confections. The offering also includes Sütlaç, a rice pudding that is both comforting and subtly flavoured, and Muhallebi, a delicate milk custard. Rounding out the dessert selection is Hoşaf—a dry fruit compote—and Turkish ice cream, known for its chewy texture and dramatic flair.

The setting for this festival is Citrus, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, known for its contemporary elegance and expansive poolside views. The ambiance complements the food beautifully—warm, inviting, and perfect for an immersive experience. Whether one is indulging in a mid-week dinner or the special brunch planned for Sunday, April 27th, the festival offers an opportunity to savour Turkish cuisine in a regal, yet relaxed environment.

What elevates this festival beyond the menu is the immersive storytelling behind it. Turkish food, with its unique confluence of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Mediterranean influences, speaks to a history of conquests, trade, and cultural fusion. Every dish on Chef Yildiz’s menu is reflective of that rich tapestry—from the spice blends that whisper of Ottoman opulence to the humble street foods that pulse through the heart of Istanbul.

The Leela Palace Bengaluru, known for its luxury offerings and hospitality, continues to carve a niche in curating cultural culinary events that go beyond superficial themes. This Turkish Food Festival stands as a testament to its commitment to providing nuanced, enriching experiences to its patrons. Paired with the opulent surroundings of the palace hotel, and service that is at once attentive and unobtrusive, the festival is poised to be one of the season’s standout dining events.

The festival will run during dinner hours from April 23rd to 26th (7 PM to 10 PM), priced at Rs. 3,200 plus taxes per person. The grand finale is a Sunday brunch on April 27th, from 12.30 PM to 4 PM, priced at Rs. 4,750 plus taxes (with liquor). Reservations are highly recommended, and interested guests can call +918951974424 or +919606583346 to secure their spot.

As Turkish flavours make their way to Bengaluru for this limited-time event, The Leela Palace Bengaluru invites patrons to sit back, savour, and let the tastes of Anatolia tell their tale.