A Touch of Turkey in Qatar

By Zehra Fattah

The Sharq Village & Spa (operated by Ritz-Carlton) had a great kick off for the Turkish food festival at its famous Al Livan restaurant .

Some of the delights at the opening the Turkish festival at the Sharq Village. Photo: Zehra Fattah

The Turkish Ambassador to Qatar, Hon. Ahmet Demirok and his family were guests of honour on this great occasion. 

Politics, the relationship between the Arab countries and Turkey, and the increase in tourism in Turkey were among the many subjects that brought together a great group of attendees at this lovely gathering. 

Renowned chefs, Erol Sen and Mehmet Akif Aksoy, are exclusively flown in to prepare special dishes - including ciğ köfte (lean minced meat kneaded with grinded wheat (ince bulgur), onion, tomato or red pepper paste and spices like cumin, paprika, pepper, mint, coriander, cinnamon), grilled lamb chops, lahmacun (a round, thin piece of dough topped with minced meat and minced vegetables and herbs including onions, tomatoes and parsley, then baked) and Turkish pizza.

The Sharq Village & Spa describes Turkish cuisine this way: 

"Heavily influenced by classical Ottoman cooking, modern Turkish cuisine can be described as a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan flavors and techniques. It has, in turn, influenced those and other neighboring cuisines, including that of Western Europe. 

Turkish cooking varies hugely from region to region: for instance, chefs along the Black Sea coastline use fish extensively, while the Southeast of the country is famous for its kebabs and dough-based desserts such as Baklava. In the West, where olive trees are abundant, the use of olive oil predominates, while the Marmara and Mediterranean regions are rich in vegetables, herbs and fish."

Says Savvy Angel, Zehra Fattah, who is being hosted by the Sharq Village & Spa: "The last time I had Turkish food this delicious it was prepared by my mother!" 

A night filled with inspiring conversions, authentic Turkish cuisine in a setting which couldn't have been better for such an event. 

The Turkish Food Festival runs until Nov. 1. See our review of Al Liwan by clicking here. 

A desert item at the festival opening. Credit: Sharq Village & Spa