A new Turkish café has opened in Bishkek, which was attended by a correspondent from VB.KG. During the event, she learned about the story behind this establishment.
Furkan Kaptanoglu, the owner of the café, shared that his story is inextricably linked to family traditions. In 1959, his father opened a coffee shop where signature ice cream and sweets were sold. This coffee shop became the beginning of passing down recipes that became a family heritage.
The famous Maraş dondurması ice cream originates from the Turkish city of Kahramanmaraş. Furkan's father prepared this dessert using a traditional recipe from the region, which over time became part of the family history.
Furkan has been living in Kyrgyzstan for over twenty years, where he received his education, started a family, and decided to develop a business related to Turkish cuisine.
Three years ago, his native region was struck by a devastating earthquake, resulting in the death of his brother, who worked as a doctor. This tragic event prompted him to continue his family's legacy and preserve his father's recipe. As a result, the first place offering traditional Turkish ice cream appeared in Bishkek.
Over time, Furkan decided to expand his business and open a restaurant, where the menu now features dishes from southern Turkish cuisine. Special attention is given to dishes prepared in a tray oven (tepsi), which are popular in Kahramanmaraş and neighboring Gaziantep and are considered a gastronomic hallmark of southeastern Turkey.
Turkish cuisine is renowned for its diversity, but the southern regions are particularly known for their rich flavors, abundance of spices, and meat dishes. Kahramanmaraş and Gaziantep are often mentioned as gastronomic centers of the country, where recipes have been developed that are known far beyond its borders.
Furkan Kaptanoglu emphasizes that his task is not only to prepare dishes but also to convey the culture of his region. He notes that familiar dishes from childhood help maintain a connection to his homeland and become dear to people in another country.
