Turkish coffee, Turkish tea, Turkish pastry, Kebab.... nuts, dry fruit, yogurt, spices, meaty.... that's flash of my thought about Turkish cuisine. But for me Turkish cuisine is more 'unknown' cuisine than familiar cuisine such as Korean, Italian and Spanish cuisine, kinda mysterious. What interest me is the location of the country... guess it's locating at middle east region, but aslo bridging Europe to Asia and the country is kinda big as well.
Turkish cuisine is actually counted as one of three grand cuisines..... Sorry, but.... my impression is 'serioushry?' The other two are French and Chinese, I'd say 100% agreed about those two. Considering culinary history, background, techniques, skills, depth, width, French surly should be considered one of grand 3. Chinese cuisine is grand-grandmother of all Asian cuisine and influence all over Asian cuisine including Japanese, so Chinese, of couse.
Then... 3rd one... Vietnamese, Indian, Italian, Spanish, name some.... they're all unique cuisines, but.. nnn... maybe it should be African or South American cuisine, I'd say... But the fact is I never been and don't know much about those cuisines unfortunately. Mmmm... Well anyway someone know the world culinary history decided Turkish is the one of 3, .....eh.... All right, sure, hands down, u win. Then I guess I better study Turkish cuisine more.... here I am Istanbul, Turkey!!
Useful culinary websites of Istanbul / Turkish cuisine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_cuisine
http://istanbuleats.com/
http://www.deliciousistanbul.com/blog/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/sep/06/istanbul
http://www.turkish-cuisine.org/english/index.php
http://turkishcuisine.wordpress.com/
http://www.allaboutturkey.com/mutfak.htm
http://www.theguideistanbul.com/articles/shopping/food/introduction-to-turkish-cheese-141.html
http://www.wittistanbul.com/magazine/what-kebap-to-eat-while-visiting-istanbul/
http://www.wittistanbul.com/magazine/our-top-turkish-dishes-the-best-of-the-turkish-cuisine/
Local eats list of Turkish cuisine
doner, shishi kebaps, kokoretsi, pida, lahmacun, manti, kofte, borek, pilav, midye dolmasi, lakerda, simit, kokorec, islak burger, icli kofte,
lokum, baklava, rize cayi, dondurma, sutlac
To start, more to go!!
I sent 3 CVs in Istanbul, just asking stage day or two..... no response so far! I may need to knock the door since I doubt many chefs come to Istanbul to stage! These days I'm focusing on going kinda Meyhane which is kind of Turkish tapas bar where locals go. This way I can taste 3-4 dishes to learn elemental Turkish flavor profiles. It's all about learning the roots of Turkish cuisine and what locals usually eat. Anyway... at this point honestly I'm not sure how long I'm gonna stay in Istanbul! I did know my next 2 potential destination and seeing the flight ticket price and see if they do have possible job opening I'm looking for..... For now, let's dig 'N' to find new Turkish 'delight'!! CJWDT'12 Gastr'N'omad tour continues.....