Turkuaz first opened in Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, as a pop-up restaurant earlier this year and its popularity has been such that the hotel has now decided to turn it into a permanent dining option!
The Turkish restaurant and lounge is being helmed by Chef de Cuisine Mustafa Onder, who along with his team will create a gastronomical array of dishes that are evocative of the Ottoman palaces. From aromatic and heavily spiced meats to pistachio-topped sweets, the new-designed lunch and dinner menus promise rich flavours that can be savoured with authentic Turkish tea and coffees.
Speaking about the decision to make Turkuaz a permanent fixture, Eric Meloche, Director of Food and Beverage and Culinary at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, said: “Turkuaz restaurant initially opened as a pop-up concept earlier this year and we experienced such resounding positive reviews that we decided to bring it back indefinitely.”
He added, “People around the world flock to Turkey especially to try out the gorgeous cuisine, which gets its inspiration from so many diverse cultures. We have worked hard on our menu to bring this eclectic spirit to Oman, and we’re sure that both Turkish food fans and newcomers to the fare will be impressed with our assortment of the classics, with a contemporary kick.”
Fusion, Flavours, & Tea
Chef Mustafa and his team have created an exotic fusion of some sophisticated flavours using local ingredients to enhance the culinary experience. Signature dishes such as Yaprak Sarma (vine leaves stuffed with cinnamon, pine nuts, blackcurrants and rice) Kaşarli (traditional flat-bread with a special Turkuaz cheese blend) and ‘the ‘Turkuaz Signature Mixed Grill’ are definitely a must-try. Deserts such as the ever-popular Kunefe (crispy kadaif dough with cheese filling) and Baklava almost complete the epicurean journey that comes full circle with a glass of Turkish tea that is offered as a sign of friendship and hospitality, a perfect accompaniment to the cooler weather.
Colour us Turquoise
It is not just the food that takes you on an Ottoman royal whirl, the ambience sets the tone well. Turquoise hues, historic symbol of wealth and opulence, compliment the evocative calligraphy and painted ceramics, all enriched with a sense of hospitality and heritage stemming from nomadic traditions that have been passed down generation after generation. Set in a refined lounge atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to experience the cuisine in the traditional way, with family and friends. At Turkuaz, guests are welcomed to experience a level of warmth together with the finest food as they create memories that will never be forgotten.
