Turkish Embassy celebrates fifth Turkish Cuisine Week with a taste of heritage and culture
‘The table is the oldest language of togetherness; food connects people across time’ -- Ambassador Tuba Nur Sönmez
The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Kuwait hosted a vibrant cultural and culinary celebration at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to mark the fifth edition of Turkish Cuisine Week, an annual initiative organized under the auspices of the First Lady of Türkiye, Emine Erdoğan.
The event brought together senior Kuwaiti officials, representatives of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), members of the diplomatic corps, chefs, food industry representatives, social media influencers, business leaders, and members of civil society to experience the rich traditions and flavors of Turkish gastronomy.
Opening the evening, Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Tuba Nur Sönmez welcomed the guests and expressed her delight at launching this year’s celebrations, which carry the theme “The Heritage Table” (Bir Sofrada Miras). “The table is the oldest language of togetherness,” Ambassador Sönmez said.
“Food connects people across time, carrying memories, traditions, and values from one generation to the next,” the ambassador added.
She emphasized that in Turkish culture, food is far more than sustenance. The preparation and sharing of meals, she noted, represents a profound cultural language through which traditions, hospitality, and social bonds are preserved and passed on.
Turkish cuisine, she explained, is among the most eloquent expressions of this cultural heritage, reflecting centuries of accumulated knowledge, craftsmanship, and communal values.
The Ambassador also highlighted the significance of the event taking place on the eve of Eid Al-Adha, a period that celebrates family, generosity, and togetherness across cultures.
She noted that the occasion offered an ideal opportunity to reflect on the common values shared by Türkiye and Kuwait.
Underscoring the close cultural ties between the two nations, Ambassador Sönmez said that hospitality and generosity occupy a central place in both Turkish and Kuwaiti societies.
She described Turkish Cuisine Week as a bridge between cultures and an invitation for Kuwaiti friends to discover not only the flavors of Türkiye but also the stories, emotions, and traditions behind every dish. “In both our countries, tables are prepared with quiet generosity and hearts are kept open,” she remarked.
“What is shared among people never diminishes; rather, it grows in meaning through togetherness.”
Adding a colorful cultural dimension to the celebration, students from the Turkish School in Kuwait performed traditional folkloric dances that showcased Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage and delighted attendees with vibrant displays of music and movement.
The guests were then treated to an extensive array of authentic Turkish specialties presented through an elegant buffet and a series of live cooking stations.
The interactive culinary experience allowed visitors to witness the artistry and craftsmanship behind some of Türkiye’s most beloved traditional dishes.
Among the highlights were freshly prepared mantı, the famous Turkish dumplings served with yogurt and savory sauces, and çiğ köfte, skillfully hand-shaped and seasoned before guests.
Traditional pastries, including Çarşaf Böreği and Paçanga Böreği, were prepared on-site using delicate hand-rolled layers of dough, demonstrating the meticulous techniques that have been preserved through generations.
Visitors also enjoyed authentic Turkish coffee and tea prepared according to traditional methods, offering a fitting conclusion to an evening dedicated to celebrating the enduring heritage, hospitality, and culinary excellence of Türkiye.
The event once again demonstrated how cuisine can serve as a powerful tool of cultural diplomacy, bringing people together through shared experiences and strengthening the bonds of friendship between Türkiye and Kuwait.
