Hotel

World-Famous Chef Ali Al Hajj and Lebanese Cuisine Shangri-La Bosphorus Comes to Istanbul

One of the most prestigious names in the world of gastronomy, Shangri-La Jeddah's award-winning restaurant Niyyali, Executive Chef Ali Al Hajj, will meet with guests for the first time at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul on September 19. Renowned for his creative touches and success at Niyyali, famous Chef Al Hajj will bring the most exquisite flavors of Lebanese cuisine to gastronomy enthusiasts between September 19-30.

It was published

1 years ago

September 9, 2024

Elif Akin Yuksel

World-Famous Chef Ali Al Hajj and Lebanese Cuisine Shangri-La Bosphorus Comes to Istanbul | HORECA TREND

Attracting attention with its unique Bosphorus view and superior service quality in the heart of Beşiktaş Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul; Between September 15-30, Shangri-La Jeddah “Awarded Best Lebanese Restaurant of 2024 by TimeOut Jeddah” restaurant Ali Al Hajj, Executive Chef of Niyyaliis preparing to host . The most iconic flavors of Lebanese cuisine, presented by Ali Al Hajj, will take gastronomy lovers on a delicious journey.

Moreover, the third Shang Brunch special event will be held on Sunday, September 29 at IST TOO, where Executive Chef Ali Al Hajj will showcase his signature dishes on his live station. Guests will have the opportunity to taste the chef’s signature Lebanese cuisine and get to meet him and chat about his cuisine.

The Most Exquisite Flavors of Lebanese Tradition Are in Ali Al Hajj's Kitchen

Ali Al Hajj's 19-person set menu, which will be offered to guests exclusively for the launch day on September 4, will include; fattouch, tabouli, classic hummus, truffle hummus, Shanglish salad and kebbeh nayeh in the cold appetizer section. Hot appetizers will include kebab fattah, batata harra (spicy potatoes), lahme ras asfour, fattah kebab and local kibbeh, sembusek cheese and meat pies. In the main course, the chef's mixed grill and Aish Al Saraya, a local dessert with creamy mascarpone cheese and pistachios, will be offered to the guests.

The famous chef’s a la carte menu, which will continue until September 30, will include cold salad and appetizer stations such as fattouch, tabouli, classic hummus, stuffed vine leaves, walnut labneh, smoked eggplant moutabal, walnut mouhamara and kebbeh nayeh. In the hot appetizers and fattah section, spicy potatoes, shrimp fattah, kebab fattah, wagyu ras asfour and provencal shrimp will be served. The main course will include mixed grill and Beirut style spicy sea bass. In desserts, Lebanese pudding with fig jam, the famous Umm Ali “Ali’s Mother” dessert and baklava with mastic gum will be offered to the guests.

An Impressive Career Journey of Over 15 Years

Chef Ali Al Hajj is the Executive Chef of Niyyali, a casual fine dining restaurant in Shangri-La Jeddah. He is an award-winning chef who focuses on ensuring high service and food quality in managing the kitchen team and delivering an unforgettable gastronomic experience at the restaurant.

The chef has been involved in leading Lebanese restaurants in Beirut in his impressive career spanning over 15 years. In January 2023, Ali Al Hajj embarked on a gastronomic journey blending Niyyali with his expertise and innovative creations, quickly transforming Niyyali into a hub that reflects the spirit of Lebanese cuisine and exceeding the expectations of his guests. In addition to his success at Niyyali, he has also significantly improved the gastronomic standards and overall dining experience at other restaurants in Shangri-La Jeddah..

Proven Its Success Worldwide With The Awards It Received

Under Ali Al Hajj’s leadership, Niyyali’s meteoric rise and impact on the gastronomy scene earned it the TimeOut Highly Commended Restaurant Award in 2023. In 2024, Niyyali received the TimeOut Award for Best Lebanese Restaurant in Jeddah, cementing its success as a leading destination for authentic Lebanese cuisine. Chef Ali was also shortlisted as Chef of the Year at the 2024 Caterer Middle East Awards, recognizing him as one of the best hotel chefs in the region. Niyyali was also honored as Jeddah’s FACT Award’s Favourite Restaurant. Chef Al Hajj was selected by Shangri-La Group to implement the Culinary Centre of Excellence, a cross-training programme at Shangri-La properties in Dubai, Istanbul and Shanghai, marking the first step of his global tour of 100 Shangri-La hotels.

Source: HORECA TREND and Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

Related Topics:Ali Al Hajj Niyyali Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul

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Nostalgia Nights Begin at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

The magic of the Bosphorus, the elegance of rakı tables, and the timeless stories of Istanbul… Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, is preparing to connect its guests with the spirit of the past, accompanied by a sip of nostalgia, with "Nostalgic Istanbul Nights," which will be held weekly at the IST TOO Terrace starting Friday, December 5th. This special concept, spanning the 1950s to the 1990s, offers an unforgettable journey through time with its atmosphere that brings old Istanbul tavern culture to the present day and a rich selection of flavors. Every Friday, starting at 7:30 PM, the evening will bring Istanbul's golden years to life with a special selection on the menu and the evening's ritual atmosphere.

It was published

2 minutes ago

December 9 2025

Zafercan Çapar

Nostalgia Nights Begin at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul | HORECA TREND

Located in the heart of Beşiktaş, with its captivating view of the Bosphorus and heartfelt hospitality, Shangri La BosphorusIstanbul is reviving the city's golden years with Nostalgic Istanbul Nights. Taking place every Friday at IST TOO Terrace, this special series brings nostalgic tavern culture to the present day with a refined interpretation.

Istanbul's cult flavors will be brought to the night

The menu at Old Istanbul Nights offers a rich selection reflecting the city's gastronomic heritage. Starters include hummus, topik, all-purpose fava, stuffed white cabbage with mussels, Cretan paste with roasted peppers, salted bonito, Urla artichoke and mung bean salad with citrus sauce, muhammara with walnuts, stuffed vine leaves, and köpoğlu.

While leaf liver, fried baby calamari, and oven-baked manti are served as hot appetizers, main courses include lamb shashlik, chicken shish kebab, Adana kebab, traditional yogurt kebab, and grilled sea bass.

The dessert section includes caramelized burnt rice pudding, caramelized pumpkin dessert & kazandibi ice cream, and seasonal fruits.

For those who want to personalize the experience, two special set menu alternatives have also been created:
– Five cold appetizers, two hot starters, one main course and one dessert
– Five cold appetizers, two hot starters and a rich fruit plate

Time Flows Backwards on the Bosphorus

Held every Friday at the IST TOO Terrace, Old Istanbul Nights reimagines Istanbul's golden years with ferry lights, nostalgic melodies, and touches of elegant tavern culture. Every flavor on the menu connects guests with the city's stories from the past to the present.

Source: HORECA TREND and Shangri-La Bosphorus

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Hotel

Regnum Welcomes the New Year with “The Regnum Express”

Regnum The Crown and Regnum Carya invite their guests to welcome the new year with a train journey themed around Paris, the capital of romance.

It was published

5 days ago

December 4 2025

Zafercan Çapar

Regnum Welcomes the New Year with “The Regnum Express” | HORECA TREND

Welcoming its guests with a luxurious service approach, in an atmosphere intertwined with nature in Antalya, at the seafront on the stunning coast of Belek. Regnum the Crown ve Regnum Carya This year, it's preparing to welcome 2026 with the iconic Regnum Express theme. Parisian inspirations are coming to Regnum with this special themed celebration, which guests of both hotels will have the opportunity to experience.

Offering its guests a blend of comfort and luxury, Regnum is preparing a festive setting beneath the Eiffel Tower, an iconic Parisian landmark. The Down Beat Am FM orchestra from the United States will be performing their beloved songs for Regnum guests during the New Year's celebration. Special events in specially designed areas at Regnum Carya and Regnum The Crown will bring joyful memories to young guests who want to ring in the new year with their families.

Offering a culinary journey with flavors from around the world, Regnum will be serving a special New Year's-themed menu at all of its restaurants during the winter season. Live music permeates every corner of the hotel, bringing the spirit of New Year's Eve to every moment of the day.

Source: HORECA TREND and Regnum

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Hotel

New Year's Eve Celebration at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, a prominent landmark in the city with its unique location, captivating architecture, rich history, and unparalleled beauty, invites guests to celebrate the New Year's magic in a palatial atmosphere. As in previous years, Çırağan Palace Kempinski has prepared a program filled with magnificent receptions, exquisite flavors, and unforgettable experiences, promising guests a celebration steeped in sparkle and elegance.

It was published

5 days ago

December 4 2025

Zafercan Çapar

New Year's Eve Celebration at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul | HORECA TREND

Christmas Themed Tea Time at the Gazebo

Gazebo, one of Istanbul's most prestigious gathering places with its location overlooking the Bosphorus, adds a charming touch to traditional New Year's tea time. The experienced culinary team prepares handmade desserts, savory treats, and presentations that reflect the spirit of the holiday, creating an elegant afternoon tea experience for guests.

The New Year's Themed Afternoon Tea, which will be offered every day between 15:00 and 18:00 throughout December, is 3.400 TL per person, including VAT.

New Year's Gala Dinner at Çırağan Ballroom – December 31, 2025

Reflecting the splendor of the Bosphorus, the Çırağan Ballroom is hosting a captivating gala reception on the night of December 31st. A special six-course set menu, a welcome cocktail, a DJ, and live music from the Purple Hand Band will provide guests with an unforgettable New Year's Eve experience. The gala dinner, featuring carefully selected flavors from Turkish and international cuisine in the elegant palace atmosphere, awaits those looking for a magnificent start to the new year.

The price per person for the New Year's Gala Dinner, which will start at 19:00 in the Ballroom and continue until late into the night, is 23.000 TL, including VAT.

First New Year's Eve Celebration at Rüya Istanbul – December 31, 2025

Rüya, now open at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, offers a special celebration that combines the spirit of the new year with modern Anatolian cuisine. After Cannes, Dubai, and Riyadh, Rüya, the brand's first in its inspirational lands, invites guests to an unforgettable New Year's Eve experience on the night of December 31st. Rüya's modern take on Anatolian flavors welcomes the most sparkling evening of the year with a carefully crafted five-course tasting menu and a special New Year's Eve program. DJ and live trio performances, paired with the captivating Bosphorus view, transform the last night of the year into a delightful and stylish celebration.

The price per person for the New Year's Gala Dinner at Rüya is 18.000 TL including VAT.

New Year's Eve Party at Le Fumoir – December 31, 2025

Le Fumoir, one of the city's most popular venues, is once again the venue for an energetic New Year's Eve party this year, with its palm trees and views of the Bosphorus. Featuring a live DJ, specially prepared New Year's Eve treats, and cocktails, the fun-filled party awaits revelers.

New Year's Eve Party at Le Fumoir is 8.500 TL per person including VAT.

New Year's Brunch at the Palace – January 1, 2026

Served in the magnificent hall of Çırağan Palace, New Year's Brunch offers a magnificent start for those looking to welcome the first day of the new year with an unforgettable feast. Enjoy the brunch with a view of the Bosphorus, adding a delicious touch to the first day of the new year with its rich menu and elegant presentation.

The New Year's Brunch, which will be offered between 12:30 - 16:30 on January 1, 2026, is 7.750 TL per person, including VAT.

For detailed information and reservations; diningreservations.ciraganpalace@kempinski.com or 0(212) 326 46 46.

New Year's Accommodation Package at Çırağan Palace

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul invites guests to experience the magic of the new year on the banks of the exquisite Bosphorus. Those who wish to usher in 2026 with grandeur and glamour by staying at the magnificent Çırağan Palace can enjoy a fairytale-like experience during their two-night stay at the historic Palace. Guests will step into the new year in style with this experience, enriched by accommodations in luxurious rooms or suites, a unique gala dinner with live music in the dazzling Çırağan Ballroom on the second floor of the Palace, and a New Year's Brunch, reflecting the joy of the new year.

For detailed information and reservations; ist.resrev@kempinski.com or 0(212) 326 46 46.

Special Celebrations

Those who wish to organize special celebrations and New Year's Eve events with their loved ones can contact the hotel's Sales Team. 326 45 45 phone number or meetings.istanbul@kempinski.com They can contact us via e-mail.

Flavors and Elegant Gifts Carrying the Sparkle of the New Year at Çırağan Palace Shop

Çırağan Palace Shop, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul's online shopping site, welcomes the new year with unique flavors and gifts. Those looking to add a special touch to the New Year's joy and share it with their loved ones can find unique gifts, each bearing the luxurious touch of Çırağan Palace, prepared for the new year. www.ciraganpalaceshop.com You can order online from the address and also pick up from the hotel.

Source: HORECA TREND and Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

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