ROKA Istanbul and Ozan Kumbasar Bring Aegean-Japanese Cuisine Together!

Suna Hakyemez, the chef of Roka Istanbul, who has attracted attention in the Turkish gastronomic scene with the awards she has received, and Ozan Kumbasar , the founder and chef of Vino Locale, which was awarded 1 Michelin Star and the Green Star in 2025, will present a special menu that combines Japanese and Aegean culinary cultures to Roka guests for only two days, on Monday, February 17th and Tuesday, February 18th.

Kumbasar, who has brought to life the love of cuisine that he has carried in his heart since childhood with Urla Vino Locale, is known for preparing a new menu every month with the products of Urla and the region. Drawing on the richness of the fertile Aegean lands, he prepares recipes that have left a mark on palates from past to present with his innovative approach. 

Chefs who have come together at Roka Istanbul will bring to life the differing techniques of two cuisines and the stories behind their dishes with this special menu prepared for their guests over two dinners. The menu will feature flavors reflecting the ingredients and techniques of both cultures, including Crispy Rice Nigiri and Chu-Toro Tartar with Yuzu Mayo and Green Onions; Urla Bluetail Shrimp Gyoza; Urla Crispy Mastic Artichoke and Yuzu Kosho Goat Cheese Cream; Beef Cheek with Hazelnut Celery Puree and Sour Cherry; Grilled Eggplant with Shredded Mirin, Ginger and Soy Glaze; Chef Ozan's Mother's Recipe Lemon Parfait; and Tom Yum Mochi with Lotus Chocolate and Şırnak Syriac Liqueur.

Roka Istanbul chef Suna Hakyemez states that this collaboration offers an experience that blends Turkish and Japanese cultures and the unique flavors of the geography while also carrying the local richness of the Aegean. He says, “As Roka Istanbul, hosting Ozan Kumbasar in our kitchen and bringing together the vast ingredients and culinary understanding of the Aegean with Roka flavors was both a very enjoyable and productive experience.” 

Ozan Kumbasar expressed his thoughts on the collaboration with the following words: “As a chef who values ​​sustainable gastronomy and seasonality, I am very happy to have the opportunity to bring together Japanese and Aegean cuisines, which symbolize a rich history and culture. We will offer our guests an unforgettable experience with this collaboration that pays tribute to the seasonality and world-class ingredients of both cuisines.” 

About Azumi Ltd

Azumi Limited is an award-winning global restaurant business with many established brands serving contemporary cuisine in key cosmopolitan locations. Azumi Group is one of the global investments of D.ream, which was established in 2012 as a subsidiary of Doğuş Group.

Created by Rainer Becker and co-founded with Arjun Waney, Azumi's journey began with the opening of Zuma London in 2002. This was quickly followed by ROKA London in 2004. There are currently 21 Zuma and 9 ROKA restaurants around the world, and preparations for other restaurants are ongoing. In addition to the Japanese concepts Zuma and ROKA, Oblix opened at The Shard in 2013.

ETARU, which was launched in Florida in 2017, offers the ROKA concept with a different look to the east coast of the USA. 

About ROKA

Following the enormous success of Zuma London, Rainer Becker quickly recognized the huge popularity of robatayaki cuisine and opened ROKA Charlotte Street in 2004, creating a contemporary Japanese menu. ROKA Group has expanded rapidly and now has a portfolio of restaurants in London's most sought-after locations. ROKA's main cuisine comes from the Robata grill. Located in the middle of the grill, the grill forms an integral design element of all restaurants, but more than just a striking feature, the robata is truly the heart of ROKA. 

The current ROKA portfolio includes the following restaurants (in chronological order): London Charlotte Street and Shochu Lounge (2004), London Canary Wharf (2009), London Mayfair (2014), London Aldwych (2014) Dubai Business Bay (2020) Spain Mallorca (pop -up 2021, 2022, 2023) Saudi Riyadh (2021), Istanbul (2022), Kuwait (2022), Jeddah (2023) and Barcelona (pop-up 2023).

Source: HORECA TREND and Roka Istanbul