Modern Ramadan Dinners Inspired by Tradition at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

Located in Beşiktaş, the heart of Istanbul Shangri-La Bosphorus, IstanbulIt continues to build a bridge of flavors between cultures at iftar tables, one of the most special moments of the month of Ramadan.

Between February 19th and March 19th, IST TOO presents a rich selection of Iftar meals led by Executive Chef Şevket Cihan; bringing together exquisite flavors of traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine with dishes prepared at various live cooking stations. Inspired by the Chinese New Year, which coincides with Ramadan, this selection also incorporates the refined touches of the hotel's award-winning signature restaurant, Shang Palace. Ottoman sherbets, served by expert winemakers, elegantly complement this multi-layered Iftar experience. Shared meals against the tranquil backdrop of the Bosphorus transform Ramadan into a tradition-respecting, aesthetic, and sharing-focused experience.

Exquisite Flavors to Accompany Ramadan Classics

Ramadan iftar meals bring together traditional iftar dishes, mezes, and pide varieties with indispensable flavors of Turkish cuisine such as skewers, grilled meats, döner, and kebabs. This selection, prepared at live cooking stations, transforms iftar into a rich and multifaceted experience.

From Anatolia to Your Table: A Selection of Appetizers and Iftar Dishes

The iftar meals, a familiar ritual of Ramadan, begin with a selection of cheeses including butter, tulum cheese, white cheese, and Kars Gruyere, served with fresh Ramadan flatbread and thin lavash. Appetizers from different regions of Anatolia, such as stuffed onions, dried eggplant, and cherry-stuffed grape leaves, are complemented by classics like tahini-roasted eggplant, Antalya-style piyaz (bean salad), and muhammara (a type of Turkish dip). Historical Kemerburgaz and Ankara pickles accompany the meal, while Gaziantep-style lebeniye (a type of soup) is served at the soup station.

Tradition and Expertise at Live Cooking Stations

Live cooking stations set up at IST TOO add dynamism to iftar meals. Classics such as Kayseri mantı (dumplings), gözleme (flatbread), and traditional Turkish döner (kebab) are prepared by expert chefs right before the guests' eyes; while the hotel's award-winning signature restaurant, inspired by the Chinese New Year which coincides with Ramadan, Shang PalaceSelected delicacies from [the restaurant/restaurant name] also accompany these stations. These lively areas, complemented by Ramadan flatbreads fresh from stone ovens and regional flatbread varieties, transform iftar from just a meal into a shared experience.

Main Dishes Inspired by Ottoman Palace Cuisine

The main courses reinterpret the rich heritage of Turkish and Ottoman cuisine with modern touches. Classics like grilled chicken and grilled sea bass, as well as Ali Pasha pilaf, Hünkar Beğendi (a type of lamb stew), minced meat börek (a pastry), and pastrami and bean stew, are among the highlights of the Ramadan table. Mushroom keşkek (a type of stew), sautéed seasonal vegetables, and rosemary-infused potatoes fresh from the oven add a balanced and rich variety to the hot buffet.

A magnificent finale at the dessert buffet.

During Ramadan Shangri-La Bosphorus, IstanbulThe dessert buffet offers a magnificent finale inspired by Ottoman palace cuisine. Layered baklava, pistachio rolls, and cream-filled şöbiyet stand out, along with tel kadayıf, ekmek kadayıfı, and güllaç flavored with rose water. Classics like baked rice pudding, keşkül, and saffron custard complete the dessert selection; while lokma, tulumba, and Hatay-style künefe bring the nostalgic flavors of Ramadan to the table. A variety of Turkish delights, sahlep, boza, Turkish coffee, and traditional sherbets bring the iftar to an elegant and balanced conclusion.

Special Options for Corporate Iftar Dinners

During Ramadan Shangri-La Bosphorus, IstanbulFor corporate iftar dinners, we offer a wide range of buffet and set menu options. Executive Chef Sevket Cihan Carefully prepared by its talented team, these selections, bringing together the indispensable flavors of Traditional Turkish Cuisine, will be available to guests at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul throughout the month of Ramadan.

Source: HORECA TREND and Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul