A Special Iftar Experience in the Historic Peninsula

Located in the heart of the Historical Peninsula, amidst the historic atmosphere of Binbirdirek, Hotel Komana Binbirdirek offers... Synthesis RestaurantThe restaurant welcomes its guests with a special iftar experience prepared specifically for the month of Ramadan. Drawing on the city's historical and contemporary heritage, the venue reinterprets Ramadan tradition through its culinary offering guests a timeless experience.

With its architecture that evokes the texture of the Historical Peninsula and its view opening up to Istanbul's past, Sentez Restaurant adds not only delicious food but also a powerful dining experience to iftar meals. Tables set against the backdrop of the Historical Peninsula's silhouette transform Ramadan gatherings into a special moment integrated with the city.

Sentez Restaurant is bringing the "Chefs' Ramadan Feast" concept to life on the evenings of March 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14. This pop-up format, planned for a total of 6 nights, is not a common event in Istanbul's gastronomic scene. With this event, Sentez Restaurant aims to transform Ramadan feasts into a memorable gastronomic gathering.

The special iftar menu was prepared in collaboration with Chef Cem Ekşi, a renowned name in the world of gastronomy, and Fatih Anıl Demirci, the chef of Sentez Restaurant's kitchen. The menu draws inspiration from traditional recipes but gains a unique interpretation through contemporary culinary techniques and a balanced flavor profile. Thus, iftar transforms from simply a dinner into a holistic meal that emphasizes sharing and remembrance.

Chef Cem Ekşi describes his approach with these words: “For me, Ramadan meals are not just about food, but also about memories. While preserving the flavors I've carried from my childhood to the present day, I wanted to retell them using today's culinary language. In this menu, each dish is based on a familiar flavor, but with small touches, we offer our guests a new experience.”

The iftar menu begins with stuffed dried apricots, stuffed dates, and lemon-flavored halva. Ramadan flatbread and pistachio-filled tulum cheese rolls are served as the first warm appetizers, followed by tandoor soup, which adds a strong depth to the classic starter. The sharing section includes marinated tomatoes, sürk hummus, konak muhammara, zucchini with curd cheese, sour cabbage rolls, and minced meat pastry with white mulberries. This selection, bearing traces of Anatolia's diverse culinary heritage, places the culture of sharing, one of the most important elements of Ramadan meals, at the center of the table.

The interpretation becomes even more pronounced in the main courses. Sea bass with boza, served with Vefa boza, cinnamon, roasted chickpeas, allspice, and butter, elegantly expands the boundaries of familiar flavors. Lamb tandoor with carob is served with bulgur pilaf and Brussels sprouts with pastrami. Prepared with long cooking techniques, the tandoor reinterprets the classic main course concept of Ramadan tables with a modern approach. The dessert section includes apple baklava, roasted walnut ice cream, and buttered rice pudding. Traditional desserts offer a balanced finale, completing the iftar experience with a light and elegant ending.

This "Chefs' Ramadan Feast" at Sentez Restaurant brings a different perspective to iftar meals in the Historical Peninsula. The shared culinary interpretation of two chefs, the historical atmosphere of the venue, and this gastronomic gathering, which takes place on specific dates, offers a respectful yet innovative approach to Ramadan tradition.