Step back in time and experience the exquisite flavors of Ottoman royal cuisine at Matbah Restaurant in Istanbul.
From November 20 to 30, 2024, the restaurant will showcase a special seafood menu inspired by the traditions of the 15th-century Ottoman Palace Kitchen.
Ottoman Palace Cuisine, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and refinement, is a hallmark of Turkish culinary heritage. The royal kitchen’s seafood traditions gained prominence after the conquest of Istanbul, blending influences from Byzantine flavors with meticulous Ottoman techniques.
This rich legacy is brought to life by Matbah’s Executive Chef, Kadir Yilmaz, who expertly recreates recipes once reserved for sultans and their court.
The menu features dishes like karides pilaki (shrimp stew), uskumru köftesi (mackerel meatballs), and palamut papaz yahnisi (stewed bonito). Guests can savor delicate fish fillets, prepared in the authentic style of palace chefs, where bones were carefully removed with tweezers, fish were poached in milk, and flavors were enhanced with saffron, herbs, and subtle smoking techniques.
Even age-old methods like curing fish with pastırma spices and smoking are revived in these timeless recipes. Historical records from the Topkapı Palace’s Matbah-ı Amire also mention unique dishes like scallop pilaf, eel cured with spices, and turbot grilled in vine leaves—a testament to the sophistication of Ottoman culinary practices.
Visiting Matbah Restaurant during its Fish Week in Ottoman Cuisine was an extraordinary culinary journey that I won’t soon forget. The menu, meticulously crafted to revive centuries-old palace recipes, delivered a sensory experience that was both unique and memorable.
While diners can choose between two exquisite main courses, I opted for the Sea Bass with Almonds, and it proved to be the perfect choice. The tender sea bass, served in a flavorful casserole with almonds, pepper, and bay leaf, showcased the depth and sophistication of Ottoman culinary traditions.
For those who might assume that an Ottoman-inspired menu means the absence of alcoholic beverages, Matbah offers a thoughtfully curated drinks menu with excellent options to complement the meal. From the Grey Mullet Salad to the Anchovy Pancake, every bite and sip felt like a celebration of history and taste—an experience I highly recommend to anyone visiting Istanbul.
Matbah Restaurant, located within the Ottoman Hotel Imperial in Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula, offers more than just a meal. With its historic ambiance, the dining experience immerses guests in the splendor of the Ottoman Empire. Adding to the allure, visitors can join Executive Chef Kadir Yilmaz for exclusive workshops to learn the art of blending royal flavors.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the culinary secrets of Ottoman sultans in the heart of Istanbul.
