Turkish chef in Emerald Isle wins Michelin star for minimal waste approach

Kebabs may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Turkish food, but for a Turkish chef who recently won a Michelin star for his restaurant nestled in an Irish village, his homeland's cuisine is far more than that.

"It's a shame that it's only kebabs that are seen to represent our cuisine. Our cuisine is so varied and so different from region to region," said Ahmet Dede, who last month won his second Michelin star, the coveted mark of quality in the international world of restaurant.

While inarguably distinctive, Turkish cuisine has "influenced and been influenced by the Middle East, Asia and Europe," according to the 35-year-old chef.

"We need more education on our cuisine, more promotion of different dishes, supported by the government, the right ambassadors and more great chefs to showcase globally," Dede told the state-run Anadolu Agency in an e-mail interview.

On its website, the iconic Michelin Guides describe the kitchen whiz like so: "Turkish-born chef Ahmet Dede has made himself at home in the coastal town of Baltimore - and the town and its people have in turn taken him to their hearts."

Praising his "minimal waste approach," Michelin said that his "original dishes are refined, elegant and beautifully composed with plenty of personality and a subtle hint at Dede's Turkish heritage."

The Ankara-born chef, who owns and runs the restaurant Dede in Baltimore, said he was "overwhelmed" when he got the good news alongside his family in Turkey.

"I was so proud, excited, grateful, and happy for my family and my team," he said.

Dede decided to become a chef over a decade ago, in 2010, a year after he moved to Ireland. After working with several chefs and restaurants, he felt ready to run...