‘Istanbul’s entry into Michelin’s guide to boost tourism’

Istanbul's 53 restaurants making it to Michelin's culinary guide will have positive effects not only on gastronomy but also on tourism, a sector representative told daily Milliyet.

The Turkish metropolis' entry into the Michelin Guide, considered the world's most prestigious, was the result of the efforts carried out by the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), said Müberra Eresin, the head of the Hotel Association of Türkiye (TÜROB).

Istanbul became the 38th international destination in the Michelin Guide, she also pointed out.

The guide announced in April that it added Istanbul to its distinguished list of covered cities, while the Aegean province of İzmir is also expected to be included in the list in a few years.

Fatih Tutak's "Turk" was the only place to receive two stars for its "exceptional cuisine."

Located in the Şişli district on the European side, Turk "offers a modern and sophisticated stage for gourmets looking for typically Turkish flavors," the guide said.

"The culinary preparations, which often feature delicate sour and smoked notes, the chef's signature, are forthright, precise and more importantly, express the chef's fondness of his region and his roots," it added.

Four other restaurants, which share an attachment to Turkish products and flavors, received one Michelin star.

Located in the neighborhood of Yeniköy, Araka proposes an escapade away from the hustle and bustle of the city, according to the guide.

"On the menu, chef Zeynep Pınar Taşdemir creates a highly personal and audacious cuisine with a focus on seasonal vegetables and herbs."

Taşdemir was the only female chef to receive a star.

The Michelin Guides...