GET A CHANCE TO TASTE AUTHENTIC TURKISH CUISINE WITHOUT TRAVELLING TO TÜRKIYE WHEN YOU EAT AT OLEA.
Food is beyond a culmination of ingredients. It tells stories of history, culture, and tradition. Olea, an authentic Turkish restaurant, had a grand opening at the Le Méridien Dhaka on the 30th of July 2022. Prior to that, on the 29th of July 2022, the Le Méridien Dhaka arranged a pre-celebration with the esteemed presence of media and influencers.
Olea is a statement of luxury. The turquoise-themed restaurant symbolises the culture and heritage of Türkiye. Olea comes with a promise to promote the essence and beauty of Turkish tradition. To perfectly communicate the Turkish roots and origins through its diverse cuisine, Fatih Yetgin, director of F&B, and Levent Karahan, Executive Chef, collaborated with Le Méridien Dhaka to establish this restaurant.
The grand opening was inaugurated by H.E. Mustafa Osman Turna, Ambassador of Türkiye to Bangladesh. The event was graced by the presence of H.E. Alan L. Deniega, Ambassador of the Philippine Embassy in Bangladesh, H.E Mr. Essa Yousef E. Alduhailan, Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Dhaka, H.E. Pham Viet Chien, Ambassador of the Embassy of Vietnam in Dhaka, Emrah KARACA, General Manager of Turkish Airlines, Debasish Deb, Country Manager of PepsiCo, Bangladesh, and other distinguished guests.
OLEA IS A STATEMENT OF LUXURY. THE TURQUOISE-THEMED RESTAURANT SYMBOLISES THE CULTURE AND HERITAGE OF TÜRKIYE.
At the inauguration, Constantinos S. Gavriel, general manager of Le Méridien Dhaka, shared ‘We believe that operating restaurants globally requires authentic ingredients with local produce, along with experienced talents. Thus, we have embarked on this journey to specialise in authentic Turkish cuisine here in Bangladesh.’
The event created the aura of a mini Türkiye within the vicinity of the restaurant space. Art, culture, and tradition fostered the authenticity of fine Turkish dining. Due to its historical experience and recognition of vast treasures, various cultures have enriched Turkish cuisine. Hence, Turkish cuisine has a rich variety of flavorful dishes. This diversity reflects the unity, peace, and tolerance of the people of Türkiye.
In the dining portion of the night, the traditional Turkish dining table rule where the members dine together was strictly followed, which symbolises the spirit of sharing and solidarity.
Over 50 Turkish dishes were served, from assorted mezze, soups, and salad to Kebabs and desserts. For starters, there were assorted mezzes, including Patlican Salata, Acili Ezme, Babaganous, Köpoğlu, Hummus, Hummus with Beatroot, Mantar Pilaki, Arnavut Ciğeri, Ispanak Borani, Pembe Sultan, Lahana Dolma, Carrot Tarator and Piyaz. There was Sehriyeli Tavuk Corbasi Soup, Crispy Gavurdağı Salad, prawn and octopus Salad, and Içli köfte, as starters. From the firin (Turkish oven), there was Lahmacun and Pide with Beef. For the main course, there was Hunkar Begendi, Çökertme kebabı, and Manti, and from the charcol grill, there was Adana Kebab, Urfa Kebab, Beyti Kebab, Chicken Kebab, Lamb Kebab, Lamb Chop, Beef Kebab. Ending the meal with something sweet, Fırın Sütlaç, Baklava and Iirmik Helvası were served for dessert.
DUE TO ITS HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE AND RECOGNITION OF VAST TREASURES, VARIOUS CULTURES HAVE ENRICHED TURKISH CUISINE. HENCE, TURKISH CUISINE HAS A RICH VARIETY OF FLAVORFUL DISHES. THIS DIVERSITY REFLECTS THE UNITY, PEACE, AND TOLERANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF TÜRKIYE.
Apart from the mouthwatering food, the Turkish night showcased its artistic and entertainment flairs with its cultural performance. Professional calligraphy artists were indulging in the Turkish calligraphy art, Hüsn-i Hat. Alongside, there was Ebru, the traditional art of creating colourful patterns by sprinkling and brushing colour pigment on a pan of oily water and then imprinting this pattern on special paper.
The restaurant hallways echoed melodious tunes of traditional instruments, Qanun and Turkish Ney. The symphonies of these two instruments created a peaceful and ecstatic atmosphere. On top of that, there was a meditative performance of Semazin Rumi’s Swirling Dervishes. The event closed with a Turkish traditional folk dance performance.
Olea’s flavours are beyond delectable. It bears the rich taste of the diverse culture in Türkiye. If you are looking for authentic Turkish cuisine in Dhaka, your search ends at Olea.
Photographs: Courtesy of Le Méridien Dhaka