Le Méridien Dhaka is proudly announcing the launch of the authentic Turkish restaurant Olea. Previously, the restaurant was serving Mediterranean and Arabian dishes. However, we wanted to bring something different and very extraordinary. Hence, the restaurant has been re-vamped as an authentic Turkish restaurant.
While we started working from scratch the first assignment was to develop a logo and theme colour that will be reflecting the heritage of Turkiye. So, we decided to go for the turquoise theme. Why ‘turquoise?’ The name is derived from the turquoise coast of Turkiye and the colour itself is a representation of the culture and heritage of Turkiye.
The trendiest way of fine dine-in is to explore a theme-based restaurant. Thus, we developed the idea to have an authentic Turkish restaurant in the town. According to our market research, Turkish cuisine hits all the targets. We have a vast demand for Turkish food but unfortunately, the touch of authenticity is currently missing. Turkish culinary tradition ensures that there is something for everyone. The richness and diversity of food complement its culture.
To bring something authentic and very genuine we need to know the root and origin of the country. We acclaim that only the local people can introduce us to Turkish culture and food. Therefore, we are extremely glad Fatih Yetgin, Director of F&B, and Levent Karahan, Executive Chef join our team to establish the restaurant Olea.
Olea is a statement of luxury. The curated menu of the restaurant influences the traditional touch and modern Turkish gastronomy. Our promise is to promote this restaurant as a celebratory destination for small to large groups. Levent, Executive Chef of Le Méridien Dhaka picked the crockeries that reflected the color turquoise. Also, in Olea Cabana, we placed a Firin – the Turkish oven to prepare the Lavash and Pitta bread.
After months of tremendous efforts, Le Méridien Dhaka team launched the Olea Turkish Cuisine restaurant on 30 July 2022. The event was inaugurated by the Ambassador of Turkiye to Bangladesh, His Excellency Mustafa Osman Turan. The event was graced by the presence of H.E. Mr. Alan L. Deniega, Ambassador of the Philippine Embassy in Bangladesh; Ambassador, H.E Mr. Essa Yousef E. Alduhailan, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Dhaka; Ambassador H.E. Pham Viet Chien, Vietnam; Mr. Emrah KARACA, General Manager of Turkish Airlines; Debasish Deb, Country Manager of PepsiCo, Bangladesh; and many other distinguished guests. On 29 July 2022, the hotel is arranging a pre-celebration of the Turkish night with the respected presence of media and influencers. Renowned newspapers, magazines, TV channels, and bloggers will attend the event to be a part of this grand celebration.
Besides, the “meet and greet”, Executive Chef Levent Karahan introduced and present his mouth-watering dishes to the guests. On the media and the launching night, Chef’s special dishes were:
Assorted of Mezzes: Patlican Salata, Acili Ezme, Babaganous, Köpoğlu, Hummus, Hummus with Beatroot, Mantar Pilaki, Arnavut Ciğeri, Ispanak Borani, Pembe Sultan, Lahana Dolma, Carrot Tarator, Piyaz
Soups: Sehriyeli Tavuk Corbasi
Salads: Crispy Gavurdağı Salad, Prawn and Octopus Salad
Hot Starters: Içli köfte
From the Oven: Lahmacun, Pide with Beef
Main Courses: Hunkar Begendi, Çökertme kebabı, Manti
Kebabs from our Charcoal Grill: Adana Kebab, Urfa Kebab, Beyti Kebab, Chicken Kebab, Lamb Kebab, Lamb Chop, Beef Kebab
Desserts: Fırın Sütlaç, Baklava, irmik Helvası
Apart from the food, the Turkish celebration is totally incomplete without introducing its culture. Hence, a 5-day long entertainment plan had been organized by the hotel. A group of Turkish artists performed at Olea till the 1st of August 2022. The entertainment included Turkish Traditional Folk Dance, Hüsn-i Hat Calligraphy, Ebru, theTurkish Art of Marbling, Semazen-Rumi’s Whirling Dervishes, Turkish Ney, and a Qanun performance.
With an aspiration of the grand success, the Olea the team is eagerly waiting to welcome the guests to taste the flavors of Turkiye! We are hopeful that this restaurant will be the talk of the town and an ambitious place for rich taste and experience