As part of Turkish Cuisine Week 2026, the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), École Ducasse Gurugram, organised “The Heritage Table: Flavours of Türkiye.” The event brought together students, chefs, diplomats, and industry stakeholders to honour the rich culinary heritage of Türkiye and its impact on modern cuisine.

The event, which was co-hosted by the Turkish Embassy in India and the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, had as its central theme the sharing of cultural traditions through cuisine, drawing attention to the long and rich history of food trade between the two countries.

Chef Sabyasachi Gorai, Founder of Fabrica by Chef Saby, and Chef Gokhan Eser Kesen, an expert in Turkish and Ottoman culinary traditions, led an immersive masterclass that was a major part of the event. The class learned about authentic Turkish cuisine, including its components, preparation methods, and cultural activities.

A panel discussion called “From Ancient Routes to Modern Tables” was also part of the program. It discussed the shared culinary traditions of Turkish and Indian cuisines, the historical impact of trade routes on both cuisines, and how both civilisations have evolved while conserving their legacy.

Attendance of the Republic of Türkiye’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Ali Murat Ersoy, and his wife, Mrs. Ersoy, highlights the importance of hospitality and cuisine in bridging cultural divides.

“Food brings people together,” remarked Kunal Vasudeva, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Indian School of Hospitality at École Ducasse Gurugram, in reaction to the program. It unites people in discourse. It unites tradition and culture. That is the crux of everything, and it is also why our attention was drawn to The Heritage Table. Türkiye and India shared a table on our campus for a day. Nothing in a textbook taught this to our pupils. It was a part of their life. They learned that the act of sitting down to a meal together is the first step in hosting, and that sharing a meal may spark a conversation when words fail. We want our students to leave here with this kind of education.

“The day-long event organised at the Indian School of Hospitality, École Ducasse Gurugram, represents far more than a culinary showcase; it is also a celebration of the values that unites our two nations,” said H.E. Mr. Ali Murat Ersoy, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to India.

This event is a part of ISH’s larger mission to foster an appreciation for international cuisine and hospitality by partnering with businesses and governments around the world.

Image: travellersworldonline.com