The Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), École Ducasse Gurugram, presented “The Heritage Table: Flavours of Türkiye” as part of Turkish Cuisine Week 2026. The programme celebrated the culinary heritage of Türkiye and its influence on contemporary gastronomy.
ISH curated the day in partnership with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency and the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in India. The event brought together hospitality students, industry chefs, Embassy representatives, media, food writers and food bloggers for a day of learning and cultural exchange.
The centrepiece was an immersive masterclass on Turkish cuisine. It was led by Chef Gokhan Eser Kesen, a specialist in Turkish and Ottoman culinary traditions, alongside Chef Sabyasachi Gorai, food consultant and founder of Fabrica by Chef Saby. The session gave participants a close view of the techniques, ingredients and stories that define the Turkish table.
The day also featured a panel discussion titled “From Ancient Routes to Modern Tables.” The conversation traced the historical links between Turkish and Indian cuisines, the role of trade routes and cultural exchange, and the shared ingredients and methods that connect the two traditions. The panel examined how both cuisines have adapted to modern dining while holding on to their roots.
The event was honoured by the presence of H.E. Mr. Ali Murat Ersoy, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to India, and Mrs. Ersoy. Their participation underlined the role of culinary diplomacy in the relationship between India and Türkiye.
“Food brings people together. It brings conversations together. It brings culture and heritage together. That is the whole point, and that is why The Heritage Table mattered to us. For one day our campus belonged to Türkiye and India at the same table. Our students did not learn this from a book. They lived it. They saw that hospitality begins the moment people sit down to share a meal, and that food can open a conversation when words cannot. This is the education we want our students to carry into the world.”
Kunal Vasudeva, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Indian School of Hospitality, École Ducasse Gurugram. The day-long event organized at the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), École Ducasse Gurugram, represents far more than a culinary showcase; it is also a celebration of the values that unites our two nations. Historically connected by the Silk and Spice Roads, the palates of Türkiye and India share an undeniable, deep historical bond through remarkable intersecting traditions.
Therefore, ‘The Heritage Table’ reminds us that our culinary heritage is not a closed circle. It is a wide, inclusive map that has been drawing our two cultures together for centuries, and today’s immersion ensures that this timeless connection continues to inspire the next generation of culinary masters.”
Remarks from H.E. Ali Murat Ersoy, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to India. “The Heritage Table” strengthened the dialogue between heritage and innovation across cultures. It gave every attendee a deeper appreciation for the shared culinary journeys of Türkiye and India and deepened ISH’s engagement with global food culture.
