Every yacht chef has a signature dish – a slow-cooked lamb, a perfect köfte, a dessert guests ask about for years. On a private gulet, yacht or motorsailer charter in Turkey you can enjoy the great classics of Turkish cuisine, international favourites and menus tailored to every diet. Here is what the galley can prepare for you.
Your chef at work – every dish cooked fresh on boardChef’s specials from the Turkish kitchen
Köfte & şiş
Grilled meatballs and marinated skewers, often cooked on the deck barbecue.
Lamb chops (pirzola)
Charcoal-grilled lamb chops – a favourite on barbecue nights.
Karnıyarık
Aubergine stuffed with spiced minced meat and baked.
İmam bayıldı
Aubergine stuffed with onion and tomato, served at room temperature.
Mantı
Tiny meat dumplings with garlic yogurt, butter and paprika.
Kuzu tandır
Lamb marinated with garlic and spices, slow-roasted until tender.
Pide
Boat-shaped flatbread with minced meat, cheese or sucuk.
Testi kebabı
Meat and vegetables sealed in a clay pot and broken open at the table.
Pilav & bulgur
Buttery rice or bulgur pilaf to accompany every main.
Turkish desserts
| Dessert | What it is |
|---|---|
| Baklava | Layers of filo with nuts and syrup |
| Künefe | Shredded pastry with unsalted cheese and syrup, served hot |
| Sütlaç | Rice pudding baked with cinnamon, served cold |
| Kazandibi | Caramelised milk pudding |
| Lokum | Turkish delight in rose, lemon and many flavours |
| Fresh fruit | Watermelon, melon, figs and seasonal fruit platters |
Fine dining on board a luxury yachtBeyond Turkish cuisine
Pasta & risotto
Seafood pasta, risotto and wood-fired-style flavours.
Greek & Mediterranean
Grilled vegetables, salads and fresh herbs.
Sushi & Asian dishes
Available on request with the right chef – please ask in advance.
Kids’ favourites
Pasta, burgers, schnitzel and simple dishes for children.
Menus for every guest
- Vegetarian & vegan – meze, olive-oil dishes and salads make it easy.
- Gluten-free & lactose-free – planned with the chef before you sail.
- Halal – please mention when booking.
- Allergies – always tell us in advance so the crew can provision correctly.
- Children – simple, familiar dishes alongside the main menu.
See also: a sample weekly menu and meze & Aegean greens.
Cruising to the next anchorageFrequently asked questions
Which Turkish main dishes can be cooked on a yacht?
Popular choices include köfte, chicken and lamb skewers, lamb chops, karnıyarık, imam bayıldı, mantı and pide – plus slow-cooked dishes such as kuzu tandır when the chef plans ahead.
Can the chef cook international food?
Yes. Most chefs can prepare Italian, Mediterranean and many international dishes. For specific cuisines such as sushi, let us know in advance so we can match the right yacht and chef.
Can you cater for allergies and special diets?
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, halal, children’s menus and allergies can be planned when you tell us before your charter.
Tell us what you love to eat
Share your favourite dishes and diets – we will match you with the right yacht and chef.