Turkish Breakfast Gains Attention in Portugal: Our National Culinary Culture Introduced in Coimbra

Turkish Breakfast Gains Attention in Portugal: Our National Culinary Culture Showcased in Coimbra

As part of the celebrations for the 102nd anniversary of our Republic, a “Turkish Breakfast Workshop” was held on October 28, 2025, hosted by ESEC (Escola Superior de Educação de Coimbra) in the Portuguese city of Coimbra. The flavors of a Turkish breakfast and our unique dining culture were introduced to Portuguese students and academics.

The workshop, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Yılmaz and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Şahin-Yılmaz—faculty members from the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts at the Faculty of Tourism, Isparta University of Applied Sciences—featured a spread including local cheeses, honey, various jams, *gözleme* (savory flatbreads), *menemen* (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers), Turkish coffee, and Turkish tea. Participants learned about the core values ​​embedded in our breakfast culture: togetherness, hospitality, and the spirit of sharing.

Aligning with the “National Culinary Movement’s” (*Milli Mutfak Movement*) vision to preserve, sustain, and promote Turkish cuisine globally, this event contributed to the international recognition of our culinary heritage. While sampling these traditional delicacies, participants had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the dining culture of Anatolia.

We highly value this initiative, which strengthens academic and cultural ties between the two nations, and we commend both the academics who dedicated their efforts to promoting Turkish cuisine and the host institution.

As the “National Culinary Movement,” we believe that every dish shared at a table serves as a bridge of friendship between cultures.