08.07.2026 21:50
At the NATO Summit in Turkey, the reception held in honor of leaders was highlighted by the menu of two-Michelin-starred chef Fatih Tutak. During the evening, where special flavors of Turkish cuisine were presented, US President Donald Trump's admiration for the beef rib tandır and hünkar beğendi stood out. Trump, who greatly enjoyed the meal, asked the chef for the recipe to add it to the White House menu. While French President Macron liked the artichoke and advised opening a restaurant in Paris, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez was amazed by the pistachio dessert.
The historic NATO Summit hosted by Turkey made headlines not only for its diplomatic and military decisions but also for the meals served to the leaders. T24 columnist Ertuğrul Özkök wrote about the behind-the-scenes details of the special reception held in honor of the leaders and their spouses.
MICHELIN-STARRED TURKISH CUISINE AT THE NATO RECEPTION
At the special evening prepared for the summit delegation and leaders, the kitchen was led by two-Michelin-starred chef Fatih Tutak, who successfully represents Turkish gastronomy internationally. During the evening, where traditional Turkish cuisine was reinterpreted with modern touches, Anatolia's finest flavors were served at the diplomacy table.
TRUMP ASKED FOR THE RECIPE OF THE BEEF RIB THAT LEFT A TASTE IN HIS MOUTH
The most striking event of the evening occurred between U.S. President Donald Trump and chef Fatih Tutak. Trump, who admired the beef rib tandır and hünkar beğendi, which are among the select flavors of Turkish cuisine, liked the dish so much that he specifically requested the recipe from the chef. It was learned that the U.S. President wanted to include this unique flavor in the official menu of the White House.
MACRON'S RESTAURANT OFFER IN PARIS
At the evening, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, who favored light flavors inspired by the Aegean and Black Sea, chose the 'Urla gum artichoke and Tokat vine leaf sauce salad.' Macron, impressed by the modern interpretation of Turkish cuisine, praised chef Fatih Tutak and offered, 'You should turn this modern Turkish cuisine into a restaurant in Paris.'
SPANISH PRIME MINISTER ADMIRED THE DESSERT
The traditional Turkish desserts at the end of the evening also received full marks from the leaders. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that he really liked the 'milk cream and pistachio dessert' on the menu and conveyed his thanks to chef Fatih Tutak and his team.
GASTRONOMIC VICTORY AT THE DIPLOMACY TABLE
The invitation, where foreign guests were enchanted by Turkish hospitality and flavors, was recorded as a historic success for the global promotion of modern Turkish cuisine. Thanks to the meticulously prepared menu by Fatih Tutak and his team, the NATO Summit in Ankara has been etched in memories not only as a political meeting but also as an unforgettable feast of flavors.