I’m currently here as an invited travel blogger to experience the Gaziantep Uluslararası Gastronomi Festivali where I’ll meet most of the top Chefs in Turkey and the region!❤️ The city had a bigger festival last year but due to Covid, they only invited a few people.

This is my 2nd time in this city as I already visited here in 2018 and definitely one of my favorite cities for FOOD. It’s also pistachio harvest season so I’m excited to bring loads to Jonathan. 🤩

Flying here is less than 4 hours from Montenegro excluding the layover time in Istanbul. Thankfully, I flew Business Class with Turkish Airlines so had an access to the lounge that has free food and fast internet.😬

Upon arrival, they picked me up from the airport and arrived at our gorgeous boutique hotel called, HSVHN Han Lokanta Dükkan, where I’ll be staying until the end of the festival! ❤️ I also had dinner at Imam Cagdas which is one of the most popular restaurants in Gaziantep for Kebab and Baklava 😬

On the first day, we went on a boat tour to Rumkale, it is is a fortress city above the steep rocks so we had to go on a quick hike as well as seeing two different villages that are half underwater. 🤗 There are also many floating restaurants and boats for rent.

Then we visited one family who is already harvesting pistachios.. my first time to try one that is fresh from the tree - have you tried it before?

It was a full day of activity but we had a fancy welcome dinner for guests from 8 pm to midnight! Great food and ambiance! 🤗

The next 2 days will be a panel interview and cooking demo from the top chefs! Gonna be exciting and most probably I’ll be in a “food coma” haha 😬

If you guys are planning a trip to Turkey in the future and want to try the best local food, go shopping, and buying cheap ingredients.. add Gaziantep on your list! 🤩