De Keuken van Ümit

The Levantine cuisine
Meze (Turkish) - Mazza (Arabic) - Mezedes (Greek)
Meze is the collective name for all traditional (cold & warm) dishes that are served in the form of small dishes. It can be compared to the Spanish Tapas or the Italian Antipasti's. Long dining with mezes and an (alcoholic) drink is a form of food culture that mainly occurs in the countries around the Orontes River, also called the Levantine area. The province of Hatay, where I come from, is located in the far south of Turkey. The history of the province (from the Romans to the French, its own republic and finally Turkey) and the composition of residents with diverse (food) cultures in Hatay play a major role in determining this cuisine and spices that are used.

There is plenty of variation in the use of spices. The base contains cumin, nutmeg, cloves, garlic, sumac, thyme, cinnamon, cardamom, mahlep, black pepper, dried basil, chili flakes, paprika powder, but also fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, fresh thyme, fresh garlic, arugula. , dill and cress are used. In addition, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, sun-dried peppers and sun-dried tomatoes are characteristic of this cuisine.

Levantine cuisine is best known for the freshness and quality of the products used, the simplicity and purity of the dish. The diet consists mainly of vegetables, legumes, fresh herbs, olive oil, fish, chicken & meat. Mainly because the population has a strong preference for fresh, high-quality products. These are then further enriched with spices without compromising freshness and purity.

The concept
De Keuken van Ümit uses a different concept than you may be used to from other restaurants. For a fixed amount of €37.50 per person you can enjoy the various dishes that Levantine cuisine has to offer throughout the evening. Our chef carefully selects the evening's dishes and prepares them in his own unique way. The price is for a dinner including dessert and excluding drinks.

We believe it is important that the table reserved for you is actually occupied for you throughout the evening. Extensive dining in the evening is a very important part of the Levantine food culture, which we would like you to experience for yourself.