Levent: The Man Behind the Börek
Private, renowned, and genuine, Levent Tamturk is a man whom not many have seen but many have heard of due to his famous restaurants scattered across Turkey. Because of some very unique circumstances, we were not only allowed to meet him but also to get a tour of his factory!
We were introduced to Levent by his business partner, Savaş Çetin, who has been very influential in the progress of Levent Börekçilik. Savaş told us that one time he was at the original Levent Börekçilik and when he tasted the delicious food served him, he knew that the country would welcome this unique breakfast dish with open arms. I agree with him wholeheartedly as the börek I had was mouth-watering, and even when I was stuffed, it made me wish I could eat more to taste the goodness again.
Levent is the second-generation owner of the store, which in 2014 became branded as Levent Börekçilik. As of right now only the original Levent Börekçilik restaurant is present in Adana. However, within the very near future the second Adana location will open. Currently there are at least 60 stores around the country. And Savaş says that other franchise stores are in the works across the globe!
Levent, wearing his head chef uniform, was very courteous, inviting us to Turkish coffee in his personal office. He also showed himself to be a family man as his young son joyfully played around him, seeking his father’s caring attention from time to time.
It seemed evident to me throughout the time with Levent that he is concerned with authenticity. He was genuine with each of us who visited with him that day. During our factory tour it was vastly evident that he desired an accurate presentation of his börek to each of the customers who came to any of his franchised stores.
He did this by having each dish fashioned in his Adana factory with the original ingredients sealed, frozen, and then shipped out to the franchises in such a manner that they would arrive ready to be baked and served freshly to the patrons. Levent doesn’t want to skimp his customers, so much so that he offices in the same building as the factory so he can at any time check and make sure things are going properly. He also strives to keep the special techniques and ingredients of his börek a secret. Though he told us about them, he asked us not to share what they were nor take photos of the unique facets.
The outcome of his authenticity in his work, takes the shape and taste of delightful börek in his stores and in my memory. Partaking in the dishes made for a delicious breakfast I will not forget.
Would you like for Levent Börekçilik to come to your city? I certainly wouldn’t mind sharing these delicious dishes with more of my friends. But until it comes to you, you should come to Turkey and try the goodness yourself.
TO OUR FRIENDS IN THE WEST, KEEP LOOKING EAST!
Written by: Serena Swords
Photography by: Hannah Greer & Serena Swords
Video courtesy of exploreadana.com
Serena Swords
A self-proclaimed “Calitexoman” (hailing from California, Texas, and Oklahoma), Serena is an eclectic mix of all of the places she has called home. Her most recent domicile is Norman, Oklahoma where she is a student at The University of Oklahoma studying International Relations and Administration. In laymen’s terms that means “event planner of the world,” as she hopes to connect businesses cross-culturally. Serena loves traveling, exploring new places, and most of all making new friends. While her impressive 5’10” frame makes the opposing volleyball team shake like a leaf, those of us that know her well love her affable demeanor and profoundly positive perspective on life. After you have explored all of her work on West2East and Explore Adana, you can find her personal work here.