Asia Lounge, first Bangladeshi-owned upscale restaurant, opens in Turkey

Asia Lounge, a Bangladeshi-owned upscale eatery, began its journey on March 9 in Turkey's Istanbul city.

This is the first time a Bangladeshi entrepreneur has opened such a restaurant in Turkey.

The unique eatery is a personal initiative by Omar Faruk Helali, a Bangladeshi studying there under the Turkey government's scholarship.

Helali is also the general secretary of the Bangladeshi Students' Association in Turkey.

The restaurant was inaugurated on March 9 near the historical Fatih Mosque -- at the heart of Istanbul -- in the presence of a large number of Bangladeshi expats.

Dr Mehmet Ali Bolat, president of UDEF -- an international students' federation, was present during the inauguration ceremony as chief guest. Many local and international students, business owners, tourists, Turkish nationals, and community leaders were also present at the inauguration.

"This restaurant is more than just a profit-generating business unlike many hip cafes and expensive restaurants here," Helali, who is also the chief executive officer of Asia Lounge, said during the inauguration.

"This [restaurant] is a long-cherished dream to demonstrate the generosity and hospitality of our sub-continent in the incredible country of Turkey," he said, adding that "hopefully, it will grow into a melting pot of cultures along with members of the Bangladeshi community."

Bangladeshi culture and tradition will be reflected through the interior, art, and hospitality of the restaurant.

Scores of tourists, Turkish nationals and Bangladeshi expats have been coming to dine at the Asian Lounge since the day it opened officially.

The writer is a freelance journalist.