İSKELE BELEDİYE ÇAY BAHÇESİ: Everyday Tradition with a Purpose

Located by the harbor in a tranquil park setting, İSKELE BELEDİYE ÇAY BAHÇESİ offers more than affordable meals and scenic views—it is a beacon of cultural preservation, social responsibility, and regional pride. Owned and operated by the municipality of Alanya, this self-service café has been certified by the Culinary Heritage network for its exceptional commitment to authentic regional cuisine, local sourcing, and community inclusion.

Local Ingredients, Seasonal Thinking

At İskele Çay Bahçesi, seasonality isn’t a concept—it’s a rhythm. The menu is consistently adapted to reflect the local harvest cycle, with vegetables and fruits sourced from nearby farmers through fair and transparent procurement channels. Whether it's the base of a comforting stew or the garnish of a fresh salad, ingredients here are as local as they are honest.

Authentic Cuisine with Deep Roots

The culinary identity of the café is unmistakably Turkish, with a focus on Alanyan traditions. Central to the menu is the beloved Gülüklü Çorba (Wedding Soup), prepared using traditional techniques and time-honored recipes that celebrate the culinary legacy of the region.

Even international dishes are adapted with regional ingredients, and the kitchen is known for its respectful execution of authentic flavors, making it a reliable place for both locals and visitors seeking a true taste of Alanya.

Culinary Access for All

What makes this café truly special is its social purpose. As a public-sector establishment, İskele Çay Bahçesi is designed to be inclusive and accessible. It offers:

• Fair pricing, making regional dishes available to a wide audience.

• Employment opportunities for individuals with limited access to the labor market.

• A welcoming space that invites all residents and tourists to enjoy heritage cooking in a relaxed setting.

Cultural Ambiance and Community Identity

Nestled next to the historic harbor, the café’s well-maintained structure, historical photographs, and peaceful atmosphere create a dining environment that feels both rooted and relevant. Guests enjoy their meals surrounded by visual cues of Alanya’s past, making every visit a small cultural journey.

Sustainability in Practice

Despite its scale and self-service format, the café excels in food waste reduction. Smart portion control, reuse of leftovers for local animals, and near-total ingredient utilization demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental responsibility. While waste sorting practices can still improve, the foundational mindset is already in place.

A Model of Public Culinary Excellence

İSKELE BELEDİYE ÇAY BAHÇESİ is more than a café—it’s a community anchor, a culinary classroom, and a custodian of local flavors. As a municipality-run venue, it stands out for combining affordability, authenticity, and social value in a way few establishments can.

Its Culinary Heritage certification affirms its position as a benchmark for inclusive, tradition-focused dining that serves both the plate and the people.