The second edition of the 2026 Gault&Millau Türkiye Signature Dining Experience series took place on 5–6 July at WAM by Karma Bodrum, bringing together gastronomy, travel and immersive culinary experiences in one exceptional destination.
The highlight of the two-day programme was the Signature Dining Experience dinner held on 6 July, where five award-winning chefs collaborated on a one-night-only tasting menu. The evening featured Mohamad Orfali, Founder and Chef of the 3-Toque Gault&Millau-awarded Orfali Bros; Maksut Aşkar, Founder and Chef of the 4-Toque Gault&Millau-awarded Neolokal; Ozan Kumbasar, Founder and Chef of the 3-Toque Gault&Millau-awarded Vino Locale; Aret Sahakyan, Executive Chef of the 3-Toque Gault&Millau-awarded Maçakızı Bodrum and Co-Founder of Ayla by Aret Sahakyan; together with Doruk Çermik, Executive Chef of Karma and recipient of 2 Gault&Millau Toques.
Continuing its Signature Dining Experience series throughout 2026, Gault&Millau Türkiye once again celebrated the intersection of gastronomy, travel and destination-driven experiences. As the second stop of this year’s tour, WAM by Karma Bodrum welcomed leading figures from the culinary world, industry professionals, media representatives and distinguished guests for two days of carefully curated experiences.
Among the notable attendees were Fatih Altaylı, Mehmet Y. Yılmaz, Pervin Ersoy, Gökmen Sözen, Mahmut Gökkaya, Ahmet Emiroğlu, Gonca Karakaş, Gamze Cizreli, Alize Tansever, Saffet Emre Tonguç, Serda Büyükkoyuncu, Melih Şahinöz, Ebru Erke and Levent Özçelik.
Throughout the programme, guests enjoyed a series of gastronomic experiences at both WAM Beach and Karma Bodrum, discovering Bodrum’s evolving culinary scene while experiencing Gault&Millau Türkiye’s vision of gastronomy as a journey shaped by culture, destination and memorable experiences.
Award-Winning Chefs Unite in One Kitchen
The pinnacle of the event was the Signature Dining Experience dinner on the evening of 6 July, where five acclaimed chefs joined forces to create an exclusive collaborative menu.
Blending their individual culinary identities into a single gastronomic narrative, the chefs presented a nine-course menu that celebrated seasonality, local ingredients and creative interpretation. Highlights included Mohamad Orfali’s Roots Salad and Sour Cherry Kebab, Aret Sahakyan’s Red Mullet Zucchini Blossom Dolma, Maksut Aşkar’s Summer “Türlü”, Ozan Kumbasar’s Hamachi & Watermelon Dashi, and Doruk Çermik’s Date Carpaccio, Yaprak Kebab, Chocolate Mousse, and Bougatsa.
Bringing together regional ingredients, contemporary techniques and diverse culinary perspectives, the collaborative menu reflected Gault&Millau Türkiye’s philosophy of gastronomy as a platform for creativity, cultural exchange and collaboration.
Following the dinner, a live DJ performance extended the evening, complementing the culinary experience with music and social interaction.
The Gault&Millau Türkiye Tour Continues
The Signature Dining Experience series continues to bring together leading chefs and distinguished guests across Türkiye through destination-focused gastronomic events. Following last year’s editions at Teruar Urla, Karma Bodrum, OD Urla and Maçakızı Bodrum, the 2026 season began in June at Ruins Luxury Resort, where David Žefran, Emre Şen, Osman Sezener and Atilla Heilbronn collaborated for the season’s opening dinner.
The second Signature Dining Experience of the year at WAM by Karma Bodrum once again demonstrated the power of bringing together different culinary philosophies, celebrated chefs and passionate gastronomes around a shared table, adding another memorable chapter to the Gault&Millau Türkiye Tour.
Organised by Sözen Group, the Official Representative of Gault&Millau Türkiye, the Signature Dining Experience series will continue throughout 2026 with new destinations and distinctive culinary concepts.
The two-day gathering once again reflected Gault&Millau Türkiye’s vision of connecting gastronomy, destination and experience, bringing together distinguished guests, media representatives and leading names from the culinary world.
The Gault&Millau Türkiye Signature Dining Experience at WAM by Karma Bodrum was made possible with the valued support of Karma, Coca-Cola İçecek and ID Fine
