Hilmi Beken opened his first filling station in 1976. Observing his customers’ needs, facilities were added such as a shop, rest areas and bathrooms which were a true novelty at the time. In 1990 the filling station received a UNESCO ‘Environmental Health Award’ - a first worldwide.

The Beken family’s business is continuously growing. Latest additions being a restaurant, bakery with a catering business extended - all of which increases the Beken family’s love and passion giving joy and excitement.

The beautiful Hilmi Beken restaurant is located next to the filling station. Walk through the doors into a different world. Detailed decoration, open kitchen, terrace and garden. A true hidden oasis for the best ‘pit-stop’.

Our new member Semih Beken attended this family style dinner event with his lovely wife Sultan, brother Melih and parents Hilmi and Zuhal Beken.

Semih said: “Our aim was to surprise our Chaîne guests presenting our dishes pureness. We use products from our own gardens, always searching for the best products from each region in Turkey. A unique occasion to raise our glasses in honour of the Chaîne, next to our fireplace, in our beautifully decorated room, next to our filling station.”

MENU

Mediterranean flavours
Sea salt-ripened Mediterranean grouper
fennel root, baby watermelon
cherry sauce, honey mustard sauce
Orange and artichoke ‘ezme paste’
Velvet hummus paste, pomegranate, blueberry

Asparagus soup with smoked salmon
Granny Smith apple, edamame sauté, crispy quail eggs
onion blossom, soybean sprouts
Lermonos Lykos Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2021

The sound of my heart
Baby artichoke, sun-dried tomatoes
mozzarella cheese with basil, ripened goat cheese
baby spinach, fresh sage, Antalya Hibeş paste
kaki persimmon sauce
Selendi Gülpembe 2020

Mediterranean salad
Tomato caviar, mango, avocado, blueberry
baby watermelon, golden leaf
Selendi Gülpembe 2020

Black mulberry sorbet
bergamot, citrus peels

Hilmi beken combination
charcoal-grilled lamb and veal
walnut and mozarella cheese
Lavash bread wrapped kebab
Muhammara paste, roasted red beetroot
Mahrem Mozaik Ekigaïna 2012

“Boss delight”
coffee parfait, hazelnut cream
caramel filled cigar
Zardetto Brut Prosecco

Hilmi Beken’s team members surprised us with delicious cocktails, live music, exciting dishes, tasty wines and perfect service. Executive Chef Halil Açar and his team with Consultant Chef Elif Turgut created the menu.

Beken family members inspired specially named dishes like ‘The Sound of My Heart’. Salad served in a small ‘caviar tin’; Boss Delight served with a chocolate cigar will be remembered.

Vive la Chaîne!

Leonie Kılıç
Chargée de Missions