Good Food Comes to You #5 | Balıkesir Flavors | A Motorcycle Culinary Journey with İlker Ayrık
🏍 I set off with the support of Honda…
In this episode, my route is to my birthplace: Balıkesir.
This is an unforgettable journey towards childhood memories and the unique flavors of the city…

Our first stop was Kanaat Restaurant.
This 100-year-old establishment, run by the 3rd generation for 60 years, is like the patent holder of Pideli Paça (a type of Turkish stew)...
The witty sayings on the table appeal to both our palate and our soul.

After leaving there, I couldn't resist stopping at a very special place on my way…
Formerly known as Eski Çarşı (Old Bazaar), now called Yeni Çarşı (New Bazaar)...
Here, I looked for the shoe shop of my late Uncle Melek Mustafa, where I worked for two summers during my high school years. And I found it… Here it is, still standing, still proudly displaying its sign: Melek Ticaret (Melek Trade).

This is a story of hard work stretching from 1925 to the present day.
My Uncle Mustafa got the nickname "Melek" (Angel) from his father, Melek Ahmet.
That shop wasn't just a place where shoes were repaired;
it was where I first encountered responsibility,
learned the value of bread,
and where I first got involved in life.

On this occasion, I also spoke on the phone with my older brother Harun, who mentored me and taught me so much during those years…
Hearing his voice, reminiscing about the old days…
Sometimes, a person walks not just down a street, but into their own past.

Those who know me know my passion for grape juice!
While strolling through the market, I didn't miss the opportunity to try this delicious drink at "Efendi."
I didn't just drink it, I also listened to its story.

From there, I hopped on my motorbike and headed to the Atatepe Industrial Site. My new stop: Sargın Höşmerim Factory, known for its famous Balıkesir dessert, höşmerim.

Before entering, we donned all our hygiene gear: hairnets, aprons, shoe covers… Everything was in order. Then we found ourselves in front of the huge cauldrons.

The factory is quite modern, spotlessly clean, and organized… But the best part is this: In this modern production environment, höşmerim is still cooked using traditional methods. Technology makes things easier, but the recipe is still a family heirloom.

This sweet adventure, which began in 1966, continues today with the 3rd generation. In this environment where tradition and innovation work side by side, every bite of höşmerim carries the fruits of years of labor.

Next up was Asırlık Köfteci Sait - Ali Oğulları, serving for 5 generations. Here, I met my friend Mustafa, with whom I went to the same high school. We reminisced about our heartwarming high school memories and devoured the meatballs. We then enjoyed Kemalpaşa dessert and cream-filled bread pudding, practically celebrating.

Since I've come all this way, how could I possibly leave without visiting my school?
My next stop is the place I proudly graduated from: Balıkesir High School.

This venerable school, which has been providing education since 1885, a full 140 years old, is more than just a building…
It's one of the turning points in my life journey.
The moment I stepped through its doors, it was as if I made eye contact with İlker from years ago.

Our school principal, Ahmet Demiroğlu, greeted me at the door.
From the very first minute, I encountered small but very meaningful surprises. What I encountered in the principal's office both surprised and moved me…

Then I toured my classroom.
Touching the desks where I sat years ago, walking through those corridors, breathing that air again…
It was a very special feeling that took me back to the past, passing through time.

To leave a note in the Balıkesir High School's commemorative notebook as a graduate,
not as a television personality, an actor, or a traveler…
To rewrite it as a young person who grew up during that time…
Believe me, it was one of the proudest moments of my life.

Another indispensable dish: Tirit at Ferah Restaurant!
Rooted in humble cuisine, its flavor at the pinnacle of richness.
The compote drunk alongside it, followed by lamb stew…
It was an experience that made you say, “Can meat be this delicious?”

Of course, I couldn't get enough of the dessert…
After the bread pudding with buffalo cream, we said, "Let's go to the source of the cream," and went to Yakupköy Neighborhood. Accompanied by our headman Mehmet Yıkılmaz; we listened to the story of the famous Balıkesir Creamy Dessert, discovered by Abdullah Baba in 1982, saw the buffaloes, and tasted the cream. It was a legendary ending.

This episode ends in Balıkesir, but there are many more stories to tell and flavors to taste in this city…

🚀 Being on the road by motorcycle; experiencing the road, the air, the city, and freedom in their purest form!
🍽 And sometimes, the taste is truly worth going to!

🚴‍♂ A good travel companion is essential when setting out on a journey!
In this adventure, I ...