Olives, Cheese and Tea: Türkiye Brings Breakfast Magic to Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Colombo woke up to the rich aromas and vibrant flavours of Türkiye on Sunday (14) morning, as the Embassy of Türkiye hosted its annual International Breakfast Day, transforming a simple morning gathering into a celebration of culinary charm and cultural diplomacy.

The event, elegantly hosted by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Semih Lütfü Turgut, and his wife, brought together dignitaries, guests, and media to experience the essence of a traditional Turkish breakfast, renowned globally for its variety, simplicity, and deep-rooted cultural significance.

At the heart of the spread was a carefully curated selection of Turkish delicacies, with six distinct varieties of olives and fourteen types of cheese drawing particular attention.

These staples, central to Turkish breakfast culture, showcased a spectrum of textures and flavours, from soft and creamy to bold and tangy, offering guests a sensory journey through Türkiye’s rich culinary heritage.

Freshly brewed Turkish tea, served in its iconic tulip-shaped glasses, added a comforting warmth to the gathering, perfectly complementing the array of flavours on display and reinforcing the role of tea as an indispensable part of Turkish daily life.

Speaking to News 1st, Ambassador Turgut reflected on the inspiration behind this year’s expanded menu, emphasizing both tradition and hospitality.

“So, first of all, last time I promised everybody, all guests that I'm going to bring more olives and more cheese from Turkey. And this year we have six different types of olives and 14 different types of cheese. And we are known as olive and cheese at the breakfast. It is an integral part of our breakfast. And we have more than 100 different types of olives and we have more than 200 different types of cheese. So, I hope you have the chance to test all of them, to try all of them. And I invite all the audience, all the Sri Lankans to come to Turkey and test that huge variety and enjoy their stay in Turkey,” he said.

Beyond the flavours, the occasion also served as a platform for strengthening ties between Sri Lanka and Türkiye. The ambassador highlighted the depth of bilateral relations, particularly in trade, noting the strong connection through tea and growing opportunities in other sectors.

“So, we have strong relations on tea. Our trade volumes predominantly is based on tea that we imported. And we are exporting some electrical equipments and machinery and some threads and fabrics to Sri Lanka. I think due to the importance of textile sector, textile sector has more room to go. There is a potential over there. And also logistics. Turkey and Sri Lanka are at the crossroads of intersecting roads of famous and valuable and important trade route. So, we can complement each other with our warehouses, with our infrastructure because the position of both countries are very strategic. And by helping each other, by creating synergy, we will have we will have win-win situation for both nations,” he said.

The event showcased how food can serve as a universal language, bridging cultures and strengthening relationships. It was not merely a display of cuisine, but a reflection of Türkiye’s warmth, hospitality, and global outlook.

The Breakfast day gathering left behind more than satisfied appetites, it highlighted the idea that shared meals can foster deeper connections.

From olives and cheese to tea and conversation, the Turkish breakfast in Colombo demonstrated that culinary traditions can bring nations closer, turning breakfast into a powerful symbol of unity between East and West.