Private Chef Pinar Gucumengil

I grew up in my family’s restaurant in Antalya, Turkey, where I discovered my passion for cooking at an early age. This foundation shaped my approach to food: rooted in tradition, yet open to innovation.

As a private chef, I specialise in Turkish-rooted, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, bringing authentic flavours from different regions to the table. My dishes are designed to be memorable, balanced, and flavourful, whether meat-based, vegan, or vegetarian.

Combining my background in statistics and sensory analysis, I create menus that are not only delicious but also thoughtfully structured to engage all the senses. Each meal is a personal experience, crafted to delight and connect with those I cook for.

I love bringing people together through food, transforming every dining occasion into a cultural and sensory journey that celebrates both heritage and modern creativity.

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking is both an art and a science, where flavours, textures, and aromas are thoughtfully balanced.

I learned to cook at...

I learned to cook at my family’s restaurant in Antalya, gaining hands-on experience with a variety of Turkish kitchen under Mediterranean umbrella.

A cooking secret...

My secrets are blending heritage, creativity, and sensory awareness in every dish I make.

My menus

Mediterranean Roots: Musaka

STARTER

All inclusive

Mini Cheese Puff Pastries (Milföy Börek): Golden, flaky puff pastries filled with a delicate blend of cheese and fresh herbs. A light and elegant Ottoman-inspired start to the menu

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Mini Tomato & Basil Salad : Fresh cherry tomatoes tossed with fragrant basil and a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. A refreshing, colorful start that perfectly balances the richness of the main course

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Mediterranean Roots: Musaka – Fried Eggplants Layered With Savory Beef Mince, Onions, And Tomatoes, Topped With Fresh Basil, Served With Turkish Rice And Cacık (Yogurt, Mint, And Cucumber)

Red Cabbage Pickles with Mustard-Mayo Dressing, Seasonal Salad – fresh, crisp seasonal vegetables, lightly dressed with extra virgin olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, offering a perfect balance of flavor and freshness

DESSERT

All inclusive

Ottoman Delight – creamy caramelized pudding, inspired by traditional Turkish Sut Helvasi, topped with roasted almond flakes for added texture and elegance

Mediterranean Roots – Aegean Breeze (Vegetarian Menu)

STARTER

All inclusive

Roasted Vegetable Soup with Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwich

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Mini Potato, Spinach, Mushroom & Cheese Quiche – Delicate mini quiches with roasted potatoes, mushrooms, spinach, and cheese

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Lentil Meatballs with Orange-Braised Celeriac Soft lentil meatballs served with orange-braised celeriac gently cooked in olive oil. Light, bright, and perfectly balanced

Creamy Courgette & Walnut Salad – Fresh courgette with yogurt, dill, and walnut pieces. • Colourful Black Bean Salad – Black beans, sweet peppers, herbs, and citrus dressing. • Seasoned Salad

DESSERT

All inclusive

Baked Yogurt with Raspberry, Almond Flakes & Icing Sugar Creamy baked yogurt served with fresh raspberries, almond flakes, and a light dusting of icing sugar. Light, elegant, and refreshing

Stuffed Onion with Chef’s Selection of Sides

STARTER

All inclusive

Fried Aubergine Canapé Warm, lightly toasted rye bread topped with a cool layer of garlic yoghurt, finished with a chilled fried aubergine–tomato topping and a touch of fresh basil

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Spinach, Garlic & Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms – Warm bite-sized mushrooms filled with creamy spinach, garlic, and cheese, seasoned with black pepper for extra flavor

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

• Chef’s Special:Stuffed Onions with Beef Mince & Herbs , featuring onions stuffed with a flavorful beef mince, combined with aromatic herbs and spices. • Served with Fresh Thyme and Creamy Garlic Courgette, Dill & Walnut Salad. Two other seasonal salads

DESSERT

All inclusive

Chef’s Dessert • Chef’s Dessert – A warm and buttery dessert, served with ice cream, chocolate drizzle, and roasted almond flakes