Who is Elif Oskan?
Elif Oskan is the co-owner, host, and chef of the Gül Restoran in Zurich, Switzerland. With a modern interpretation of Turkish cuisine, she goes beyond the typical doner kebabs, serving dishes like Köfte, Lahmacun, and Pidé. Elif’s culinary journey began in Zurich, where her mother’s cooking inspired her love for food.
She even recreated a McChicken at home for her teenage daughter! Later, she honed her skills at London’s The Fat Duck and has since made her mark in Zurich’s gastronomic scene. Elif and her partner Markus Stöckle have also opened several pop-ups and restaurants, including the Rosi and the Gül.
Elif Oskan Background
Elif Oskan was born to Turkish parents and grew up in Zurich Wollishofen. Her mother, an exceptional cook, greatly influenced Elif’s passion for cooking.
Elif Oskan Professional Journey
Apprenticeship and Initial Training
Elif embarked on her professional culinary journey by completing an apprenticeship at the Romantik Seehotel Sonne. This experience provided her with a solid grounding in classic cooking methods and introduced her to the discipline and creativity required in a professional kitchen. She further honed her skills at prestigious establishments such as Marcus G. Lindner’s Mesa in Zurich, where she learned to balance innovation with tradition in her culinary creations.
Encounter with Heston Blumenthal
A pivotal moment in Elif’s career occurred while she was working a season at Restaurant Heimberg in Zermatt. During this time, she met Heston Blumenthal, the acclaimed chef of “The Fat Duck.” Inspired by his innovative approach to cooking, Elif applied for and was accepted into Blumenthal’s internship program. This experience in London was transformative, exposing her to cutting-edge culinary techniques and the highest standards of gastronomic excellence (FOOBY).
Return to Zurich and Entrepreneurial Ventures
After her stint at The Fat Duck, Elif returned to Zurich, where she began working at Maison Manesse. Her entrepreneurial spirit soon led her to establish her own ventures, starting with “Miss Marshall,” a brand known for its dessert creations and nitrogen ice cream. Her success in these early projects paved the way for more ambitious undertakings, including several pop-up restaurants in Zurich such as “Wood Food,” “Wild Bar,” and “Taco-Fenster”.
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Elif Oskan Restaurants
Gül
Elif Oskan’s most notable restaurant is Gül, located in Zurich. Gül specializes in Turkish avant-garde cuisine, where traditional flavors meet modern culinary techniques. The restaurant is known for its innovative dishes that offer a fresh take on Turkish classics, such as lahmacun and pide, elevated with unique ingredients and presentation styles.
Rosi
Another significant venture by Elif Oskan is Rosi, a modern Bavarian eatery co-owned with her husband, Markus Stöckle. Rosi brings the flavors of Bavaria to Zurich, offering a menu that includes traditional dishes with a contemporary twist. The restaurant is celebrated for its cozy, welcoming environment and its commitment to quality ingredients and preparation.
Gül Express
In addition to her main restaurants, Elif also operates Gül Express, a more casual offshoot of Gül, located near Zurich’s main station. Gül Express offers a streamlined version of the sophisticated dishes found at Gül, making them accessible to a broader audience. This venture caters to those looking for quick yet high-quality Turkish cuisine, maintaining the same standards of flavor and presentation as the flagship restaurant but in a more fast-paced setting.
Elif Oskan Recipes
Let’s explore some of Elif Oskan’s delightful recipes:
- Turkish Egg Salad: Elif Oskan shares a simple recipe for a Turkish egg salad, passed down by her mother. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that combines boiled eggs with traditional Turkish flavors. You can find the detailed recipe on Monocle.
- Vegacun (Vegan Lahmacun): At her restaurant Gül, Elif serves a vegan version of lahmacun called “vegacun.” She rolls out the dough, coats it in a paste made from grilled vegetables, and slides it into the wood-fired oven. The result is a delicious plant-based twist on the classic dish. You can experience this unique creation at Gül.
- Kohlrabi Salad with Sunflower Seed Dressing: Elif’s menu at Gül features delicately flavored dishes, including kohlrabi salad. The dressing for this salad is made with sunflower seeds, black sesame, black cumin, and isot chili. It’s a refreshing and vibrant option for those looking to explore Turkish cuisine beyond the usual classics.
Elif Oskan Husband
Elif Oskan is married to Markus Stöckle. The couple is well-known in the Zurich gastronomic scene, co-owning restaurants such as “Gül,” which specializes in Turkish cuisine, and the modern Bavarian eatery “Rosi.” They first met while working at “The Fat Duck” restaurant in London.
Elif Oskan Awards
Elif Oskan has received several awards for her work. She won gold in the “Oriental Cuisine” category at the Deutscher Kochbuchpreis 2023 for her cookbook “Cüisine – Türkische Küche.” Additionally, her book was recognized as the second-best in the “Women Chefs” category at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2023.
FAQs
Who is Elif Oskan?
Elif Oskan is the co-owner, host, and chef of Gül Restoran. She’s making waves with her modern interpretation of Turkish cuisine, going beyond the typical doner kebabs. Her passion for cooking was inspired by her mother’s delicious home-cooked meals.
What dishes does Gül serve?
Gül’s menu features classic Turkish dishes like köfte, lahmacun, and pide. Elif also adds her creative touch with delicately flavored options, such as kohlrabi salad with a unique dressing made from sunflower seeds, black sesame, black cumin, and isot chili.
Where is Gül located?
Gül Restoran is in district 4 in Zurich, Switzerland. It’s hard to beat when it comes to a warm welcome and delightful Turkish cuisine.
What’s Elif’s culinary background?
Elif’s culinary journey began in Zurich, where her mother’s cooking inspired her love for food. She honed her skills at restaurants like Mesa and even worked with Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck in London.
Is Elif on Instagram?
Yes! You can find Elif Oskan on Instagram at @elifoskan.
Does Elif share her recipes?
Yes! Elif has shared recipes like the Turkish egg salad and vegacun (vegan lahmacun) from Gül.
What’s Elif’s approach to cooking?
Elif works with an open grill and a pizza oven at Gül, infusing her dishes with fire and flavor.
Who are Elif’s partners at Gül?
Elif co-owns Gül with Markus Stöckle and Valentin Diem, creating a winning team.