South African award-winning child influencer Kairo Forbes recently embarked on an exciting journey into the heart of Turkish cuisine, joining forces with renowned Turkish chef Necati Yilmaz. The young star, known for her engaging online content and vibrant personality, traveled to Istanbul with her grandmother, Lynn Forbes, for a special trip that blended family bonding, cultural exploration, and culinary discovery.
What began as a heartwarming vacation to explore the beautiful city of Istanbul quickly turned into an unforgettable culinary adventure. Kairo and her grandmother, affectionately known as “Glammy,” took a trip down memory lane, visiting places that had a special significance to their family. One such place was the Iznik Works Fine Turkish Art, a cultural hub that held sentimental value for Kairo, as it reminded her of her late father, the beloved South African rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes, who had visited the establishment back in 2019.
The real highlight of the trip, however, came when Kairo was invited to delve deeper into the world of Turkish gastronomy under the mentorship of executive chef Necati Yilmaz. A culinary expert with over a decade of experience, Chef Yilmaz is known for his innovative approach to traditional Turkish cuisine. According to IOL, he has spent years perfecting recipes from the Ottoman Empire, cataloging more than 400 ancient dishes once enjoyed by the Sultans themselves.
Kairo’s culinary journey took her to the prestigious Deraliye Ottoman Restaurant, an establishment that has earned recognition in the Michelin Guide. There, Chef Yilmaz shared his passion for preserving the rich flavors of Ottoman and Turkish food culture, guiding Kairo through the preparation of dishes fit for royalty.
In an Instagram post, Kairo shared her excitement and gratitude for the experience, saying, “There is so much more to life than cooking eggs in the kitchen with your grandma and going to school! I went to Istanbul, Türkiye, with my Glammy to explore Istanbul, visit the places my dad @akaworldwide used to go, and learn about the rise of the Ottoman Empire! I ended up sharpening my culinary skills under the guidance of the renowned Executive Chef @necati.yilmaz.istanbul in their Michelin Guide family restaurant!”
Kairo went on to describe the experience as a beautiful blend of history and food, adding, “Discovering @deraliye_restaurant_istanbul and sampling their Ottoman Palace Cuisine gives you a taste of history, the rich Ottoman and Turkish food culture, and the warm Turkish hospitality! Their menu is fit for a Sultan. And now I have a certificate to prove that I’m part of that history! Thank you Chef Necati Yilmaz.”
For Kairo, the trip was more than just a culinary experience; it was a way to connect with her heritage and the traditions her father once appreciated. It was also an opportunity to deepen her appreciation for the cultural richness of the world and the power of food to tell a story.
