Istanbul Gourmet (Closed)

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Henry Teo founded Istanbul Gourmet in 1995. It started off as a small take away stall at the basement of Simei Mall to just “test” the market.

Interesting enough, people were curious to find out what a chef was doing at a small take away stall, wearing a top hat and slicing chunks of meat off a kebab spit. The mixed smell of roasted chicken combined with the aromatic smell of local Nyonya laksa was enough to keep people coming for the last 15 years.  Together with great tasting localised food and huge servings, Istanbul Gourmet warmed the bellies of many and became a mainstay in the Singapore food scene.

Before Henry founded Istanbul Gourmet, he had an illustrious career in the food industry. Starting as an apprentice chef in the renowned Hyatt Hotel, he quickly progressed into one of the top chefs with a talent for creating ice carvings sculptures.

Very soon, his entrepreneur instinct kicked in and made him decide to capitalize on the fast-expanding catering industry in Singapore. Forming Monte Cristo Catering Services with his brothers, Henry and Monte Cristo became one of the top names in Singapore. Events that involve wining and dining corporate and government leaders were some of the famous parties that Henry can be proud of hosting.

It was during a trip to Australia in the 1990s that Henry learned how to make doner kebab. Seeing that this dish was really popular in Australia, he decided to learn and bring it into Singapore. Together with his vast experience in western food and Peranakan food ( he’s a 2nd generation Nyonya), he established Istanbul Gourmet which served a wicked range of fusion food such as the ever-popular Istanbul Laksa and Chicken Donar Kebab.

However, all good things have to end and Istanbul Gourmet finally ceased operation on 14 Aug 2015.

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