Photo from Bahar Lokantası official Instagram Page

Bahar Lokantası

Location: Edremit/Türkiye

Address: Kapıcıbaşı, Ş. Tanju Baytekin Sk., 10300 Edremit/Balıkesir

Bahar Restaurant in Edremit stands out as a feminist venue that employs 13 wonderful women in its kitchen. Led by Chef Ekrem Yanbolluoğlu, this restaurant offers its guests an unforgettable experience with its smiling staff.

When I was researching what to eat in Edremit, I immediately added this place to my list, which came across my mind. I did some research and finally went. The name of their chef is Ekrem Yanbolluoğlu.

All the ingredients he uses in his kitchen are local and organic products. He cooks whatever is in season, whatever the field gives to the producer, that day. No ready-made products, no GMOs, no tomatoes choked with pesticides. He does something very important. He supports local production.

He provides employment for 13 women working in his kitchen. Since everything a woman touches is beautiful, the line in front of him is endless.

Photo from Bahar Lokantası official Instagram Page

We went to the restaurant just 40 minutes before it opened and the fact that a queue formed in front of it in a short time shows its popularity. It was full 20 minutes before it opened and a queue formed in front of it.

Luckily, they offered ready meals with a special wedding concept for the holiday; so we didn't feel the need to choose anything from the menu. When you go on a normal day, you choose from the menu. The menu changes according to the season and the produce from the field.

This is what we have in our table as a wedding dish;

List of the wedding dishes:

• Chicken Soup

• Slow-Cooked Wheat with Lamb (Keşkek, hand-pounded)

• Chickpea Stew

• Rice Pilaf

• Braised Veal Shank

• Lamb Stew with Vegetables (Orman Kebabı)

• Fresh Green Beans in Olive Oil

• Mixed Fried Vegetables with Yogurt

• Köpoğlu (Fried eggplant & peppers with garlicky yogurt)

• Purslane with Yogurt and Walnuts

• Cheese-Filled Fried Pastry (Sigara Böreği)

• Shepherd’s Salad (Çoban Salatası)

• Olives

• Pickles

• Semolina Halva with Pine Nuts

However, they regularly publish their menus on their Instagram page. The waitresses and cooks did their best to ensure customer satisfaction and provided us with a warm atmosphere. Chef Ekrem Bey also made our experience even more special by chatting with the visitors. We experienced a beautiful example of tradesmanship and community support at Bahar Restaurant.

Click Here to go to their Instagram Page.

Frankly, I have never seen such a happy kitchen team. This atmosphere, which proves that not everything is serious, mobbing, scolding and stressing, made me happy. The food was already good. It was cooked in large cauldrons on wood fire and arrived.

Moreover, there was also a cold dish buffet. They were look amazing too.

Photo from Bahar Lokantası official Instagram Page

Personally, I believe restaurants should be measured not just by the fancy dishes they serve, but also by how they treat their staff and the value they place on women.
I’ve personally witnessed well-known restaurants overworking people for very little pay, and in some cases, not paying salaries for months.

On the very first day of my first internship, I was told:
"Sweetheart, maybe move to pastry. The hot kitchen isn’t really for women.”
And I’ve seen, many times, women being oppressed in kitchens — used as little more than visual props or subjects of sexist jokes.

That’s why I want to personally and sincerely congratulate Bahar Lokantası. I hope it sets an example for many men who call themselves “chefs.”

About Chef Ekrem Yanbolluoğlu:

He studied Advertising and Public Relations at Cyprus International University, and later entered the food world after some time in the corporate world as a food editor.

He treats the local cuisine of his region like his own child.
His philosophy is simple but powerful:
High-quality olive oil + good ingredients + proper technique = everything.

NOT THE FAMOUS CHEF NAME.

What brought him to this path was a deep desire for authenticity and naturalness.

At the beginning, nobody believed him — even his father told him he was dreaming.
People said, “You won’t make it.” They looked at him with pity. He went through hardships. But he believed.

Today, he uses 5.5 tons of olive oil a year, proudly claiming:

“I use the best olive oil this country produces.”

And what I admire most is his mindset:
He places women at the center of everything he does.
He doesn’t just reject male dominance — he openly says, “Women are central. Women are superior.”

Chef Ekrem is someone who should be studied by many arrogant, self-important chefs in this industry. Beyond his kindness and warmth, his love for what he does shines through in the way he speaks to each customer, one by one.

I haven’t talked much about the food — because there was simply nothing to criticize.
Bahar Lokantası was an experience.
I didn’t just leave full — I left happy, with a smile on my face.

If you enjoy adding culinary stops to your travel guides, or if your path ever leads you to Edremit, this place is a must-visit.
Look into the eyes of the staff — see the strong women working there.
You’ll feel the warmth of a kitchen that works like a family — and the respect behind every plate.

"It must be believed that everything we see in the world is the work of women." – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Reference:

GURMOSS. (n.d.). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUlcDcvW8jI