PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort and Spa has opened the Istanbul Beach Cave Restaurant to not only provide a unique dining experience but also bring authentic Turkish cuisine to Kenya’s coastal region.
Housed in a natural coral cave along Mombasa’s North Coast, the restaurant offers guests an immersive experience, blending the flavours of Turkey with Kenya’s breath-taking coastal setting.
The Istanbul Beach Cave Restaurant’s launch comes as Kenya has made historic changes to its visa policies, removing visa requirements for all international travellers, including those from Turkey, as of January 2024.
According to the Kenya Tourism Board, since the visa-free policy was introduced, arrivals from Turkey and other regions have seen a significant increase, contributing to a projected 20 per cent rise in total international arrivals by year-end.
The Istanbul Beach Cave Restaurant is Kenya’s first Turkish-themed restaurant situated within a natural coral cave.
Managed by a Turkish chef and restaurant manager, the restaurant promises an authentic taste of Turkey, catering to both local food enthusiasts and international visitors.
Direct flights between Turkey and Kenya have led to a growing Turkish community, driving demand for authentic Turkish experiences.
Istanbul Beach Cave aims to meet this demand, providing a familiar atmosphere for Turkish nationals and a fresh, cultural experience for Kenyans.
According to Hasnain Noorani, Managing Director of PrideInn Hotels, Resorts & Camps, the vision with Istanbul Beach Cave Restaurant is to provide a truly unique and culturally rich experience that attracts both local and international tourists.
This addition strengthens Kenya’s reputation as a destination open to diverse, global experiences.
The restaurant’s launch also aligns with Kenya’s peak festive season, which traditionally sees a surge in both local and international tourism.
With this new attraction, PrideInn Hotels anticipates a boost in occupancy not only at Flamingo Beach Resort but also at other properties along the coast.
By offering a taste of Turkish culture and cuisine, PrideInn is catering to the diverse needs of its guests, enhancing Kenya’s reputation as a destination that embraces international flavours.
Turkish Ambassador to Kenya, Subutay Yüksel, spoke during the launch event noting that the restaurant symbolises a deep friendship between two countries.
“The opening of Istanbul Beach Cave Restaurant is a wonderful symbol of the deepening ties between Turkey and Kenya. It is a wonderful example of friendship between our nations as we look to reintroduce direct flights from Istanbul to Mombasa,” he said.
Also in attendance was the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Tourism, Culture, and Trade in Mombasa County, Mr. Mohamed Osman, who reiterated the county’s support for initiatives that bolster tourism and create economic opportunities.
The Istanbul Beach Cave Restaurant is set within a rare coral cave, creating an extraordinary dining experience that combines luxury with the natural beauty of Kenya’s North coast.
The coral caves are part of ancient coral reef formations that date back approximately 125,000 to 250,000 years.
Over millennia, natural processes such as erosion have shaped these formations into the unique caves we see today.
The age of these coral caves adds significant historical and geological interest to the region, making them not only scenic attractions but also ancient natural landmarks.
