City shoppers treated to Middle-Eastern delights

Food fundi with a sense of adventure and love for a first-class taste experience could delight in an array of Middle-Eastern delicacies during the Turkish Food Festival held at Mall of the North (MoN) overflow parking lot from Friday until Sunday.
The highlight of the festival was on Saturday when an estimated 3 500 people visited the stalls to purchase mouth-watering dishes, various designs and clothes. Tantuni and Kumpir baked potatoes seemed to be very popular during the festival. Other Middle-Eastern delights on sale included Adana Kebabs, Doner rolling shawarmas and baklava. Turkish tea and coffee appeared to be a perfect round-off for an interesting tour of the stalls full of Turkish market products.
Fatih Dursun indicated that the festival was to raise funds for 250 learners at Enduderum College and their target was to collect at least R200 000 from sales. He said this was the third time they hosted the festival in the city but the first time at MoN. Dursun further emphasised that the turnout was on par with expectations and that they were planning to host it again next year.
“The festival was hosted by Diversity and Durban City. We have 40 branches across South Africa and our main aim is to assist youth get quality education for them to have a brighter future. Although I am not yet certain about the figures, I am confident that we raised enough money to support the 250 learners,” Dursun explained and went on to thank MoN, the customers and everyone who made the festival a great success.
MoN marketing manager Mari Delport highlighted that everything went as planned and she was delighted that shoppers and food lovers came in their numbers to support the festival. She further said people had enjoyed the different dishes and that only positive feedback had been received during and after the festivities. Delport indicated that it was pleasant to taste new dishes and concluded by saying they would definitely host another festival next year even if for a different culture because MoN strives to cater for all cultural groups in Limpopo.

Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za