Söke: Gündoğdu Kahvaltı Bahçesi

Sunday morning, we headed to the Province of Aydın. More specifically … to Söke for breakfast at a place whose name appropriately translates as “Sunrise Breakfast Garden.” Admittedly, it was well-after sunrise by the time we arrived, having first driven nearly 70 miles to get there.

As Deniz later said, only in Türkiye will people travel 1½ hours — one way — for breakfast! True enough … especially when the country’s traditional “serpme kahvaltı” (breakfast consisting of a selection of small plates) is involved. It was worth it though … all the more so because we added some sightseeing to our day later.

Hakan and Serenay had eaten at this rustic, family-operated establishment before. They made a reservation for us … though this late in the year that was more a courtesy so that the husband and wife team — Adem and Huriye — could plan for the number of expected guests since everything they serve is homemade.

Our table was on a small terrace overlooking a fruit grove. It was a bit breezy and cool at first, but the temperature rose to a comfortable level quickly. We had a delightful breakfast experience that lasted nearly three hours … with tasty (and plentiful) food that had us returning for bite after bite.Read more