Turkish Delight: How Two Siblings Brought the Flavors of Türkiye to the Heart of Alaska
From Istanbul to Anchorage, Engin and Zeynep Kilic built a culinary haven that celebrates Turkish culture, immigrant resilience, and the universal love of food.
When Engin and Zeynep Kilic took ownership of Turkish Delight in 2022, they were not just opening a restaurant — they were reviving a story of home, identity, and perseverance. For the Turkish-born siblings, food became the language of nostalgia and belonging, bridging the 6,000 miles between Alaska and their homeland of Türkiye.
“Ours is a typical immigrant story,” says Zeynep. “You move across oceans and foods of the homeland become synonymous with longing, family, and love.”
At Turkish Delight, this emotion translates into every dish. From the soft aroma of freshly grilled lamb to the comforting warmth of Turkish lentil soup, the restaurant is not only a place to eat — it’s a place to reconnect with heritage.
A Family Legacy of Flavor and Passion
Zeynep Kilic is no stranger to storytelling. Before becoming a restaurateur, she was an award-winning filmmaker and academic. Her documentary Tables of Istanbul (2016) explored the intersection of food, memory, and migration — themes that now play out daily in her Anchorage kitchen.
Her brother Engin, an adventurous spirit who moved to the U.S. years earlier, longed for the authentic meals of home. Together, the siblings transformed Anchorage’s only Turkish-inspired restaurant into a cultural landmark that welcomes everyone — locals, travelers, and fellow immigrants alike.
Their approach combines authentic Turkish recipes with Alaska’s local freshness, creating a menu that is both traditional and innovative.
The Culinary Dream Team
Behind the kitchen doors, the story continues. Turkish Delight’s chefs — Nesim and Cüneyt Usta, brothers from Ağrı, Türkiye — are seasoned masters who bring Istanbul’s meat-house expertise to Alaska’s dining scene. Their cousin Serhat assists as line cook, while Mohamed, a Sudanese refugee, ensures the heart of the kitchen runs smoothly.
The front of house is just as diverse: Raj and Ashu from India, and Yusuf from Turkey, all add warmth and cultural richness to every guest experience. “We’re like a mini United Nations,” Zeynep says proudly. “Our team is like a family, and we hope guests can feel that when they dine with us.”
A Community Effort Rooted in Gratitude
Turkish Delight’s success is not just a family victory — it’s a community story. Friends and volunteers helped during the early renovation days, washing dishes, painting walls, and building tables. Local organizations like Anchorage Community Land Trust and the Alaska Small Business Development Center guided the Kilics through the business launch, while friends across professions contributed to the restaurant’s design, branding, and media.
From a simple dream to a thriving business, Turkish Delight stands today as a symbol of what community, faith, and perseverance can build together.
“Çorbada tuzu olan herkesten Allah razı olsun,” Zeynep says — “May God bless everyone who added salt to our soup.”
Why Turkish Delight Stands Out
Beyond its exquisite dishes — from kebabs to baklava — Turkish Delight embodies the immigrant spirit: a bridge between cultures, a tribute to shared humanity, and a flavorful reminder that food unites us all.
For locals and visitors alike, it’s a must-visit gem in Anchorage’s culinary scene, offering a delight in every bite.
