Emre Sarikaya’s journey from refugee to proud street food stall owner
My name is Emre, I am from Turkey and I run a stall at Lancaster Charter Market and at the FoodFutures seasonal markets called Taste Fest, offering traditional Turkish foods.
I moved from Turkey to the UK three years ago as a refugee, which was a significant turning point in my life. Starting over in a new country was both challenging and daunting, but it was also an opportunity to rebuild my life from scratch. When I first arrived in Lancaster, I spent a lot of time exploring the city and trying to understand the local culture. One day, as I walked through the market, I noticed the vibrant food stalls, each offering something unique. It was then that a thought crossed my mind: “What if I could do something like this?” At the time, it seemed like a distant dream, but it sparked a desire in me that I couldn’t ignore.
Cooking has always been a passion of mine. Back in Turkey, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother, learning the traditional recipes that had been passed down through generations.
Gözleme and baklava were two dishes that particularly resonated with me. Gözleme is a traditional Turkish flatbread filled with various ingredients such as cheese, spinach or minced meat. It’s a dish that has been enjoyed in Turkish households for centuries, often made by grandmothers and mothers during family gatherings or special occasions. The word “gözleme” comes from the Turkish word “göz,” meaning “compartment,” referring to the pockets of filling in the dough.
Baklava is a dessert with a rich history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It’s a sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. The intricate process of making baklava, with its thin layers of dough and careful arrangement of nuts, is something that requires patience and skill. In Turkey, baklava is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of celebration and hospitality, often served during holidays, weddings and special gatherings.
Inspired by these deep-rooted culinary traditions, I decided to pursue my dream of sharing these flavours with the people of Lancaster. I started small business, making gözleme and baklava for friends and neighbours, who were very supportive and encouraging. Their positive feedback gave me the confidence to take the next step, and I eventually set up my own stall in the market. It wasn’t easy – there were many obstacles along the way, from navigating the bureaucracy of setting up a business to adjusting to a new way of life in a foreign country. But with determination and the support of my community, my dream became a reality.
Now, when I see people enjoying the food I make, I feel a deep sense of fulfilment. Gözleme, with its warm, comforting fillings, and baklava, with its sweet, crunchy layers, have become more than just food; they’re a way for me to share a piece of my culture and history with others. Every time someone tries these dishes for the first time, I feel like I’m not only offering them a taste of Turkey but also telling a story – a story of resilience, tradition, and the journey from a dream to reality.
As I look to the future, I’m filled with hope and excitement. My goal is to continue growing my stall and perhaps one day open a Turkish restaurant where I can introduce even more people to the diverse and rich flavours of Turkish cuisine. This journey has been challenging, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that even when life takes unexpected turns, dreams can still come true, sometimes in ways we never imagined.
You can meet Emre and taste some delicious Turkish street food at Lancaster’s Harvest Market on 13 September.
