Selçuk Ünal, Turkish Ambassador to China (Right), at the Turkish Breakfast gathering in Beijing on June 7, 2026 Photo: Dong Feng/GT

The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in China hosted a hospitable Turkish breakfast on June 7 on the occasion of World Breakfast Day. As part of the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Türkiye, Selçuk Ünal, Turkish Ambassador to China, and his wife Lerzan Kayıhan Ünal highlighted at the event the shared values of "reunion, sharing, and hospitality" in both China and Türkiye.

Ambassador Ünal welcomed the Chinese guests, saying that Turkish breakfast is not just a morning meal, but an experience, shaped by hundreds of years of Turkish culinary heritage, sharing a variety of delicious and healthy dishes. This tradition brings together family members and friends around a table to enjoy mornings.

Turkish breakfast consists of many small plates both sweet and savory, accompanied by bread and graced with çay (Turkish black tea) served in traditional tulip-shaped glass cups.

Sunday breakfast is especially important, as it is followed by traditionally brewed Turkish tea and coffee, and often transforms into a joyful gathering of family and friends.

He remarked that "Turkish Cuisine Week" under the theme of "The Heritage Table" were celebrated between May 21-27 all over the world, including in China. This year's theme presents Turkish cuisine not just as a set of dishes, but as a vibrant, shared cultural heritage - developed over centuries through longstanding traditions at the table.

Noting that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Ünal said, "For centuries, the Silk Road was the main route which connected our ancestors in exchanging envoys, merchants and gifts." 

Since those times, the deep-rooted relations can be seen through some similarities of Turkish and Chinese cuisine. Dining cultures in both countries "symbolize the spirit of sharing and hospitality," he said, "The table is the oldest language of togetherness. Food connects people across time."

Ambassador Ünal told the Global Times that in recent months he has met many Chinese people who have visited Türkiye. They also shared their experiences and impression of the tours. 

During the session, many influencers on social media platforms including Xiaohongshu or RedNote, told the Global Times that they enjoyed their trips in different parts of Türkiye, affirming that the sceneries, cuisine and people were so impressive that they are planning to return and explore more about the country. 

Since January 2 of 2026, Chinese travelers holding ordinary passports have been exempt from visa requirements for tourism or transit purposes and can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Interest in Türkiye has soared among Chinese tourists after introduction of the visa-free entry, according to media reports. 

As of April in 2026, Türkiye received 154,150 Chinese tourists, a significant increase of 36.53 percent year-on-year, according to official data released by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

When the meal was coming to an end, Ambassador Ünal said that the First Lady Emine Erdogan just underscored the strategic value of the zero-waste movement during her address at the opening of the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul on June 5. 

Zero waste is our country's long-standing tradition. In Turkish cooking, the objective is that every ingredient is used so that nothing has been wasted, Ünal elaborated. "This is similar to China's 'Clear Your Plate' campaign," said a Chinese guest. 

The Zero Waste Forum aimed at advancing global waste reduction was held through June 7 ahead of November's COP31 summit in Antalya, Türkiye.

"World Breakfast Day" is an annual celebration designated to honor the most important meal of the day, celebrated globally on first Sunday of June.