Cappadocia Gastronomy Festival to Be Held in Mustafapaşa on 15–16 May
Hosted by Cappadocia University under the auspices of the Nevşehir Governorship, the 5th Cappadocia Gastronomy Festival will be held in Mustafapaşa on 15–16 May and will be open to the public. Organised under the theme “Local Heritage, Starred Tables,” the festival will bring together Cappadocia’s rich culinary heritage, local producers, and the unique historical atmosphere of Mustafapaşa for two days of gastronomy and cultural celebration.
Selected as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) in 2021, Mustafapaşa is also the only town in Türkiye that hosts a university. With its historic stone mansions, charming squares and streets, centuries-old winemaking tradition, culinary heritage, and multicultural identity, Mustafapaşa will become the centre of gastronomy, culture, and social gathering throughout the festival.
The Cappadocia Gastronomy Festival continues the gastronomy-focused initiatives that Cappadocia University has been carrying out since 2022. Beginning with the theme “A Different Cappadocia” in 2022, the festival became part of Turkish Cuisine Week in 2023, an initiative launched under the patronage and leadership of First Lady Emine Erdoğan. In 2024, it continued with the theme “Spring Tables in Cappadocia,” while the 2025 edition gained broader visibility with the participation of the First Lady once again.
The two-day programme will feature the Cappadocia Local Producers’ Market, Stars of Cappadocia Stands, Thematic Meetings, the Gastronomy Stage, the Mustafapaşa Culinary Route, and Cooking Competitions. Spread across various locations throughout Mustafapaşa, these activities will offer visitors a rich and immersive festival experience.
Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase products from local producers and women’s cooperatives at the Cappadocia Local Producers’ Market, while the Stars of Cappadocia Stands will showcase signature dishes prepared by Cappadocian chefs featured in the Michelin Guide.
The Gastronomy Stage, located in Mustafapaşa Square, will host renowned chefs, gastronomy experts, and artists from Cappadocia and across Türkiye. The programme will include panel discussions, live music performances, concerts, special events, and seminars focusing on history, viticulture, and sustainability, offering visitors a diverse cultural experience.
Along the Mustafapaşa Culinary Route, guests will be able to sample traditional local delicacies and discover Cappadocia’s culinary heritage firsthand. Meanwhile, the Cooking Competitions will bring together culinary enthusiasts, adding excitement and energy to the festival.
Throughout the festival, menus will be designed with the goal of achieving the lowest possible carbon footprint, and environmentally responsible practices will be implemented across every stage of the process, from production to consumption.
The festival is organised with the support and partnership of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Nevşehir Governorship, Cappadocia Area Presidency, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), Ahiler Development Agency, Ürgüp Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mustafapaşa Municipality, Turkish Chefs Federation, and the Cappadocia Chefs Association. Everyone wishing to experience the flavours, culture, and stories of Cappadocia is warmly invited to attend.
Click here for the detailed programme schedule.
