Filming took place at Bohem Apartment on Lüleci Hendek Street, and this episode of Eylül Aşkın İle, hosted by Eylül Aşkın, featured yacht chef Volkan Berk Can as the guest.

The Navy Seals of the Kitchen

Unlike traditional chefs who specialize in a specific kitchen, yacht chefs are required to know everything and work in more confined, challenging conditions. They typically work on tours and private yachts. Additionally, yacht chefs are responsible for feeding not only the guests on board but also the crew.

“I never even considered becoming a chef.”

Volkan Berk Can, who said “I was a picky eater as a child” and expressed that he didn’t have a particular interest in cooking for many years, explained the beginning of his culinary journey: “After finishing my degree in Economics, I seriously prepared for the KPSS. However, the interview processes didn’t go well. I thought, ‘I’ll get on a ship, travel the world, and see what these people are doing,’ so I boarded a ship. When you board a ship without qualifications, you either start as a cook’s assistant or as a sailor. I started as a cook’s assistant. The second captain said, ‘Why don’t you become a chef!’”

“The things that motivate me the most: A good stove, a good knife.”

Volkan Berk Can, who expressed that he can cook anywhere as long as he has a good stove and a good knife, said, “The place where I would feel most comfortable expressing myself would be my own restaurant, but working on land comes with certain challenges. I can cook 24 hours a day, but the bureaucratic side of the job scares me a bit. For that reason, I am happy working at sea.”

“I love Italian cuisine.”

Volkan Berk Can, who expressed his great love for Italian cuisine, said, “Italian cuisine is similar to Turkish cuisine in some ways. For example, they have polenta, and we have kuymak. I really love their delicious salads, pasta dishes, and cheeses, all mixed with olive oil.”

The Leading Locations in the Industry: Göcek and Bodrum in Turkey

Volkan Berk Can mentioned that the regions with the highest demand for yacht chef services are Göcek and Bodrum. He added, “After that, there are also many marinas and yachts in areas like Marmaris and Fethiye.” The chef also noted that as long as you have a Schengen visa, there is demand for yacht chefs from abroad as well. “You can work anywhere in the world,” he said.