Restaurant MADO has brought the taste of Turkey to the residents of Durban, offering dishes ranging from traditional Turkish ice cream and warm kunefe to seafood and leisurely breakfasts, while prioritizing family-style hospitality.
Florida Road has long been established as a well-known spot for dining and recreation in Durban, and the arrival of a restaurant representing Turkish heritage adds a new dimension to the local culinary palette.
MADO, an internationally recognized Turkish brand known for its traditional desserts and ice cream, has opened its doors at 101 Florida Road, offering a gastronomic experience that goes far beyond the sweets for which it is famous.
The restaurant's menu is extensive, including options for breakfast, main courses, seafood, signature coffee, and desserts, allowing visitors to stop by just for coffee, enjoy a long breakfast, or spend the evening with a full dinner.
However, for the family behind the restaurant in Durban, MADO is not just about bringing an international brand to the South African market; it is a desire to bring a piece of their hometown to the city they consider home.
The story of MADO began in 1850 in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, a region renowned for its traditional Turkish ice cream. The brand name combines Maraş, the region associated with its origin, and the word dondurma, which means ice cream in Turkish.
Over the years, the business has evolved into an internationally recognized name while maintaining its connection to Turkish culinary traditions and craftsmanship.
The opportunity to present MADO in South Africa arose for the Durban family during a family trip to China, where they saw established international restaurant brands and began contemplating what similar concept could bring to the local market.
Speaking to IOL, Leila Nur Mohamed stated that her father saw the opportunity to introduce a brand with a rich history and unique identity to South Africa. He was also convinced that Durban, the city where he was born and raised, would be the first place this would be available.