Maksut Aşkar, founder and chef of Istanbul restaurant Neolokal, received the Inspiring Chef Award at Creative People Talks & Hospitality Awards on 7 September 2026. The award was presented by Sözen Group CEO Gökmen Sözen during the ceremony at Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul.
Organised by FoodinLife and Sözen Group, this year's event focused on the people and sustained work behind achievements in gastronomy and hospitality under the theme 'Inspiring People'. According to the organiser's official results, a jury of 22 assessed awards across 21 categories.
Why does a chef's story inspire others?
A restaurant's achievement often appears on the plate, while the decisions, training and culinary traditions behind it develop over many years. An award for an individual chef highlights a person's contribution to the profession rather than assigning a restaurant rating.
At Neolokal, Aşkar's approach to interpreting traditional recipes through a contemporary culinary language has developed a distinctive place in Istanbul's food scene. The significance of an Inspiring Chef award lies in this longer-term contribution to cooking and the people who sustain it, not in a single service.
What is Creative People Talks & Hospitality Awards?
Held for the third time in 2026, this event brings together professions across gastronomy and hospitality rather than restaurants alone. Its categories cover culinary culture, service, sustainability, entrepreneurship and other specialist contributions.
This distinction is neither a MICHELIN Star nor a Gault&Millau Toque. It is a separate award presented to a chef by a different organisation. Each distinction associated with Neolokal should therefore be reported using its own awarding body and date. Our MICHELIN and Gault&Millau comparison explains why these awards are separate.
What happens after guests discover an award?
An award can encourage new diners to discover a restaurant. But moving from a compelling story to a well-run visit still calls for accurate opening times, clear booking terms and reliable availability information.
We congratulate Maksut Aşkar and the Neolokal team. For restaurants, Rezervem Manager supports the everyday work of managing reservations and floor plans in one operational flow. The lasting challenge, regardless of any award, is delivering on the guest experience promised at every service.
