Ankara
2006–2011
Bilkent University
Tourism & Hotel Management
Chef · Educator · Gastronomy Researcher
Between
the kitchen,
the classroom,
and the field.
Chef, educator and gastronomy researcher working across culinary practice, teaching and sustainable food systems.
Explore
01/ Approach
Food is not only prepared.
It is learned, taught,
questioned and passed on.
Barış Ak’s work moves between professional kitchens, culinary education and gastronomy research. His practice is informed by years spent cooking, building food concepts, teaching future hospitality professionals and exploring the relationship between food, culture and sustainable systems.
02/ Practice
A career built
in real kitchens.
Before returning more fully to education, Barış built his career through professional kitchens, restaurant concepts and consultancy. His experience spans operational cooking, concept development and founder-led hospitality projects across Istanbul, Bodrum and beyond.
Selected experience
AGU Bar & Restaurant
Founder ChefBodrum · 2021–2024Melt Sandwiches
Co-founder · ChefIstanbul · 2018–202086’d Deli Sandwiches
Co-founder · ChefIstanbul · 2017–2018Tarhun
Founder · Consulting Chef2015–2023
03/ Teaching
The kitchen as
a place of learning.
Today, Barış brings professional kitchen experience into culinary education at Bilkent University, connecting technique with the realities of hospitality, food culture and professional practice.
Practice becomes more valuable when it can be transmitted.
Bilkent University · Ankara
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04/ Research
Looking beyond
the plate.
Barış’s current academic work explores sustainable food systems and permaculture — extending his interest in gastronomy beyond the kitchen and towards the systems, environments and relationships through which food is produced.
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Permaculture
- Food Culture
Selected chapters
Providence
2011–2012
Johnson & Wales University
Culinary Arts · High Honors
Istanbul
2013–2020
Professional kitchens, restaurant concepts and independent ventures
Bodrum
2021–2024
AGU Bar & Restaurant
Ankara
2025–
Teaching & gastronomy research
06/ Foundations
Foundations
Bilkent University
BSc · Tourism & Hotel Management
2006–2011
Johnson & Wales University
Culinary Arts · Providence, Rhode Island
2011–2012
High Honors
Başkent University
MSc · Gastronomy & Culinary Arts
Research focus: Sustainable Food Systems & Permaculture
2025–PRESENT
Contact
Cooking. Teaching.
Continuing to learn.
For academic, culinary
and professional enquiries.