The award-winning head chef at Halewood’s Casa Rima restaurant helped set a Guinness World Record at the 8th International GastroAfyon Tourism and Taste Festival in Turkey.
Kemal Coşkuncay contributed to a 247.68-metre-long “Anatolian Table” featuring 963 regional dishes from all 81provinces of Turkey.
Kemal took part in the record-setting attempt on behalf of the British North West Chef’s Union and the gastronomic community of North West England along with Chef Tacim Yetiş.
Afyonkarahisar, were the World Record took place, was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2019.
It is the second time Kemal has entered the Guinness World Record books. Last year Kemal contributed to the largest ever sucuklu yumurta – a traditional Turkish dish – which weighed 1,930kg.
Kemal said: “It was amazing to take part in the World Record attempt and to set a new record for the second time! It was a truly memorable experience and an honour to present our signature dishes, using locally sourced ingredients.
“I was proud to be representing Halewood and the North West in a high profile culinary event in a UNESCO Capital of Gastronomy City.
“I’d really like to thank Knowsley Council and the Halewood community for their ongoing support.”
Award-winner
Earlier this year Kemal was named Chef of the Year for the second consecutive year at the British Kebab Awards.
It was the third time Kemal has won the top award, which recognises and champions restaurants and takeaways nationwide.
Casa Rima Halewood
Casa Rima, which serves Mediterranean cuisine, opened its doors on Baileys Lane in 2023 and has proven hugely popular with customers in Halewood.
Kemal’s brother Baris Coskuncay, who co-owns Casa Rima with Kemal, also established Triangle Café and Bistro in Halewood Triangle Park in 2024 and opened a new restaurant venture – Casa Roni – in Kirkby Town Centre earlier this year.