DURBAN has a new international flavour, and it comes straight from Türkiye.
Global Turkish ice cream and dessert brand MADO has officially opened its doors on Durban’s famous Florida Road, bringing its signature ice cream, pastries and Turkish cuisine to South Africa for the first time.
The opening at 101 Florida Road, Morningside, marks MADO’s South African debut and adds another international food brand to one of Durban’s best-known entertainment and dining strips.
MADO traces its roots back to 1850 in Türkiye and has grown into an international brand with hundreds of outlets.
But getting to Durban was no overnight decision.
South African owner Abdool Qadir Noor Mahomed said the project took about three years to bring to life. His connection with the brand dates back even further, after he and his family encountered MADO in Istanbul about 14 years ago.
And now, Durban gets the first taste.
The restaurant offers a massive menu covering Turkish ice cream, pastries, baklava, künefe, breakfast, Turkish meals, desserts and drinks.
Ice cream lovers are also in for a serious choice, with about 30 flavours available and more expected to be introduced.
The opening also attracted Turkish Ambassador Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç, who welcomed the arrival of the brand and highlighted its connection to Turkish food, culture and hospitality.
For Durban, the arrival of MADO is more than another restaurant opening.
eThekwini Municipality Economic Development and Planning Cluster representative Lihle Phewa welcomed the investment, pointing to the potential contribution to tourism, jobs and the city’s wider investment economy.
From Istanbul to Florida Road, MADO has officially arrived.
And Durban diners now have a new destination for a taste of Türkiye.
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