The Wooden Spoon – a cozy, family-run bistro in Bertrange.
The Wooden Spoon is a story of two women’s dedication to authenticity, innovation, and the simple yet transformative power of sharing a meal.
Unlike traditional restaurants that offer predictable menus and structured dining, The Wooden Spoon bistro invites visitors into an experience that feels more like stepping into someone’s welcoming home or a lively Turkish side street. The menu is not just food—it’s a curated cultural journey.
The two women behind The Wooden Spoon – Alicja (Polish) and Gökçe (Turkish) have created a space where each visitor feels not like a customer, but a cherished guest. The two founders, always present and engaged, know many of their regulars by name. For first-time visitors, they are quick to explain the story behind each dish, offer some comfort words to copy with everyday struggles, or pour another glass of tea with a smile. In this sense, The Wooden Spoon is more than a business; it’s a living, breathing act of hospitality.
The interior design of the bistro is intentionally intimate: cozy décor and soft lighting which enhance the sense of calm, and small details—hand-painted ceramics, Turkish tea glasses, colorful kilims—carry guests straight into the streets and homes of Istanbul. The seating is arranged to encourage conversation, not isolation; the kitchen is open so that guests can see, smell, and feel the food being prepared.
The Wooden Spoon bistro is not just another food venue—it is a living embodiment of Polish and Turkish hospitality, culture, and community. The project brings to Luxembourg the vibrant soul of Turkish street food, offers unlimited Turkish tea as a gesture of endless welcome, and dares to serve some rare, culturally rich dishes: kokoreç and aşure —both of them being offered nowhere else in the country.
In Turkish culture, offering tea is an almost sacred gesture of welcome. Friends, neighbors, strangers—even tradesmen in the bazaar—are offered tea as a first act of kindness. At The Wooden Spoon, this tradition is beautifully transplanted into Luxembourgish daily life. Unlimited tea is not just about quantity. It is about removing the boundaries of transaction: visitors are encouraged to stay as long as they wish, without feeling rushed or measured. The clinking of small, tulip-shaped tea glasses becomes the restaurant’s heartbeat—a constant, gentle reminder of togetherness.
Known for its sophisticated dining scene, Luxembourg has few places where the humble, bold, and authentic flavors of street food are celebrated. The Wooden Spoon fills this gap with sincerity.
Kokoreç is a another example of the Wooden Spoon culinary uniqueness. Often misunderstood outside Turkey, kokoreç requires expert preparation and courage to introduce to a new audience. But at The Wooden Spoon, it becomes a talking point—a dish that sparks curiosity, conversation, and sometimes even nostalgia among Turkish guests far from home. Its spicy, crispy exterior and soft, savory interior encapsulate the essence of Turkish street food: bold, surprising, deeply satisfying.
Perhaps the most culturally significant offering at The Wooden Spoon is aşure, also known as Noah’s pudding. Traditionally, aşure is made in large batches and distributed to neighbors, friends, and even strangers, regardless of religion or background. It is a culinary embodiment of peace and coexistence.
In the multicultural tapestry of Luxembourg, aşure at The Wooden Spoon carries special meaning. It resonates as a message that food can bridge differences, celebrate diversity, and remind us of our shared humanity. For visitors, tasting aşure is not merely enjoying a dessert; it is partaking in a centuries-old ritual of generosity and inclusivity.
The bistro’s story is also about two women daring to bring a piece of their culture to a new country—not by adapting to local trends, but by staying true to their roots. Their brand, The Wooden Spoon, is a tribute to the everyday cooks, mothers, and grandmothers of Turkey and Poland whose love and craft turn simple ingredients into memorable meals.
Against the backdrop of a market often dominated by larger chains or formal dining, The Wooden Spoon’s uniqueness comes from authenticity, courage, and a deeply personal vision: to make every guest feel welcomed, respected, and nourished—not just with food, but with warmth and story.
For these reasons, The Wooden Spoon truly deserves recognition at this year’s tourism awards—not just as an excellent food venue, but as an innovative cultural experience that makes Luxembourg warmer, richer, and more welcoming for all.
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