Uludağ restaurant under scrutiny over 1,000-lira soup

BURSA

A restaurant in Uludağ, Türkiye’s famous ski resort, is facing backlash after raising the price of its signature soup to 1,000 Turkish Liras ($29) per bowl — double the cost from just last winter.

The mushroom and walnut soup, marketed as a ”specialty made with regional products,” has drawn the attention of the Trade Ministry, which launched an investigation into allegations of unfair pricing.

Deputy Trade Minister Mahmut Gürcan confirmed that an audit conducted by the Bursa Provincial Directorate of Trade documented the price hike.

"During the audit, it was found that an unjustified price hike had occurred. As a result, the business could face a fine of up to 1 million liras," Gürcan stated, also revealing that other violations were uncovered during the inspection.

The restaurant was found to be non-compliant with 38 products offered for sale, while inspectors identified 76 deficiencies in the premises, including missing product labeling at the entrance and inside the establishment. These violations led to an immediate fine of 171,600 liras.

The controversy has sparked concerns over the potential damage to Uludağ’s reputation, especially as the region experiences a surge in tourist arrivals following its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Located in the mountains of Bursa, Uludağ remains one of Türkiye’s most popular winter destinations. In the 2022-2023 season, it welcomed over 1 million visitors, drawn by its skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports.

The area's appeal stretches throughout the year, offering activities like hiking and scenic rides on the Bursa Teleferik, which attracts 1.5 million riders annually.

Recent investments in infrastructure, such as modernized ski lifts and new hotels, have enhanced Uludağ's reputation, reinforcing its status as a leading destination for both domestic and international tourists. Officials emphasize that maintaining consumer trust and satisfaction is crucial for the region’s continued success.