For over two decades, Baku Palace restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, has been a popular destination not only for Azerbaijanis but also for Americans seeking to indulge in the delectable flavors of Azerbaijani cuisine. The restaurant offers a taste of Azerbaijan to locals and various ethnic communities in New York.
The restaurant's interior is adorned with attributes and objects brought from Azerbaijan, creating a warm and opulent ambiance that sets it apart from many other dining establishments in New York. The owner, Eldar Sultanov, was once a renowned surgeon in Baku. In an interview with Report at Baku Palace, he shared his story:
"I worked as a surgeon at City Clinical Hospital No. 5 in Baku for many years. While treating a patient whose condition had reached a point where we couldn't provide the necessary medical care in Azerbaijan, I took them first to the American Hospital in Istanbul and then to New York. After staying in New York for two months, I returned to Baku. Six months later, I decided to return to New York and test myself here. This was in 1997."
From his first day in the US, Eldar worked at Baku Palace. Over the past 27 years, it has been the only establishment he has worked at. "When I arrived, my children were 9 and 12 years old. Two years later, I was able to bring my family here. To support them and provide education for my children, I couldn't pursue my beloved profession of medicine, which I had devoted so much effort to. Starting anew in America would have required years of additional education. I thought if God had given me a new beginning, I should use it for my family," he explained.
Today, Baku Palace is the largest restaurant in Brooklyn among those established by representatives of other nationalities. It can accommodate over 500 guests simultaneously.
The most popular dishes at Baku Palace are kebab, qutab, and dolma. While the menu primarily features Azerbaijan's rich and delicious dishes, it also offers a variety of cuisines from other countries. Some ingredients, jams, compotes, and teas are brought from Baku, while meat and fish are sourced locally.
Over the years, Baku Palace has welcomed numerous celebrities, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Eldar shared, "In twenty-three years, I've encountered so many interesting events that I don't know which one to share."
For Azerbaijanis longing for a taste of home, Baku Palace is the go-to destination.
One unique feature that sets Baku Palace apart is the use of charcoal in cooking, which imparts a special flavor to the meats and dishes. Obtaining permission to use charcoal took three years of struggle and significant investment.
"Baku is my past, my youth, my student years. The atmosphere of Baku is different. I don't believe any Azerbaijani living abroad doesn't miss Baku. My goal is to keep Baku alive here and preserve its spirit in New York," Eldar expressed.
Looking to the future, Eldar aims to expand the restaurant and bring in professional chefs from Azerbaijan, a challenge he has faced due to visa issues and adaptation difficulties. "With professional chefs, we can better present Azerbaijani cuisine," he concluded.
