At the table
Set menu or à la carte? Choosing for a table of friends
Hayat Cihangir has two set menus for groups of at least four. A few notes to help you discuss the food, main-course choice and per-person price.
Hayat Cihangir offers two set menus for groups of at least four, with or without a main course. À la carte lets you choose individual dishes from the menu. Do not base the decision on guest count alone: discuss whether people want a main course, what will be shared and the current per-person price together.
Start with one question for the group
Discussing the menu with friends can sometimes take longer than making the reservation. One question is enough to begin: would everyone like a shared selection, or would they prefer to choose their own dishes? This is where the main difference between a set menu and à la carte becomes clear.
You do not all need the same appetite to consider a set menu. It is useful, however, to see the shared contents in advance and collect individual preferences and questions before booking. With à la carte, you can also distinguish dishes for the whole table from those someone would like for themselves.
Discuss main courses early
Hayat’s two set menus are distinguished by whether they include a main course. The main-course option includes an individual main course for each guest. The names make the choice easier, but it is still worth reading the current contents and clarifying which dishes will come to your table with our team.
Do not automatically think of the option without a main course as a smaller table, or of the main-course option as something everyone must choose. Start with how your group would like to eat. If some guests have different preferences, ask at the booking stage how those could be accommodated. Do not assume changes can be made.
Find out what is included as well as the price
Comparing only the per-person figure leaves out part of the picture. Check the food included, the drink allocation and whether any items are charged separately. Having the same information makes the budget conversation among friends more straightforward too.
The current prices are 3,600 TRY per person with a main course and 2,600 TRY without, including VAT, for groups of at least four. Both menus include five types of meze, a large shared salad, one portion of yaprak ciğer, one portion of fried calamari, fruit to share and 70 cl Altın Seri rakı. Confirm the drink allocation for your group’s size with our team. Share the details with your friends, then send your choice in one message.
Keep your reservation message short and complete
Include the date, preferred time, number of guests and menu option you are considering in one message. If you have not decided yet, simply say so. You do not have to resolve every detail before speaking with the team. A clear first message makes the process easier.
Add any celebration, seating preference or dietary requirement. These are requests, and the team needs to check whether they can be accommodated. Sending a WhatsApp message does not confirm a reservation; wait for the team to confirm the date, time and guest count. For online reservations, finish the TheFork steps and check the status it provides. If something changes, use the relevant booking channel to let us know.
A few more questions
How many people do we need for a set menu?
Hayat Cihangir’s set menus are for groups of at least four. For a smaller table, browse the à la carte menu and arrange your reservation.
Where can I find the current set menu price?
The set menu page lists 3,600 TRY per person with a main course and 2,600 TRY without, including VAT. Ask our team about drink allocation for your group, any extras and availability.
Information and links
Hayat Journal articles are prepared with AI assistance using Hayat Cihangir’s brand guide and verified restaurant information. Please speak to our team about current availability, ingredients and any special requests.
