Food in Turkey

Turkey, a vibrant country bridging Europe and Asia, beckons travelers with its remarkable history, breathtaking scenery, and, notably, its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Turkish gastronomy, an integral part of the cultural heritage, is renowned for its rich and savory dishes that reflect a fusion of influences from the many civilizations that have thrived within its borders. Whether you're strolling through the bustling streets of Istanbul or exploring the serene landscapes of Cappadocia, the food in Turkey promises to be a highlight of your journey. This guide will introduce you to the must-try Turkish dishes that offer a taste of the nation's culinary soul, ensuring that your visit is as delicious as it is unforgettable.

Turkish Dishes

Kebab

Kebab is arguably one of the most famous Turkish dishes, known worldwide. There are many varieties, including the döner kebab, which is made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, and the shish kebab, consisting of skewered and grilled cubes of meat. Adana kebab and Urfa kebab are variations named after their cities of origin, each with a unique blend of spices and preparation methods.

Meze

Meze is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers or accompaniments to alcoholic drinks, similar to the Spanish tapas. Typical Turkish mezes include stuffed vine leaves (dolma), various kinds of salads, and dips like hummus, cacık (a yogurt-based cucumber and garlic dip), and haydari (a thick yogurt dip with herbs).

Baklava

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts, sweetened with syrup or honey. It is a classic Ottoman dessert and a staple in Turkish cuisine. Varieties may include pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts, and sometimes fresh cream is added.

Lahmacun

Often referred to as Turkish pizza, lahmacun is a round, thin piece of dough topped with minced meat (most commonly beef or lamb), vegetables, herbs, and spices, then baked. It's usually served with a squeeze of lemon and can be rolled up with greens and eaten like a wrap.

Manti

Manti are Turkish dumplings filled with a spiced meat mixture, usually lamb or beef, and served with a garlicky yogurt sauce. They are often topped with melted butter, sumac, and red pepper powder. Manti are considered a special dish, often made for gatherings and family meals.

Karnıyarık

This dish features eggplants stuffed with a mix of sautéed chopped onions, garlic, tomatoes, green peppers, and minced meat. The stuffed eggplants are then baked in the oven and often served with rice or bulgur pilaf on the side.

İskender Kebab

Named after its inventor, İskender Efendi, this dish consists of thinly sliced döner kebab meat laid over pieces of pita bread, generously slathered with tomato sauce, and melted sheep’s butter or yogurt. It's a rich and satisfying dish, typically found in the Bursa region.

Menemen

Menemen is a traditional Turkish dish that features eggs, tomato, green peppers, and spices such as ground black and red pepper cooked in olive oil or sunflower oil. Onion and garlic may also be added. It's often served for breakfast with bread.

Kısır

Kısır is a Turkish bulgur salad, seasoned with tomato paste, herbs, and different spices. It also typically includes finely chopped parsley, bell peppers, and scallions. It's a common dish in Turkish homes, served as a side or a light meal.

Imam Bayildi

Imam bayildi is a famous Turkish dish of whole eggplant stuffed with onion, garlic, and tomatoes, then simmered in olive oil. Its name translates as "the imam fainted," supposedly because the imam was overwhelmed by the dish's deliciousness (or its generous amount of oil).

Çılbır

A simple yet delicious dish, çılbır consists of poached eggs served with yogurt, often seasoned with garlic and topped with a drizzle of melted butter mixed with paprika or Aleppo pepper.

Çorba

Çorba is the Turkish word for soup, an essential part of Turkish cuisine, with many varieties. Lentil soup (mercimek çorbası) is a staple, but there are also hearty soups like tarhana (made from a fermented mixture of grain and yogurt) and ezogelin, which is rich with red lentils, rice, bulgur, and spices.

Turkish Desserts

Künefe

Künefe is a cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup, made from kadayıf (thin strands of shredded wheat). The pastry is layered with unsalted cheese, baked until golden and crispy, and then drenched in a syrup made from sugar and water. It's often garnished with pistachios and served hot.

Lokum (Turkish Delight)

Lokum, or Turkish Delight, is a confection made from starch and sugar, often flavored with rosewater, lemon, or mastic. It's a chewy treat that may contain chopped dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, or walnuts, and is often dusted with icing sugar.

Şekerpare

Şekerpare is a beloved Turkish dessert made from a simple dough of flour, butter, and sugar, baked until golden and then soaked in a sweet lemon syrup. The result is a soft and moist treat, often topped with an almond or a hazelnut.

Revani

Revani is a semolina sponge cake soaked in a simple syrup flavored with orange or lemon. It's a light and refreshing dessert that's commonly served during religious festivals and special occasions.

Tulumba

Tulumba is a popular Turkish dessert that consists of small, golden-brown fried dough pieces that are soaked in thick sugar syrup. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, syrupy interior, with a slightly chewy texture.

Aşure

Also known as Noah's pudding, aşure is a traditional Turkish dessert that is a rich, grain-based mixture made with a variety of ingredients such as barley, rice, beans, chickpeas, sugar, dried fruits, and nuts. It's typically made in large quantities and shared with friends and family.