Turkish cuisine is a rich blend of flavors, influenced by centuries of history and a unique geographical location bridging Europe and Asia. From succulent kebabs to delicate desserts, Turkish food is a feast for the senses. This guide will introduce you to some of the must-try dishes and the best places to find them across Turkey.
1. Kebabs
Turkish kebabs are famous worldwide, and there’s a wide variety to try.
- Döner Kebab
Thinly sliced meat (usually lamb or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie, served in bread or with rice.- Where to Try: Karaköy Lokantası (Istanbul), Şehzade Erzurum Cağ Kebabı (Istanbul)
- Adana Kebab
Spicy minced meat skewers, originating from Adana, served with grilled vegetables and flatbread.- Where to Try: Kaburgacı Yaşar Usta (Adana), Zübeyir Ocakbaşı (Istanbul)
- Şiş Kebab
Marinated chunks of lamb or chicken grilled on skewers.- Where to Try: Şişci Ramazan (Antalya), Kebapçı Halil Usta (Gaziantep)
2. Mezze
Mezze is a selection of small dishes served before the main course, often enjoyed with rakı (Turkish anise-flavored liquor).
- Hummus
A creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil, often garnished with paprika and parsley.- Where to Try: Eleos Restaurant (Istanbul), Cibalikapı Balıkçısı (Istanbul)
- Haydari
A tangy yogurt dip mixed with herbs and garlic, similar to Greek tzatziki.- Where to Try: Giritli Restaurant (Istanbul), Meze by Lemon Tree (Istanbul)
- Dolma
Grape leaves stuffed with a mix of rice, pine nuts, and spices.- Where to Try: Tarihi Karaköy Balıkçısı (Istanbul), Asmalı Cavit (Istanbul)
3. Pide and Lahmacun
Pide is often called Turkish pizza, while lahmacun is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs.
- Pide
A boat-shaped flatbread topped with cheese, eggs, and various meats or vegetables.- Where to Try: Fatih Karadeniz Pidecisi (Istanbul), Çavuşoğlu Pidecisi (Trabzon)
- Lahmacun
Thin dough topped with minced lamb, onions, and tomatoes, served with parsley and lemon.- Where to Try: Halil Lahmacun (Istanbul), Kilisli Fiko (Ankara)
4. Seafood
Turkey’s coastal regions, particularly along the Aegean and Mediterranean, offer fantastic seafood.
- Grilled Sea Bass (Levrek)
A popular dish along the Turkish coast, often served simply with lemon and olive oil.- Where to Try: Balıkçı Sabahattin (Istanbul), Kalamata Meyhanesi (Izmir)
- Stuffed Mussels (Midye Dolma)
Mussels stuffed with spiced rice, are often sold by street vendors.- Where to Try: Street vendors in Kadıköy (Istanbul), Kordonboyu (Izmir)
- Fried Anchovies (Hamsi)
Fresh Black Sea anchovies, lightly fried and served with salad or bread.- Where to Try: Samatya Sahil Restaurant (Istanbul), Fiskos Balıkçılık (Trabzon)
5. Baklava and Other Sweets
Turkish sweets are legendary, with baklava being the most famous. There are also lesser-known delights like künefe and lokum (Turkish delight).
- Baklava
Layers of flaky pastry filled with pistachios or walnuts, soaked in sweet syrup.- Where to Try: Karaköy Güllüoğlu (Istanbul), Koçak Baklava (Gaziantep)
- Künefe
A crispy pastry filled with melted cheese, soaked in syrup, and topped with pistachios.- Where to Try: Hatay Sultan Sofrası (Antakya), Künefeci Yusuf Usta (Istanbul)
- Lokum (Turkish Delight)
Soft, chewy candy made from sugar and starch, flavored with rosewater, nuts, or fruit.- Where to Try: Hafız Mustafa 1864 (Istanbul), Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir (Istanbul)
6. Turkish Breakfast (Kahvaltı)
A traditional Turkish breakfast is a delightful spread of fresh bread, cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more.
- Menemen
A scrambled egg dish with tomatoes, peppers, and sometimes onions, served in a sizzling pan.- Where to Try: Van Kahvaltı Evi (Istanbul), Lades Menemen (Istanbul)
- Simit
A sesame-crusted bread ring, often eaten with cheese and tea.- Where to Try: Street vendors in Sultanahmet (Istanbul), Karaköy Simitçisi (Istanbul)
- Kaymak and Honey
Thick clotted cream (kaymak) served with honey, perfect for spreading on bread.- Where to Try: Pando Kaymak (Istanbul), Namlı Gurme (Istanbul)
7. Street Food
Street food is an essential part of Turkish culinary culture, offering quick, tasty, and affordable meals.
- Simit
As mentioned, this is a sesame-covered bread ring that’s a staple of Turkish street food.- Where to Try: Street vendors throughout Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
- Kokoreç
Grilled lamb intestines, often seasoned with herbs and served in a sandwich.- Where to Try: Şampiyon Kokoreç (Istanbul), Kokoreççi Asım Usta (Ankara)
- Balık Ekmek
A fish sandwich made with grilled mackerel, onions, and greens, often sold near the waterfront.- Where to Try: Eminönü Pier (Istanbul), Karşıyaka (Izmir)
8. Drinks
No Turkish meal is complete without some of the country’s signature beverages.
- Turkish Tea (Çay)
Strong, black tea served in small tulip-shaped glasses, often with sugar but without milk.- Where to Try: Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi (Istanbul), Pierre Loti Café (Istanbul)
- Turkish Coffee
Strong and thick, Turkish coffee is often served with a piece of lokum.- Where to Try: Mandabatmaz (Istanbul), Okkalı Kahve (Ankara)
- Ayran
A cold, salty yogurt drink, often served with grilled meats.- Where to Try: Any traditional kebab restaurant or meyhane.
Conclusion
Turkish cuisine offers a rich variety of flavors, textures, and aromas, making it a paradise for food lovers. Whether you’re savoring grilled kebabs in Istanbul, enjoying seafood along the coast, or indulging in sweet baklava in Gaziantep, Turkish food is an experience you’ll never forget. Bon appétit, or as the Turks say, “Afiyet olsun!”