Food in Turkey

Your guide to favor the flavor of the rich food in Turkey.

Are you curious about what food in Turkey is like? Turkey’s cuisine offers an array of dishes rich in flavor and tradition, from spicy kebabs and savory mezes to sweet baklava. Dive into our guide for the must-try dishes and drinks to experience the real taste of Turkey.

Turkey and food

• Turkish cuisine celebrates a fusion of flavors and textures influenced by the Mediterranean, Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, showcasing the diversity within Turkey’s regional dishes.
• Traditional Turkish breakfasts, known as kahvaltı, offer a varied and hearty start to the day, while meze platters provide a taste of shared cultural experience with small plates designed for social dining.
• The culinary delights of Turkey extend from skewered meats and comforting stews to an abundance of vegetarian options and sweet pastries, rounded out by a variety of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic traditional beverages.

Exploring Turkish cuisine find a blend of history and taste

Turkish cuisine, rooted in the nomadic tribes of Central Asia, has evolved over time, absorbing influences from around the world. The country’s culinary landscape bears the unmistakable imprint of the Ottoman Empire, a vast amalgamation of cultures., skillfully blending Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and Central Asian flavors into a palate-pleasing array. Much like the contrasting geography of the nation - from mountains and rivers to fertile plains - Turkish cuisine presents an impressive diversity of flavors and textures.

Each region in Turkey has its own unique culinary narrative, with the Black Sea’s fish delicacies and Central Anatolia’s robust kebabs serving as culinary landmarks. The Turkish table is a canvas painted with olive oil, legumes, and a symphony of spices such as cumin and paprika, all harmonizing in dishes that have been passed down through generations. This is a cuisine mindful of religious dietary laws, offering a spectrum of halal and vegetarian delights, and it’s a testament to a heritage that values freshness and flavor, with health benefits like those of heart-healthy olive oil as an added bonus.

Morning delights with the traditional Turkish breakfast

With the dawn breaking over the skyline dotted with minarets, a day in Turkey commences with a lavish breakfast spread. In a traditional Turkish breakfast, known as kahvaltı, the table groans under the weight of:

• peynir (cheeses)
• olives
• luscious tomatoes
• crisp cucumbers
• an assortment of jams and honey

All waiting to be devoured with slices of fresh bread. This is a meal that breaks away from the cereal-and-pastry routine, opting instead for a richer, more varied start to the day; one that includes the likes of olives, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and fresh fruit as breakfast staples.

Amid the morning feast, the star is menemen, a dish of scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, and onions, all sizzling in a drizzle of olive oil. This breakfast delight, paired with the ever-present Turkish tea, sets the stage for a day filled with warmth and conviviality, epitomizing the Turkish penchant for beginning the day with a hearty, sociable meal.

Meze magic with small plates and big flavors

As the day progresses, the enchantment of Turkish meze comes to life. These small plates, bursting with big flavors, are the quintessential Turkish starters, with an array as diverse as the country’s cultural mosaic. Meze platters might host:

• Spicy lentil ‘meatballs’ known as mercimek köftesi
• Smoky eggplant dips like babagannuş
• A melange of olives, fried vegetables, cheese, and skewered meats (all drenched in delectable sauces)
• Garlic yogurt dip haydari
• Refreshing havuç tarator salad

Whether served hot or cool, the meze embodies the Turkish culinary philosophy of balance and variety.

But the meze’s true enchantment lies not just in its flavors, but in the experience it creates. In the convivial atmosphere of the meyhane, friends and family gather, sharing mezes over glasses of rakı or wine. This is where the heart of Turkish social culture beats the strongest, around tables laden with dishes that invite conversation and foster community.

Iconic mains which are a feast of meats and more

As the meze plates are cleared, the Turkish meal ascends to its hearty mains, a feast where meats take center stage. Here, the rich flavors of lamb and chicken meat come to the fore, manifesting in an array of iconic dishes that have become synonymous with Turkish cuisine.

From the succulent skewers of kebabs to the comforting embrace of köfte, these are the dishes that beckon the hungry and promise satisfaction.

From grill to plate get skewered meats and koftas

Kebabs and köftes are the veritable stars of Turkish grills, beloved from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the serene coastal towns. Here are some popular Turkish grills:

• Köfte: the Turkish meatball, made from beef or lamb, onions, and a blend of spices, traditionally cooked over a wood fire to impart a smoky flavor.
• Şiş kebap: features skewered lamb, chicken, or fish, each variant marinated and grilled to perfection.
• Seekh kebab: a local favorite savored by both residents and visitors.

For those seeking a unique culinary experience, Cig kofte offers a taste of Sanliurfa’s raw ground beef mixed with bulgur and spices, a dish with a distinctive texture and flavor that is authentically Turkish. In the realm of street food, Dürüm wraps like the meat-filled Döner Dürüm and the vegetarian ciğ köfte dürüm are popular choices, often incorporating skewered meats or kofte variations, served hot and bursting with flavors.

Casseroles and stews bring comfort food Turkish-style

When the chill of evening sets in, there’s nothing quite like the Turkish casseroles and stews to provide warmth and comfort. Güveç, a slow-cooked stew, is a showcase of Turkish culinary heritage, capable of satisfying both carnivores and vegetarians alike. Its preparation is an art form, with meats and vegetables layered in a traditional clay pot, sealed with dough, and slow-cooked to meld the flavors into a mouthwatering whole.

Yet, even without the traditional clay ovens, modern adaptations have made it possible to enjoy güveç using heat diffusers on stoves or a cast-iron pot, ensuring that the beloved flavors of this dish remain accessible in contemporary kitchens. It’s a testament to the resilience of Turkish culinary traditions and their ability to adapt while preserving the essence of comfort food.

Bread and bites are the staple foods of Turkey

Bread, or ekmek, is the cornerstone of Turkish cuisine, treated with a reverence that speaks volumes about its cultural significance. In Turkey, bread is not just food; it’s a symbol of life and sustenance, often blessed with a kiss if it falls to the ground, a gesture of respect for this divine gift. It accompanies every meal, from the humblest homes to the grandest feasts, attesting to its role as an indispensable daily staple.

Among the varieties of bread that grace the Turkish table, Simit stands out—a circular bread, encrusted with sesame seeds, that traces its origins to the Ottoman Empire. Pide, often likened to pizza, is another cherished bread, served with a variety of toppings such as minced meat and cheese, and regional variations that add a unique twist to this versatile food.

Whether enjoyed on its own or with fillings like spicy sausage and egg (suuklu yumurta) or spinach and cheese (ispanakli kasar), these breads are a testament to the rich tapestry of Turkish bread-making tradition.

Vegetarian's delight with Turkish veggie dishes

Vegetarian friends fear not, for Turkish cuisine offers a cornucopia of plant-based Turkish food brimming with fresh flavors. The vegetable dishes of Turkey are a celebration of the country’s bountiful produce, with options ranging from olive oil-drenched aubergines to vibrant salads and pastries filled with greens and cheese. Delicacies like kisir, a bulgur wheat salad, and imam bayıldı, a lush stuffed aubergine dish, are not just accompaniments but stars in their own right.

Each bite of Turkish vegetarian cuisine is a discovery of new textures and flavors, as seasonal vegetables like carrots and aubergines are paired with spices such as pul biber (red pepper flakes) and herbs like flat leaf parsley. Dishes like Antalya’s piyaz salad, with its unique use of small butter beans, showcase the creativity and regional diversity that make Turkish vegetarian fare a true delight.

Sweet endings with Turkish desserts and delicacies

As we approach the end of our culinary exploration, the enticing charm of Turkish desserts calls out. Turkish confectionery is not just sweet treats but revered traditions that conclude a meal or enhance a leisurely moment. From the nutty layers of baklava to the creamy kazandibi, Turkish desserts are a celebration of the senses, with each delicacy offering a distinct taste and texture.

Whether it’s the soft chewiness of lokma, the spun sugar strands of pismaniye, the cheese-based kunefe, or the classic Turkish delight, these sweets are an invitation to linger over a cup of strong Turkish coffee and savor the richness of Turkish dessert culture.

Indulgent pastries from baklava to börek

Baklava is the jewel in the crown of Turkish pastries, a labor of love that transforms simple ingredients like filo pastry, nuts, and syrup into a sublime taste experience. In Gaziantep, a city famed for its culinary prowess, baklava is crafted with remarkable attention to detail:

• 40 layers of pastry, each brushed with melted butter
• filled with finely ground pistachios
• bathed in honey syrup
• baked to golden perfection

The choice of nuts, whether pistachios or walnuts, and the sweet embrace of honey or rosewater syrup contribute to baklava’s signature flavor profile.

Equally indulgent is börek, a pastry that can take on many forms, from rolled to layered, with savory fillings that make it a versatile choice for any meal. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a substantial part of a meal, börek epitomizes the Turkish pastry-making tradition, with its flaky layers and hearty fillings of minced meat, spinach, or cheese, offering a savory counterpoint to the sweet baklava.

Creamy and cool with Turkish ice cream and puddings

On a hot summer’s day in Turkey, nothing beats the creamy coolness of dondurma, the country’s answer to ice cream. This is no ordinary frozen treat; dondurma’s texture is enhanced by the inclusion of salep, a flour made from orchid roots, giving it a distinctive chewiness that sets it apart from its Western counterparts. Flavors like vanilla and pistachio are crowd-pleasers, but it’s the traditional rosewater that adds an exotic touch to this street-side favorite, often nestled between layers of crisp wafer halva.

For a more comforting dessert, firinda sutlac, the Turkish version of rice pudding, offers a creamy sweetness that soothes the soul. Made with milk, sugar, and spices, this pudding is typically served chilled, with a sprinkling of cinnamon adding a final flourish.

Together, dondurma and sütlaç embody the sweet, cooling essence of Turkish desserts, providing a perfect ending to any meal or a refreshing treat to savor on a leisurely afternoon.

Beverages from Turkish tea to raki

An exploration of Turkish cuisine would remain incomplete without acknowledging its beverages, which hold as much importance in the dining experience as the food itself. Turkish tea, or cay, is a daily ritual, savored throughout the day and offered as a gesture of hospitality. Whether you opt for the robust traditional brew or the fragrant apple tea, each sip is a warm embrace of Turkish culture. Then there’s the famed Turkish coffee, a thick, potent concoction that’s as much a social tradition as it is a caffeinated kick. Served in dainty cups, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a sweet pastry or a leisurely chat.

But Turkish beverages aren’t limited to teas and coffees. Ayran, a frothy yogurt drink, is the ultimate thirst quencher, pairing wonderfully with the spicy flavors of Turkish cuisine. And for those evening gatherings, Raki, a clear, aniseed-flavored spirit, takes center stage. It’s often enjoyed with mezes, seafood, and lively conversation, embodying the spirit of Turkish conviviality and feasting.

Street eats and the thrill of Turkish street food

The streets of Turkey serve as an open-air banquet, where the sizzle of grills and the fragrance of spices narrate the stories of long-standing street food traditions. Here are some examples of popular Turkish street foods:

• Simit: a portable snack with a sesame seed-studded crust
• Lahmacun: dubbed the Turkish pizza, it is a thin, crisp base topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs, rolled up and eaten fresh for a burst of flavor
• Balik ekmek: a fish sandwich that is the very taste of Istanbul’s Bosphorus shore—grilled mackerel tucked into fluffy bread, a simple yet unforgettable delight

These street foods are not only satisfying but also ubiquitous in Turkey.

Such street-side offerings reflect the ingenuity of traditional Turkish food. Some popular traditional Turkish foods include:

• Kumpir, the ultimate baked potato, is a canvas for a myriad of toppings
• Kokoreç, a dish of skewered and grilled offal, challenges the adventurous
• Şalgam suyu, a turnip juice, and turşu suyu, a pickled vegetable brine, offer refreshment with a side of reputed digestive benefits

Each bite is an authentic taste of the local fare, a culinary adventure that is both accessible and deeply satisfying.

Authentic dining when experiencing Turkish restaurants

Entering a Turkish restaurant is like stepping into a world where culinary customs and flavors intersect. The dining experience often begins with a warm soup, progresses through an array of meze platters, and culminates in a medley of main dishes that showcase the best of Turkish cuisine. To truly immerse oneself in this rich tapestry of tastes, it’s recommended to order a variety of mezes, mains, and desserts to share, allowing each diner to sample the spectrum of flavors on offer.

One such dish that commands attention is hunkar begendi, a velvety eggplant puree accompanied by tender chunks of meat, a favorite of Ottoman royalty and a historical dish that continues to reign supreme in the hearts of gourmets. It’s these dishes, steeped in history and crafted with care, that make dining in Turkish restaurants a memorable journey through the nation’s culinary heritage.

A glossary of Turkish culinary terms

Exploring the culinary landscape of Turkey is as much about understanding the language as it is about savoring the taste. Understanding a few key Turkish culinary terms can transform a menu from a list of unknowns into a map of gastronomic treasures. For instance:

• ‘et’ indicates meat dishes, with ‘sığır eti’ for beef and ‘kümes hayvanları’ for poultry.
• The term ‘balık’ signals fish.
• ‘deniz ürünleri’ encompasses all seafood delights.

In terms of meal structure, ‘ana yemek’ refers to the main course, ‘garnitür’ to side dishes, ‘öğle yemeği’ to lunch, and ‘akşam yemeği’ to dinner. Thirsty? ‘İçecek’ is the word for drinks, ranging from ‘musluk suyu’ for tap water to ‘bira’ for beer. And if you’re adhering to a meat-free diet, ‘vejetaryen’ will be an essential term in your vocabulary.

With this lexicon, you’ll be ready to dive into the exquisite world of Turkish dining with confidence.

Turkish delights

In the grand tapestry of world cuisine, Turkish food stands out with its rich flavors, complex history, and the communal spirit that infuses every meal. We’ve journeyed from the savory beginnings of a traditional Turkish breakfast to the sweet finales of indulgent desserts, uncovering the diversity and depth of this storied cuisine. Whether seated at a street vendor’s bench or a fine dining table, the essence of Turkish culinary culture is unmistakable, a feast not only for the stomach but for the soul. May the flavors we’ve explored inspire your own culinary adventures and bring the warmth of Turkish hospitality into your kitchen.

When visiting Turkey for the first time, make sure to try menemen for breakfast, various mezes like babagannuş, İskender kebab for a main course, and baklava or dondurma for dessert.

Turkish cuisine is suitable for vegetarians, offering a wide array of vegetarian dishes such as salads like kisir and stuffed veggies like İmam Bayıldı, as well as a variety of fresh produce-based mezes.

Turkish tea is unique for its strong black tea served in tulip-shaped glasses, and Turkish coffee stands out for its thick brew served with the grounds, giving it a robust and intense flavor. Enjoy!

As street food, you should definitely try simit, lahmacun, and balik ekmek, which are staple Turkish street foods that give a delicious insight into the country's food culture.

You can find alcoholic beverages, such as the traditional anise-flavored spirit raki, in many Turkish restaurants.