Authentic Turkish Foods You Should Eat in Turkey
Merhaba! If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable adventure. Turkish cuisine is rich in flavors, influenced by centuries of history and diverse regional ingredients, and it has become fast become our favorite cuisine. While we waddled the streets of Istanbul, we tried to really indulge ourselves in the rich tastes. From hearty kebabs to delicate pastries and refreshing drinks, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Let’s dive into some must-try foods that will make your culinary journey through Turkey unforgettable.
What to Eat When In Turkey
Kebabs Galore
Turkey is synonymous with kebabs, and for good reason! Don’t leave without trying the iconic Adana Kebabı, a spicy minced lamb kebab grilled on a wide skewer, or the milder Urfa Kebabı. For a delightful twist, savor the İskender Kebabı, slices of döner kebab served over pita bread with yogurt, tomato sauce, and melted butter. Whichever you choose, it will be a guaranteed heaven for your taste buds.
Köfte (Meatballs)
These flavorful meatballs come in countless regional variations. İzmir Köfte features meatballs simmered in a tomato and potato stew. In contrast, Çiğ Köfte (raw meatballs, traditionally made with raw meat but often found in vegetarian versions today) is a spicy and unique delicacy. We tried them near Hagia Sophia and fell in love.
Mantı (Turkish Dumplings)
These tiny, handmade dumplings filled with spiced minced meat are a labor of love and comfort food. They are typically served with garlic yogurt sauce and, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and dried mint.
Gözleme (Savory Pancakes)
This popular street food is made from thin dough filled with various ingredients like cheese, spinach, minced meat, or potatoes and then cooked on a griddle. It’s a perfect, quick, and delicious bite.
Pide (Turkish Pizza)
This boat-shaped flatbread is topped with various savory ingredients such as cheese, minced meat, sucuk (Turkish sausage), and vegetables. It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Meze (Appetizers)
A Turkish meal often begins with an array of meze, small dishes perfect for sharing. Expect to find classics like Humus, Patlıcan Salatası (eggplant salad), Haydari (garlic yogurt dip), and stuffed grape leaves (Yaprak Sarma).
Simit
Simit, often called the “Turkish bagel,” is a beloved and ubiquitous street food in Turkey. This circular bread, typically encrusted with sesame seeds, boasts a delightful combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. Before baking, simit is often briefly dipped in pekmez, a grape molasses, which imparts a subtle sweetness and helps the sesame seeds adhere beautifully.
Islak burger
Islak burger, translating to “wet burger” in Turkish, is a beloved street food specialty of Istanbul, particularly renowned in the Taksim Square area. This distinctive snack features a small beef patty nestled within a soft bun, both enveloped in a flavorful, garlicky tomato-based sauce. Once assembled, the burgers are placed in a steam cabinet, allowing the buns to absorb the sauce and achieve their characteristic moist texture.
Now, let’s look at the desserts, our favorite.
Baklava
This globally recognized dessert is a must-try in its homeland. Layers of thin filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey; baklava is rich, flaky, and utterly irresistible. Regional variations abound, so be sure to sample a few.
Lokum (Turkish Delight)
These chewy, sweet confections come in various flavors, often infused with rosewater, lemon, or mint and studded with nuts. They make a delightful treat or souvenir. Honestly, though, we do not really like it.
Sütlaç (Rice Pudding)
This creamy baked rice pudding, often with a slightly caramelized top, is a comforting and classic Turkish dessert.
Kazandibi (Burnt Milk Pudding)
Similar to sütlaç but with a caramelized bottom, giving it a unique smoky flavor.
Künefe
This dessert features cheese baked between shredded phyllo dough and soaked in sweet syrup. Served hot, the contrast between the crispy pastry, the gooey cheese, and the sweet syrup is heavenly.
Tulumba
Tulumba is a popular deep-fried dessert found in Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Balkan cuisines. It consists of small, ridged dough pieces, similar to churros, that are fried until golden and then soaked in a sweet syrup.
Macun
Macun is a traditional Turkish confectionery rooted in the Ottoman era, known as “mesir macunu“ and used for medicinal properties. This sweet, taffy-like paste is crafted from various herbs and spices, including cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, giving it a distinctive flavor profile. Today, street vendors artfully prepare personalized lollipops by skillfully twirling different flavors of macun around sticks, creating vibrant, multicolored treats. These vendors are commonly found at festivals and during the holy month of Ramadan, offering a taste of this age-old tradition. If you encounter a macun seller, don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unique and historic sweet.
Traditional Turkish Drinks
From the beverages, there is Turkish tea and coffee, which is a must, and we fell in love with the coffee. We usually drink coffee with milk, but with Turkish coffee, you just sip it as it is, and it is delicious.
Türk Kahvesi (Turkish Coffee)
This strong, unfiltered coffee is an integral part of Turkish culture. Served in small cups, it’s meant to be sipped slowly and enjoyed after a meal. Don’t drink the ground at the bottom!
Çay (Turkish Tea)
Black tea is the most widely consumed beverage in Turkey. It’s typically served in small, tulip-shaped glasses and offered throughout the day. You can get Turkish tea in every establishment with food, and it is free of charge. Just ask for a cup after eating.
Ayran
This refreshing and slightly salty yogurt drink is a popular accompaniment to savory dishes, especially during the hot summer months.
Salgam Suyu (Turnip Juice)
A unique and slightly spicy fermented turnip juice, particularly popular in the southern regions. It has a distinct flavor that you’ll either love or find interesting!
Nar Suyu (Pomegranate Juice)
Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice is widely available and offers a sweet and savory flavor.
Raki
Raki is Turkey’s national drink. Made with twice-distilled grapes and flavoured with aniseed, the taste can be compared to Greek ouzo or sambuca. The traditional way of drinking it is in a special glass filled just under halfway with raki, and the rest with water and ice.
Exploring the culinary landscape of Turkey is a vital part of any visit. Be adventurous, try new things, and allow your taste buds to guide you through this delicious country! Afiyet Olsun (Bon appétit)! Let me know what your favorite dish was on Instagram.
Pack your bag and waddle on!
