Turkey is a country of fusion of rich and diverse cuisine. Taking inspiration from Mediterranean, Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Balkan cuisine, the food of turkey is rich and savory. With kebabs, koftas, and Turkish tea being the staple among all, Turkey still has a variety of food that will surprise your tastebuds. Take a look at the fine traditional and best turkey food that awaits you!
Here are Top 16 Turkish Foods to try
1. Döner Kebab
Döner Kebab is the most famous fast food in Turkey. This dish is prepared with lamb, chicken, beef, or turkey as the main ingredient. It is gradually roasted via a rotating vertical skewer. Then, the roasted kebab is wrapped in a pita and some veggies, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cabbage, sumac, fresh or pickled cucumber, and various types of sauces.
2. Manti
Manti is a delicious Turkish ravioli. They are typically dumplings shaped in small squares accompanied by various spices. The filling is minced meat or beef, alternatively spinach and cheese. They are usually topped with yogurt or butter infused with garlic, parsley, and chili flakes. This is said to be a Turkish version of Italian dishes.
3. Lahmacun
Lahmacun is a famous Turkish-styled pizza with a crispy, thin crust. It is topped with a rich sauce mixture consisting of flavourful minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and herbs. The idea of it being thin bread is that you can also roll it up and eat it burrito style! It is usually served with fresh lettuce, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon. You ought to try this delicious pizza when you visit Turkey.
4. Iskender Kebab
Known as the king of kebabs, iskender kebab is a famous food of northwestern Turkey. It is like a doner kebab consisting of a thin and finely cut piece of meat or lamb served over pieces of pita bread and topped with tomato sauce and melted butter. Often served with yogurt, this delicious kebab can be found nationwide, especially in Bursa.
5. Koftes
The people of Turkey take a lot of pride in their Koftes. Turkish koftes are rich and savory meatballs made from minced meat, usually lamb or beef, mixed with herbs and spices. There is a vegetarian version where the filling is made of chickpeas and vegetables.
6. Mezes
Mezes is a Turkish dish which has a bit of everything. It includes hummus, stuffed grape leaves (dolma), seafood, beans, and muhammara. This is basically an appetizer commonly served with soft drinks or Turkish wine.
7. Meneman
Meneman is the famous Turkish breakfast. The traditional Menemen recipe involves eggs, tomatoes, green bell peppers, and olive oil. It also has a seasoning of ground black pepper and may comprise chopped onion. Typically, the dish is served with a large, freshly prepared Turkish bread. So, it can be a filling breakfast or a light lunch.
8. Kumpir
Kumpir is a famous street food in Turkey. It is a giant baked potato that is stuffed with butter & grated yellow Cheese. The Kumpir has a standard filling of Cheese and butter, but one can add it up with the toppings.
9. Baklava
Baklava is a world-famous Turkish dessert made from layers of thin pastry dough, nuts (often pistachios or walnuts), and sweet syrup or honey. This dish is available in different versions like pistachio baklava, walnut baklava, royal rolls, & more.
10. Borek
Borek is another famous Turkish breakfast. It is a baked puff pastry or shortcrust dough that embraces several fillings, including Cheese, ground meat, spinach, and other veggies. This can be your go-to option for a quick Turkish breakfast.
11. Pilav
Pilav is a famous and staple food in Turkey with many regional variations. Pilav is typically Turkish buttery-flavoured rice that differs from Asian-style plain steamed rice.
12. Dolma
Dolma is a popular Mediterranean food found in Turkey. It is vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, and grape leaves, with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and spices.
13. Balık Ekmek (Grilled Fish Sandwich)
Balık Ekmek is the most famous street food in Turkey. It has grilled mackerel, onions, and fresh lettuce in 6-inch sandwich bread. It tastes delicious with a few drops of lemon juice.
14. Lokum
Lokum, or Turkish delight, is a traditional sweet made from sugar, starch, and flavorings like rosewater or citrus. It comes in various colors and flavors and is often dusted with powdered sugar or desiccated coconut. You can find a variety of lokum in the grand bazaar of Istanbul.
15. Corba
The most comforting food in Turkey that you can have is Corba- The Turkish Lentil soup. The lentil soup is made with red lentils, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and various spices. It is commonly served with a slice of lemon and garnished with some black pepper and parsley.
16. Turkish Tea & Coffee
Turkish tea and Turkish coffee are staples of Turkish culture. Turkish tea is typically served in small tulip-shaped glasses, while Turkish coffee is known for its strong and thick consistency.
These are some of the most famous foods of turkey. Exploring the diverse cuisine of Turkey is like an adventure for your tastebuds. Do try all of this when you visit Turkey!