Food & Drink You Must Try in Turkey
Planning a holiday to Turkey? Get ready to experience a culinary adventure like no other! Turkey's rich food and drink culture is influenced by Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines. This blend creates a diverse and vibrant culinary scene. From savoury street foods and hearty main dishes to exquisite desserts and unique beverages, Turkey offers a gastronomic journey that will delight your senses.
In this article, we will guide you through the must-try foods and drinks that will make your trip unforgettable.
Traditional Turkish Breakfast
In Turkey, breakfast is more than just the first meal of the day; it's a valued tradition that brings families and friends together.
Turkish breakfast, or "kahvaltı" (which means "before coffee"), is a leisurely affair, especially enjoyed on weekends. It's a time for socialising and savouring a variety of flavours and textures that highlight the richness of Turkish cuisine.
The breakfast table is typically filled with a variety of dishes catering to different tastes. Freshly baked bread, a variety of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and an assortment of jams and spreads are just the beginning.
Here are some popular breakfast dishes to try:
Menemen
Menemen is a popular and hearty breakfast dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and a variety of spices. It is typically cooked in a single pan and served hot.
Menemen can be customised with the addition of onions, feta cheese, or sucuk (Turkish sausage) for extra flavour. The combination of fresh vegetables and eggs makes it a nutritious and filling start to the day.
Ingredients
Eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional onions, feta cheese, or sucuk.
Turkish breakfast, or "kahvaltı" (which means "before coffee"), is a leisurely affair, especially enjoyed on weekends. It's a time for socialising and savouring a variety of flavours and textures that highlight the richness of Turkish cuisine.
The breakfast table is typically filled with a variety of dishes catering to different tastes. Freshly baked bread, a variety of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and an assortment of jams and spreads are just the beginning.
Sucuklu Yumurta
Sucuklu Yumurta features eggs cooked with sucuk, a spicy Turkish sausage. The eggs are typically fried alongside the sliced sucuk, allowing the savoury and spicy flavours of the sausage to infuse the eggs.
This dish is rich and flavorful, providing a hearty breakfast option that pairs well with fresh bread and vegetables.
Ingredients
Eggs, sucuk (spicy sausage), olive oil or butter, and sometimes tomatoes or green peppers for added flavour.
Cheese and Olives
A Turkish breakfast isn't complete without a selection of cheeses and olives. Turkey produces a wide variety of cheeses, ranging from mild to strong flavours. Common types include beyaz peynir (white cheese), kaşar (yellow cheese), and tulum (aged cheese).
Olives, both green and black, are often marinated in olive oil and spices. These items add a savoury and tangy element to the breakfast spread, balancing the flavours of other dishes.
Ingredients
Common types of cheese: beyaz peynir, kaşar, tulum. Olives: green olives, black olives, often marinated with herbs and olive oil.
Turkish Tea (Çay)
Turkish tea, or "çay," is an integral part of the Turkish breakfast experience. It is a strong black tea traditionally brewed in a two-tiered teapot called "çaydanlık." The top pot holds loose tea leaves, while the bottom pot contains boiling water.
Tea is poured into small tulip-shaped glasses and can be diluted with water to taste. It is usually enjoyed without milk, often accompanied by cubes of sugar.
Ingredients
Black tea leaves, water, optional sugar.
Turkish Street Foods
Turkey's vibrant street food scene is a testament to its rich culinary heritage and diverse cultural influences. Street food in Turkey is not only delicious but also an integral part of daily life, offering quick, affordable, and satisfying meals to locals and tourists alike. From bustling city markets to seaside stalls, Turkish street food vendors serve up a variety of flavours that cater to every palate.
Here are some of the must-try street foods in Turkey:
Simit
Simit is a circular bread encrusted with sesame seeds, often referred to as the Turkish bagel. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. While commonly enjoyed as part of a traditional Turkish breakfast, simit is also a popular street food. Vendors sell simit from pushcarts or street stalls throughout the day, making it a convenient and delicious snack on the go.
Ingredients
Found at street vendors, markets, and bakeries. Variations include plain, with cheese, or with a dollop of clotted cream and honey.
Doner Kebab
Doner kebab is a beloved street food made from meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) that is seasoned, stacked in the shape of an inverted cone, and slowly roasted on a vertical rotisserie. The cooked outer layer is shaved off and typically served in flatbread with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a choice of sauces.
Ingredients
Popular spots include local kebab shops and street vendors. Variations include dürüm (wrapped in flatbread) and iskender (served with yoghurt and tomato sauce).
Kumpir
Kumpir is a Turkish-style baked potato that is stuffed with a variety of toppings. The potato is baked until the skin is crispy and the inside is soft, then it is mashed and mixed with butter and cheese. Common toppings include sausage, corn, olives, pickles, and various salads.
Ingredients
Variations include a wide range of toppings to suit individual tastes.
Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)
Midye dolma is a popular street food consisting of mussels stuffed with a savoury mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, often including pine nuts and currants. The mussels are steamed and served with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Ingredients
Commonly found at street food stalls and seaside vendors, particularly in coastal cities.
Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
Balık ekmek, meaning "fish bread," is a traditional fish sandwich made with freshly grilled fish fillets, typically mackerel, served inside a loaf of Turkish bread with lettuce, onions, and a squeeze of lemon. This hearty sandwich is a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Ingredients
Typically found near waterfront areas. Variations include different types of fish and additional toppings.
Turkish street food offers an authentic and immersive culinary experience. Whether you're grabbing a quick snack or enjoying a leisurely meal, these street foods provide a delicious taste of Turkish culture.
Main Courses In Turkey
Turkish main dishes are often hearty, incorporating a variety of meats, vegetables, grains, and spices, creating meals that are both satisfying and nutritious. Whether cooked in a home kitchen or served in a traditional restaurant, these main courses are a testament to Turkey's vibrant food culture.
Here are some of the key main dishes you must try:
Kebabs
Kebabs are one of the most iconic Turkish dishes, with several regional varieties, each offering a unique taste.
Common types include:
Adana Kebab: Spicy minced meat (usually lamb) skewered and grilled, originating from the city of Adana.
Urfa Kebab: Similar to Adana but milder in flavour.
İskender Kebab: Thinly sliced döner meat served over pieces of pide bread, topped with tomato sauce and melted butter, and often accompanied by yoghurt.
Ingredients
Ingredients typically include minced or sliced meat (lamb, beef, or chicken), various spices, and accompaniments like yoghurt, tomatoes, and bread. Variations can be found across different regions of Turkey.
Lahmacun
Often referred to as "Turkish pizza," lahmacun is a thin, round piece of dough topped with a mixture of minced meat (usually lamb or beef), tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices.
It is baked until crispy and is typically served rolled up with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and sometimes a side of ayran (a yoghurt drink).
Ingredients
Ingredients include dough, minced meat, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. Common accompaniments are fresh parsley, mint, and lemon wedges.
Pide
Pide is a type of Turkish flatbread, often shaped like a boat and topped with various ingredients. It comes in numerous varieties, such as:
Kıymalı Pide: Topped with minced meat and onions. – Kaşarlı Pide: Topped with Turkish kaşar cheese.
Sucuklu Pide: Topped with sucuk (spicy Turkish sausage) and cheese.
Ingredients
Ingredients include dough, minced meat, cheese, sucuk, eggs, and various vegetables. Variations depend on regional preferences and individual recipes.
Pide is a popular dish for both lunch and dinner and can be found in most Turkish restaurants.
Manti
Manti are small Turkish dumplings typically filled with spiced minced meat. They are boiled or steamed and traditionally served with a sauce made from yoghurt, garlic, and melted butter infused with paprika or sumac.
Manti are often garnished with dried mint and red pepper flakes, offering a delicious combination of textures and flavours.
Ingredients
Ingredients include dough, minced meat (lamb or beef), yoghurt, garlic, butter, and spices like paprika, sumac, and dried mint. Variations can be found in the filling and the sauces used.
Mezes (Appetisers)
Mezes are an integral part of Turkish dining culture, serving as both appetisers and accompaniments to main courses. These small, flavourful dishes are typically shared among diners. Mezes can range from light and refreshing to rich and spicy, offering a diverse array of tastes and textures that highlight the versatility of Turkish cuisine. Often enjoyed with a glass of raki or wine, mezes are a staple in Turkish restaurants and homes alike.
Here are some of the key mezes you must try:
Haydari
Haydari is a creamy, tangy yoghurt-based meze that is flavoured with garlic, dill, and mint. It has a thick, rich consistency and is typically served chilled, making it a refreshing start to a meal.
Haydari pairs well with bread or fresh vegetables and adds a cool, soothing contrast to spicier dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredients include strained yoghurt, garlic, dill, mint, olive oil, and salt. The flavours are tangy, herbal, and slightly garlicky.
Ezme
Ezme is a spicy, finely chopped salad made from tomatoes, onions, and peppers, mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, and pomegranate molasses. It is known for its vibrant red colour and bold, zesty flavours.
Ezme is often served as a condiment or side dish, adding a burst of freshness and heat to the meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients include tomatoes, onions, green or red peppers, garlic, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and spices such as red pepper flakes and cumin. The flavours are spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Hummus
While hummus is a staple in many Middle Eastern cuisines, the Turkish version has its own unique twist. Turkish hummus is typically smoother and creamier, often flavoured with extra garlic and lemon juice.
This is usually garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, paprika, and sometimes whole chickpeas or toasted pine nuts. Hummus is enjoyed as a dip with bread or vegetables.
Ingredients
Ingredients include chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices such as cumin and paprika. The flavours are creamy, nutty, and slightly tangy.
Dolma
Dolma refers to a variety of stuffed vegetables, with grape leaves (yaprak sarma) being the most common. The stuffing usually consists of rice, pine nuts, currants, and a blend of herbs and spices.
Meat-filled versions also exist, often featuring a mix of minced lamb or beef with rice. Dolma is typically served cold or at room temperature, and it is a popular choice for both appetisers and main courses.
Ingredients
Ingredients include grape leaves or other vegetables, rice, pine nuts, currants, onions, olive oil, and spices such as dill, mint, and allspice. Meat-filled versions include minced lamb or beef. The flavours are savoury, slightly sweet, and aromatic.
Turkish Desserts
Turkish desserts are known for their intricate preparations, use of nuts and syrups, and the delicate balance of textures and flavours. They are often enjoyed at the end of meals or with a cup of Turkish coffee or tea.
Here are some of the key desserts you must try in Turkey:
Baklava
Baklava is one of the most famous Turkish desserts, known for its layers of thin, flaky pastry filled with finely chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. The top layer is typically brushed with butter, giving it a rich, golden finish.
Baklava is often flavoured with cinnamon or cardamom and garnished with ground pistachios or walnuts. It is a staple in Turkish confectionery shops and is often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations.
Ingredients
Types include pistachio baklava, walnut baklava, and chocolate baklava.
Key ingredients are filo pastry, nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts), butter, and syrup or honey.
Künefe
Künefe is a unique dessert made from shredded pastry dough called "kataifi," layered with a special cheese that melts when baked, creating a deliciously gooey centre. The pastry is soaked in sweet syrup and often topped with crushed pistachios.
Served hot, künefe offers a delightful contrast between the crispy pastry and the soft, melty cheese. It is a popular dessert in southern Turkey, particularly in the city of Hatay.
Ingredients
Key ingredients include kataifi (shredded pastry), cheese (such as Hatay cheese or mozzarella), butter, and sugar syrup.
Lokum (Turkish Delight)
Lokum, or Turkish Delight, is a gel-like confection that comes in a variety of flavours and colours. It is traditionally flavoured with rosewater, lemon, or orange, and often contains nuts such as pistachios or hazelnuts. Lokum is dusted with powdered sugar or desiccated coconut to prevent sticking.
This centuries-old treat has a storied history, dating back to the Ottoman Empire, and remains a popular souvenir for visitors to Turkey.
Ingredients
Varieties include rose, lemon, orange, pomegranate, and nut-filled lokum. Key ingredients are sugar, cornstarch, flavourings (such as rosewater), and nuts.
Dondurma
Turkish ice cream, known as dondurma, is famous for its unique texture and resistance to melting. This chewy and elastic ice cream is made with milk, sugar, salep (a flour made from the root of wild orchids), and mastic (a plant resin).
Dondurma vendors are known for their playful serving techniques, using long-handled paddles to stretch and shape the ice cream before handing it to customers. It is a popular treat during the hot summer months.
Ingredients
Key ingredients include milk, sugar, salep, and mastic.
Drinks To Try In Turkey
Turkish beverages are as diverse and rich as the country's culinary traditions, encompassing a wide range of flavours and preparations that reflect the cultural and historical influences of the region. Whether hot or cold, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, these drinks play a significant role in Turkish daily life, social gatherings, and culinary experiences.
From the strong and aromatic Turkish coffee to the refreshing and tangy ayran, each drink offers a unique taste of Turkish culture. Let’s explore some of the best must-try Turkish beverages.
Hot Beverages
Hot beverages are central to Turkish daily life and social customs. They are enjoyed throughout the day, often during gatherings and as a sign of hospitality.
Turkish Tea (Çay)
Turkish tea is a strong black tea brewed in a two-tiered teapot called "çaydanlık." The top pot holds loose tea leaves, while the bottom pot contains boiling water. Tea is poured into small tulip-shaped glasses and diluted with water to taste, usually enjoyed without milk and often accompanied by sugar cubes.
Ingredients
Turkish tea symbolises hospitality and is a staple of daily life, commonly served to guests and at social gatherings. Best experienced in traditional tea gardens, cafés, and local homes across Turkey.
Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is made by simmering finely ground coffee beans in a special pot called a "cezve" with water and optional sugar. The coffee is poured into small cups, allowing the grounds to settle at the bottom.
Ingredients
Deeply rooted in Turkish history since the Ottoman Empire, Turkish coffee is traditionally served with a glass of water and Turkish delight. It plays a role in social rituals, including fortune-telling from coffee grounds. Best enjoyed in historic coffeehouses and specialty cafés.
Salep
Salep is a hot, creamy drink made from the powdered roots of wild orchids, milk, and sugar, often garnished with cinnamon.
Ingredients
A wintertime treat, salep is known for its warming properties and historical significance as a medicinal drink. Popular vendors can be found streets and cafés during the colder months.
Cold Beverages
Cold beverages in Turkey are refreshing and often enjoyed during the hot summer months. They offer a range of flavours from tangy and salty to sweet and fruity, reflecting the diverse palate of Turkish cuisine:
Ayran
Ayran is a traditional Turkish yoghurt drink made by mixing yoghurt with water and a pinch of salt. It has a tangy, slightly salty flavour and is usually served chilled.
Ingredients
Ayran is a staple in Turkish cuisine, often paired with kebabs, pide, and other savoury dishes. It is commonly found in restaurants and local eateries across Turkey.
Şalgam Suyu
Şalgam suyu is a fermented turnip juice that is both tangy and slightly spicy. It is made from purple carrots, turnips, and bulgur, giving it a deep red colour.
Ingredients
Popular in southern Turkey, şalgam suyu is typically enjoyed with kebabs and heavy meals. It is a common sight at street vendors and local restaurants in these regions.
Limonata
Limonata is a refreshing homemade lemonade, made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and sugar. It is sometimes flavoured with mint.
Ingredients
Limonata is especially popular during the summer months and can be found in cafés, restaurants, and street vendors throughout Turkey.
Nar Suyu
Nar suyu is freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, known for its vibrant colour and tangy flavour. It is often served chilled.
Ingredients
Pomegranate juice is widely enjoyed for its health benefits and is commonly available at juice stands and markets, particularly in the autumn when pomegranates are in season.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages in Turkey include a variety of traditional and modern drinks, each with its own unique history and cultural significance. These beverages are often enjoyed in social settings and during special occasions.
Here are some popular alcoholic drinks to try in Turkey:
Raki
Raki is a clear, anise-flavoured spirit made from distilled grapes or raisins. It is often diluted with water, turning it a milky white colour, and served with meze.
Ingredients
Known as the national drink of Turkey, raki is traditionally consumed in social gatherings and celebrations. It is best experienced in meyhanes (taverns) and restaurants specialising in Turkish cuisine.
Turkish Wines
Turkey produces a variety of wines from indigenous and international grape varieties. Regions like Anatolia and Thrace are renowned for their wine production.
Ingredients
Turkish wines have a rich history dating back to ancient times. Modern wineries and wine bars in these regions offer tastings and tours, providing an excellent introduction to Turkish viticulture.
Efes Pilsen
Efes Pilsen is one of the most popular beers in Turkey, named after the ancient city of Ephesus. This pale lager is crisp and refreshing, making it a common choice in bars and restaurants.
Ingredients
As the leading beer brand in Turkey, Efes Pilsen is widely available and enjoyed across the country. It can be found in most bars, pubs, and eateries.
Boza
Boza is a traditional fermented beverage made from millet, maize, or wheat, with a thick, slightly tart flavour. It is typically enjoyed in the winter months and often sprinkled with cinnamon or roasted chickpeas.
Ingredients
Boza has historical significance, dating back to Ottoman times. It is best experienced at specialised boza shops.
Experience Turkish Food & Drink For Yourself
Turkish cuisine offers a delightful array of must-try foods and drinks, from hearty breakfasts and vibrant street foods to rich main dishes and unique beverages. Exploring these culinary treasures is a journey through Turkey's rich cultural heritage.
For an authentic experience, consider staying in one of our handpicked villas, carefully selected and often located off the main tourist trails. Whether it's a traditional mountain retreat or a modern villa just a few steps from a delightful beach, you'll be able to experience the authentic character and spirit of the region from your holiday home. Browse our villas in Turkey to start your culinary adventure and taste the flavours of Turkey firsthand.
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