Turkish cuisine is one of the richest and longest-established culinary cultures in the world. From the Ottoman palace kitchen to the rural tables of Anatolia, this cuisine offers thousands of years of history and diversity. If you are planning to travel to Turkey or have started to explore Turkish cuisine, the following 10 traditional Turkish dishes are among the delicacies you should definitely try.
10 Traditional Turkish Food You Must Try on Your Trip
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1. Manti - Turkish Style Ravioli
Manti is an iconic dish especially associated with Kayseri, made with minced meat in tiny dough pockets and served with garlic yoghurt. The hot butter and chilli sauce poured on top turns this dish into a real feast of flavour. The history of manti dates back to Central Asia; it was brought to Anatolia by the Seljuk Turks.
Where is the best place to eat it?
You can experience authentic manti at restaurants that focus on traditional cuisines, such as homemade manti shops in Kayseri or Çiya Sofrası in Istanbul.
2. Iskender Kebab - Bursa's Legend
Iskender kebab, named after its inventor Iskender Efendi, is a masterpiece of doner meat served with butter, tomato sauce and yoghurt. The pieces of pita bread laid underneath absorb the sauce and fall apart in the mouth. Born in Bursa in the 19th century, this dish is one of the most elegant interpretations of meat.
Where is the best place to eat it?
Kebapçı İskender in Bursa is the original place where this dish was born and still serves it in its best form. For those who are visiting Istanbul, Bursa Kebab Restaurant (Taksim) is a must! It is a favourite among tourists around Taksim. It is particularly praised for its flavourful meats and rich buttery sauce
3. Künefe - The Perfect Harmony of Sweet and Salty
Originating from Hatay, künefe is prepared with unsalted cheese placed between wire kadayif. After baking, it is flavoured with hot syrup and served with clotted cream. This dessert is a traditional finishing touch, especially preferred after dinner.
Where is the best place to eat it?
Künefe is not only a delicious dessert, but also a cultural ritual; served hot, it means friendship and hospitality. If you want to try Künefe, you should head over to Lezzet-i Şark Antep Sofrası in Eminönü. Close to the Spice Bazaar, this restaurant serves kunafa with its core Anatolian flavour. Popular for both price/performance and taste
4. Hünkar Beğendi - From Palace to Table
Hünkar Beğendi, one of the elegant examples of Ottoman palace cuisine, is served with lamb meat stew in a béchamel sauce prepared with roasted aubergines. Its name means ‘sultan beğendi’ and has a story that has been told since the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent.
Where is the best place to eat it?
The smoky flavour of the aubergine combined with the softness of the lamb creates a unique balance. If you want to try Hünkar Beğendi, then Hünkar Restaurant is a must. It is known for its examples of classical Ottoman cuisine. Hünkar beğendi is often praised for its presentation and flavour
5. Lahmacun - Anatolia's Thin Dough Wonder
Although it is often called ‘Turkish pizza’, lahmacun has its own unique character. A mixture of minced meat, onion, tomato, pepper and spices is spread on the thin dough and baked in a stone oven. It is eaten wrapped with lemon, parsley and onion.
Where is the best place to eat it?
Şanlıurfa, Gaziantep and Mardin are the cities where lahmacun is served in its most authentic form. Places like Borsam Taşfırın in Istanbul also offer high quality.
6. Yaprak Sarma with Meat - From the Ottoman Empire to Today
Leaf sarma with meat, which is wrapped in vine leaves with rice, minced meat, onion and spices, is a centuries-old tradition in Anatolia. The olive oil version is also common, but the meaty version is preferred especially on special occasions.
Where is the best place to eat it?
Culturally, this meal is a family affair, a process that revolves around conversation and cooperation. Sarma wrapping is considered a family activity in most Turkish homes. If you are in Istanbul and want to try some Sarma, then Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy should be your next stop. Offering local Anatolian cuisine, this place is one of the rare places that prepare olive oil and meat rolls with the same quality.
7. Testi Kebab - Cappadocia's Dance with Fire
Testi kebab is made by cooking lamb, vegetables and spices in a special earthenware jug. This dish, which turns into a show for tourists in the Cappadocia region, especially in Nevşehir and Avanos, also attracts attention with its presentation: It is served by breaking the jug.
Where is the best place to eat it?
From an experiential point of view, testi kebab is not just a meal, it is a show. Kapadokya Mustağı is the best place to enjoy this show. It is usually presented with a Cappadocia theme; it is popular with tourists and locals for its ceremonial presentation during the opening of the jug.
8. Menemen - The Essential Turkish Style Breakfast
Menemen, made by cooking tomatoes, green peppers and eggs in olive oil, is an important part of Turkish breakfast culture. The question of whether it is better without onion or with onion is still a matter of debate.
Where is the best place to eat it?
The most authentic version can be experienced at village breakfasts and in village houses in the Aegean and Marmara regions. Head over to Çakmak Breakfast Hall in Beşiktaş to check out their menemen. It stands out with the use of fresh tomatoes and peppers
9. Tarhana Soup - Anatolia's Fermented Heritage
Tarhana is made by fermenting and drying yoghurt, tomato, pepper, onion and flour. This soup, which is drunk hot in winter, has both nutritious and immune-boosting properties.
Where is the best place to eat it?
Nominated for UNESCO's ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ list, this tradition is a cultural memory passed down from mother to daughter in Anatolia.
Apartiman Yenikoy is a must-visit if you wish to taste this beautiful soup. It is one of the restaurants where you can experience the fermented flavours of Anatolia in a modern presentation
10. Kuru Fasulye - Turkey's National Dish
Kuru Fasulye, called ‘Turkey's national dish’ by many people, is served with butter or meat. It is usually served with rice and pickles. Especially the artisan restaurants around Süleymaniye in Istanbul are ideal for experiencing this dish.
Where is the best place to eat it?
Although it has a simple appearance, it carries a deep nostalgia with its flavour and has a special place in the hearts of the Turkish people.
Esnaf Restaurants around Süleymaniye are the best spots to check out this traditional Turkish dish. In these esnaf restaurants, dried beans and pilaf with meat or plain beans are popular, especially at noon.
