What to Eat in Izmir: 15 Must-Try Dishes You Shouldn’t Leave Without Tasting

Bringing together the most special tastes of Aegean cuisine, Izmir is an unforgettable city not only for its sea and history, but also for its flavours. From kumru to boyoz, lokma to olive oil dishes, the answer to the question of 'what to eat in this city?' is quite rich. If you are ever in Izmir, this guide will help you discover 15 of the locals' favourite dishes and feel the gastronomic spirit of the city to the fullest.

Read on to learn about Izmir's most famous dishes and the best places to enjoy them!

null Görseli — Other than its air and sea, Izmir's cuisine is a good reason for admiration. Eating in this city turns into a moment of pleasure rather than an ordinary necessity. Because the people of Izmir really know how to do justice to their cuisine. Taking the classic flavours of Turkish cuisine to a completely different dimension with its own interpretation, Izmir turns every meal into a feast. So much so that those who taste these flavours of Izmir may even consider settling in the city just to be closer to these flavours. Now, let's take a look at those unique flavours that will live in your mind forever...

1. Kumru Kumru Görseli — This sandwich, which is famous all over Turkey, offers a filling and delicious alternative with its Izmir tulum (also known as shepherd's cheese), sausage and salami. The best version is, of course, on the streets of Izmir!

2. Boyoz

One of the symbols of Izmir. You can have a real Izmir breakfast by complementing boyoz with boiled eggs and a strong cup of tea.

3. Şambali

This traditional dessert, which can be found in almost every street of Izmir, is prepared with the perfect harmony of cake dough, syrup, clotted cream and almonds. It may even tempt you when you leave Izmir!

4. Söğüş

Prepared from lamb's head, this unique flavour is enriched with spices and served on a plate or as a sandwich. One of the most prominent examples of Izmir's bold palate.

5. Gevrek

Not simit, but gevrek! Baked a little longer in the oven and making a difference with its crunchiness, gevrek is one of the most popular street delicacies of Izmir, whether for breakfast or as a snack.

6. Sura

Prepared by stuffing lamb ribs with rice and baked with traditional methods, this dish is an indispensable part of special occasion tables.

7. Gopez with Yoghurt

Contrary to those who say “You can't eat yoghurt with fish”, Gopez fish served with yoghurt offers a feast of flavour with red pepper butter poured over it.

8. Pastiç

Prepared with raisins, cinnamon, and cocoa, this sweet bun is one of the most nostalgic flavours of Izmir bakeries. If you are looking for something light and aromatic, give it a chance.

We recommend you try this flavour, which includes Izmir tulum, also known as shepherd's cheese, before leaving Izmir.

9. Bomba

Famous for the abundant chocolate overflowing from its thin dough, bomba is one of the most popular names in Izmir's dessert world. An intense chocolate experience in one bite.

10. Samsades

With curd cheese inside and crispy outside, this sherbet dessert is one of the hidden treasures of the Aegean. It contains sugar, cinnamon, and plenty of calories.

11. Zucchini Sinkonta

The perfect combination of baked zucchini, onion, and olive oil makes this dish one of the hidden stars of Izmir cuisine for olive oil lovers.

12. Elbasan Tavası

This local recipe, prepared by sprinkling Izmir tulum over the meat that is baked again with yoghurt sauce, is both filling and delicious.

13. Lokma

A must for every visit to Izmir... This fried dessert with sherbet is a traditional treat for both weddings and memorial ceremonies. You can find it on every corner.

14. İzmir Köfte

Meatballs fried in oil and baked in the oven with a special sauce, combined with tomatoes and peppers, this flavour is both a main dish and a reason for nostalgia.

15. Zülbiye

Zülbiye dessert is prepared by frying the dough that is puffed up at night and then dipped in a herbal dye called ‘havacıva’ to make it red. If you are in Izmir during Ramadan, we recommend trying this flavour before it runs out.

It is also known as Bergama or Ramadan halva because it is usually sold in the Bergama district of Izmir during Ramadan.