Welcome to Suntrap Turkey‘s blog! If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, we have something delicious for you to read. Turkey’s cuisine is a delightful journey for your taste buds, rich in flavors and diverse in offerings. It’s impossible to capture the essence of Turkish food in a single meal, but here are our top 10 picks to give you a taste of what Turkey has to offer.
1. Kebabs
Location: Nationwide
Let’s start with the obvious. No trip to Turkey is complete without indulging in a sumptuous kebab. Whether you try the Adana, Urfa, or İskender versions, you’re in for a treat.
2. Simit
Location: Street vendors, especially in Istanbul
A circular bread encrusted with sesame seeds, Simit is Turkey’s answer to the bagel. It’s a staple street food and makes for a quick, satisfying snack.
3. Meze Platter
Location: Taverns (Meyhanes) and Restaurants
This is the Turkish version of tapas. A meze platter typically includes an assortment of small dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves.
4. Menemen
Location: Breakfast cafes
Menemen is a delicious scrambled egg dish cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of spices. It’s often served in a sizzling cast-iron pan and eaten straight from it.
5. Baklava
Location: Sweet shops and Cafes
This scrumptious dessert is made of layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
6. Gözleme
Location: Food stalls and Markets
A type of flatbread that’s filled with anything from cheese and spinach to ground meat, Gözleme is a popular street food and can be found all over the country.
7. Pide
Location: Pide restaurants (Pidecis)
Often described as Turkish pizza, Pide comes with various toppings, such as cheese, vegetables, and different types of meat. The boat-shaped dough makes it uniquely Turkish.
8. Lahmacun
Location: Lahmacun spots and Pide restaurants
A thin-crust pizza topped with minced meat, vegetables, and spices, Lahmacun is often rolled up with greens and consumed as a wrap.
9. Çorba (Soups)
Location: Almost all restaurants
Turks are serious about their soups. You’ll find varieties like Mercimek Çorbası (lentil soup) and Tarhana Çorbası (fermented grain and yogurt soup) on most menus.
10. Raki with Seafood
Location: Coastal towns and Istanbul
Raki is Turkey’s signature anise-flavored spirit. It’s traditionally consumed with a spread of seafood meze, making for a memorable meal.
Turkey’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its geography, offering something for everyone. So, whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Istanbul or taking in the scenic beauty of Cappadocia, make sure to dive into the Turkish cuisine.
We hope this guide gives you a great start on your gastronomic adventure in Turkey. For a more immersive experience, why not join one of our guided tours? Contact us at Suntrap Turkey for more details!
Bon Appétit or as the Turks say, Afiyet Olsun!