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Famous Foods of Turkey

Last Updated At: 08-Oct-2024

Food Of Turkey : 16 Must Try Turkish Dishes

Turkey is a country in Eurasia with a rich history and diverse culture that has been affected by its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Turkish people are noted for their friendliness, hospitality, and a strong sense of family and community. Turkey boasts a thriving arts and music sector that blends modern and traditional elements. The country's cultural heritage is also exhibited in its numerous historical monuments and landmarks, like Ephesus, the Hagia Sophia mosque, and the Topkapi Palace.

The food of Turkey is also well-known, combining elements of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cooking methods. Turkish food is distinguished by the use of fresh herbs and spices, and recipes frequently include grilled meats, rice, and vegetables. Popular foods include kebabs, pide, meze, baklava, and Turkish delight.

List Of Top 16 Famous Food Of Turkey

Turkish cuisine reflects the country's rich history and geographic position, and it is a must-try for food enthusiasts and travellers wishMezeing to immerse themselves in the country's bustling culinary scene.

  • Meze | A Stuffed Grape Leaves, Hummus, And Eggplant Appetiser Platter
  • Pide | A Turkish-Style Boat-Shaped Cheese And Meat Filled Pizza
  • Lahmacun | A Thin Crispy Dough Topped With Spicy Meat And Vegetables
  • Borek | A Savoury Pastry Filled With Cheese, Meat, and Vegetables
  • Adana Kebab | A Spicy Kebab Made With Ground Lamb Or Beef
  • Dolma | A Meat Stuffed Vegetable Dish
  • Manti | A Spiced Meat Or Cheese Filled Dumpling
  • Iskender Kebab | A Sliced Lamb Or Beef Dish
  • Baklava | A Phyllo Dough And Honey Mixed Sweet Pastry
  • Coban Salata | Turkish Chopped Salad
  • Doner Kebab | A Meat-Filled Sandwich
  • Sucuk | A Spicy And Flavorful Sausage Dish
  • Cig Kofte | A Spicy Bulgur And Tomato Mixed Raw Meatballs Dish
  • Turkish Coffee | A Strong, Thick Coffee Served In Small Cups
  • Turkish Tea | A cup of strong Black Tea
  • Simit | A Ring-Shaped Sesame Seeds Bread

1. Meze | A Stuffed Grape Leaves, Hummus, And Eggplant Appetiser Platter

In Turkish cuisine, meze is a collection of small dishes served as an appetiser or a meal. It can be served hot or cold and contains various foods, including vegetables, bread, fish, meat, fish, and bread. Turkish mezes are well-known and highly regarded around the world for their flavour. It is usually shared among diners and accompanied by a glass of wine or another alcoholic beverage.

2. Pide | A Turkish-Style Boat-Shaped Cheese And Meat Filled Pizza

Pide is a classic Turkish bread that resembles pizza but has a distinct flavour and texture. The loaf is oval, with a thick crust around the borders and a soft, fluffy within. It is typically topped with cheese, meat, veggies, and herbs before being cooked in a wood-fired oven. Pides can be found almost anywhere in Turkey. This dish is so nicely prepared that just looking at it will persuade you to try it.

3. Lahmacun | A Thin Crispy Dough Topped With Spicy Meat And Vegetables

Lahmacun is among the famous Turkey dishes that taste like thin-crust pizza. It is made with a circular, thin piece of dough topped with a mixture of vegetables, peppers, minced meat (beef or lamb), and various spices such as chilli pepper, cumin, and paprika. Lahmacun is a famous street food in Turkey. It can be eaten as a snack or a meal, and it is usually rolled up with salad or herbs and eaten with a squeeze of lemon.

4. Borek | A Savoury Pastry Filled With Cheese, Meat, and Vegetables

Börek is a specific kind of pastry popular across Turkey and around it. It is prepared by layering sheets of phyllo dough with a filling of veggies, meat, and cheese and baking until crispy and golden brown. Börek can be made in several shapes and is commonly served as a snack or light meal. It's also a favourite dish for holidays and special occasions. Börek is a sweet and famous pastry in bakeries and restaurants throughout Turkey and the neighbouring region.

Read More : Things To Do In Turkey 

5. Adana Kebab | A Spicy Kebab Made With Ground Lamb Or Beef

Adana kebab, a well-known preparation among Turkish dishes, derives its name from the southern Turkish city of Adana. This dish is prepared using ground lamb or beef combined with onion, garlic, and spices. The meat is then moulded onto skewers and grilled over charcoal until it is cooked and develops a charred exterior. This street food of Turkey is typically served alongside grilled vegetables and fresh herbs like parsley and mint. It pairs well with a drizzle of yoghurt or a squeeze of lemon and is commonly served with flatbread or lavash.

6. Dolma | A Meat Stuffed Vegetable Dish

Dolma is a popular Turkish cuisine usually made using grape leaves stuffed with rice, minced meat, onions, and herbs. It is a popular side dish served cold or at room temperature. The packed grape leaves are frequently accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil and a dollop of yoghurt.

7. Manti | A Spiced Meat Or Cheese Filled Dumpling

Manti is a popular dish in Turkey, commonly eaten as a main course for special events or as a hearty family supper. Manti is a type of dumpling served with a sauce consisting of garlic, yoghurt, paprika, and melted butter and is frequently garnished with dried mint or sumac. Aside from the original meat-filled variety, several versions of manti integrate various fillings or sauces, reflecting Turkey's diverse culinary traditions. It's also a popular street food of Turkey and is easily available in restaurants and cafes all around the country.

8. Iskender Kebab | A Sliced Lamb Or Beef Dish