Turkish Food Guide: The Best Things to Eat and Drink in Turkey - Where to Eat in Turkey

Embark on a culinary journey through Turkey, where every dish tells a story of tradition, flavor, and cultural richness. When planning your Turkey tours, exploring the vibrant tapestry of Turkish food is essential. From savoring the renowned doner kebab and delicate borek to immersing yourself in the bustling streets of Istanbul, there's no better way to experience the heart and soul of this diverse nation than through its delectable cuisine. Join us as we uncover the delights awaiting those who eat in Turkey.

Traditional Turkish Cuisine

Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Turkey with these iconic dishes that showcase the country's diverse flavors and traditions. See a few of the dishes below:

Iskender Kebab

Iskender kebab consists of thinly sliced pieces of grilled lamb or beef, served over pieces of Turkish bread and generously topped with savory tomato sauce and melted butter. It's typically accompanied by a side of yogurt and a fresh salad.

Where to try it: Look for authentic kebab restaurants or lokantas, particularly in Bursa where Iskender kebab originated. It's also popular in Istanbul and other major cities across Turkey.

Karniyarik

Karniyarik translates to "split belly" in Turkish, referring to eggplant halves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The dish is then baked until the eggplant is tender and the filling is cooked through.

Where to try it: Enjoy Karniyarik at traditional Turkish restaurants or meyhanes, commonly found in Istanbul, Izmir, and along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

Hünkar Beğendi

Hünkar Beğendi, meaning "Sultan's Delight," is a decadent Ottoman dish featuring tender pieces of slow-cooked lamb or beef served over a creamy eggplant puree. The velvety eggplant is traditionally flavored with butter and grated cheese.

Where to try it: Indulge in Hünkar Beğendi at upscale restaurants specializing in Ottoman cuisine, especially in Istanbul and other historical cities like Edirne and Bursa.

Turkish Breakfast

Start your day the Turkish way with a delightful spread of flavors and textures, featuring a variety of dishes that highlight the freshness and abundance of local ingredients. See a few of the dishes below.

Simit

Simit is a circular bread encrusted with sesame seeds, offering a crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. It's a popular choice for breakfast and is often enjoyed plain or with toppings like cheese, jam, or Nutella.

Where to try it: Simit can be found at bakeries (fırın) and street vendors throughout Turkey, particularly in bustling areas like Istanbul's Taksim Square or Kadıköy district.

Menemen

Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish made from eggs scrambled with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices such as red pepper flakes. It's a hearty and flavorful option often served with crusty bread.

Where to try it: Look for local cafes or breakfast spots serving authentic Turkish cuisine, especially in cities like Izmir, Antalya, and Ankara.

Peynirli Börek

Peynirli börek consists of thin layers of pastry dough filled with a savory mixture of white cheese (usually feta or Turkish beyaz peynir), parsley, and sometimes spinach. The layers are rolled and baked until golden brown and crispy.

Where to try it: Enjoy peynirli börek at traditional bakeries or börek shops (börekçi), commonly found in neighborhoods across Turkey, particularly in cities like Istanbul and Bursa.

Turkish Appetizers

Whet your appetite with an array of mouthwatering Turkish appetizers, known as meze, offering a tantalizing preview of the flavors to come. See a few of the dishes below.

Sigara Böreği

Sigara böreği, meaning "cigar pastry" in Turkish, is a popular appetizer consisting of thin pastry dough rolled around a filling of salty white cheese, parsley, and sometimes minced meat. The rolls are deep-fried until crisp and golden.

Where to try it: Look for meze restaurants or börek shops in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul, where sigara böreği is a common item on the menu.

Patlıcan Ezmesi

Patlıcan ezmesi is a flavorful eggplant dip made by roasting eggplants until tender, then mashing them with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley. It's served as a cold appetizer with bread or crackers.

Where to try it: Enjoy patlıcan ezmesi at traditional meze restaurants or lokantas throughout Turkey, especially in Aegean and Mediterranean coastal regions.

Cacık

Cacık is a refreshing yogurt-based dip similar to tzatziki, made with strained yogurt, diced cucumber, garlic, mint, and a drizzle of olive oil. It's often served as a cold appetizer or side dish.

Where to try it: Cacık is a common item on the menu at most Turkish restaurants and meyhanes, particularly during the summer months when it's a popular choice for cooling down.

Turkish Desserts

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a selection of decadent Turkish desserts, each offering a symphony of flavors and aromas that culminate in a delightful culinary experience. See a few of the dishes below.

Baklava

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made from layers of thin phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts, usually pistachios, walnuts, or almonds, and sweetened with honey or syrup. It's famous for its crispy layers and sticky, syrupy texture.

Where to try it: Baklava is widely available at pastry shops and dessert shops (pastane) across Turkey, with regional variations in fillings and syrup.

Künefe

Künefe is a traditional Turkish dessert made with shredded phyllo dough (kadayıf) layered with unsalted cheese, typically mozzarella or kashkaval, then baked until golden and crispy. It's soaked in sweet syrup and often garnished with crushed pistachios.

Where to try it: Look for specialty dessert shops or künefe vendors in cities like Antakya, Hatay, and Gaziantep, where künefe is a beloved specialty.

Sütlaç

Sütlaç is a creamy rice pudding made by simmering rice in milk until thick and creamy, sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla. It's typically served cold and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts.

Where to try it: Sütlaç is a common dessert found in most Turkish restaurants and lokantas, particularly in Istanbul and other major cities, often served in individual clay pots.

Turkish Street Food

Immerse yourself in the vibrant street food culture of Turkey, where bustling bazaars and lively streets offer a tantalizing array of quick and flavorful bites to enjoy on the go. See a few of the dishes below.

Kumpir

Kumpir is a popular Turkish street food consisting of a baked potato that's mashed and mixed with butter and cheese, then topped with an array of toppings like olives, corn, pickles, and sauces like ketchup and mayonnaise.

Where to try it: Kumpir stalls can be found in popular tourist areas and bustling street markets across Turkey, particularly in Istanbul's Ortaköy neighborhood and along the shores of the Bosphorus.

Midye Dolma

Midye dolma are stuffed mussels filled with a spiced mixture of rice, pine nuts, currants, and aromatic herbs, then steamed until tender. They're typically served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of spicy red pepper flakes.

Where to try it: Look for midye dolma vendors along the coastal areas and waterfronts of Turkey, especially in Istanbul's Eminönü and Kadıköy districts.

Simit

Simit is a traditional Turkish street food consisting of a circular bread encrusted with sesame seeds, offering a crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. It's often sold by street vendors who carry trays of simit on their heads or bicycles.

Where to try it: Simit can be found at bakeries (fırın) and street vendors throughout Turkey, particularly in bustling areas like Istanbul's Taksim Square or Kadıköy district.

Turkish Pastries

Delight in the exquisite craftsmanship of Turkish pastry chefs as you savor these delectable treats, each boasting a perfect balance of flaky layers and indulgent fillings. See a few of the dishes below.

Börek

Börek consists of thin layers of pastry dough filled with various ingredients such as spinach, potatoes, cheese, or minced meat. The layers are typically brushed with butter or oil, then baked until golden and crispy, resulting in a delicious savory pastry enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal.

Where to try it: Börek is a popular street food and bakery item, available in most cities and towns across Turkey, especially in Istanbul and Bursa.

Poğaça

Poğaça are soft, pillowy Turkish bread rolls often stuffed with fillings like cheese, olives, potatoes, or minced meat. They're typically served as a snack or alongside breakfast and are beloved for their savory flavors and tender texture.

Where to try it: Poğaça can be found at bakeries (fırın) and pastry shops throughout Turkey, with variations in fillings and shapes depending on the region.

Lokma

Lokma, meaning "bite" in Turkish, are small, deep-fried balls of dough soaked in syrup or honey, often flavored with cinnamon or lemon zest. They're crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and are a popular sweet treat enjoyed on special occasions.

Where to try it: Look for lokma vendors at street fairs, festivals, and special events across Turkey, where they're often made fresh and served piping hot.

Turkish Meat Dishes

Experience the savory delights of Turkish cuisine with these hearty meat dishes, showcasing the skillful use of spices and grilling techniques that define the country's culinary traditions. See a few of the dishes below.

Adana Kebab

Adana kebab is a spicy minced meat kebab named after the city of Adana in southern Turkey. The meat is seasoned with red pepper flakes and other spices, then skewered and grilled over charcoal to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic dish.

Where to try it: Adana kebab is widely available at kebab restaurants and grill houses throughout Turkey, with some of the best versions found in Adana itself and neighboring Gaziantep.

Kuzu Tandır

Kuzu tandır is a tender, slow-roasted lamb dish that's marinated with garlic, yogurt, and spices, then roasted until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender and falling off the bone. It's often served with rice, bulgur pilaf, or bread.

Where to try it: Look for traditional Turkish restaurants or lokantas offering kuzu tandır, particularly in Anatolian regions like Konya, Kayseri, and Erzurum.

Çöp Şiş

Çöp şiş, meaning "small skewers" in Turkish, consists of bite-sized pieces of marinated meat (usually lamb or beef) skewered and grilled to perfection over charcoal. The meat is typically tender and flavorful, with a slightly smoky char from the grill.

Where to try it: Look for çöp şiş eateries or kebab restaurants across Turkey, particularly in cities like Istanbul, where it's a popular street food item.

Turkish Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes

Explore the diverse and flavorful world of Turkish vegetarian and vegan cuisine, where fresh vegetables, legumes, and grains take center stage in a variety of creative and satisfying dishes. See a few of the dishes below.

Mercimek Köftesi

Mercimek köftesi are savory bulgur and red lentil patties mixed with onions, garlic, parsley, and a blend of spices. They are shaped into small balls or patties and served either as an appetizer or a main dish, often accompanied by lettuce leaves, lemon wedges, and pomegranate molasses.

Where to try it: Available at most Turkish restaurants and meyhanes, with vegan options commonly found in Istanbul and Izmir.

Imam Bayildi

Imam bayildi is a classic Turkish dish featuring tender eggplant halves stuffed with a savory mixture of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, then slowly simmered in olive oil until meltingly soft. The dish is typically served at room temperature or cold, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Where to try it: Look for traditional Turkish restaurants offering vegetarian options, particularly in Aegean and Mediterranean regions.

Dolma

Dolma refers to stuffed vegetables, commonly grape leaves or various vegetables like bell peppers, zucchinis, or tomatoes, filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, pine nuts, currants, and aromatic herbs. They are then cooked until tender and served cold as an appetizer or part of a larger meal.

Where to try it: Dolma is a staple in Turkish cuisine, available in most restaurants and meze eateries across the country, often accompanied by yogurt or a squeeze of lemon.

Turkish Fish Dishes

Explore the bounty of the seas with these tantalizing Turkish fish dishes, where fresh catch is expertly prepared to highlight the natural flavors of the sea. See a few of the dishes below.

Balık Ekmek

Balık ekmek, or "fish bread," is a beloved Turkish street food featuring grilled fish, typically mackerel or sea bass, served in a crusty bread roll with fresh salad and a squeeze of lemon. The fish is seasoned simply with salt and pepper, allowing its natural flavors to shine.

Where to try it: Coastal regions and waterfronts are abundant with vendors selling Balık Ekmek, notably in Istanbul along the Bosphorus or in coastal towns like Bodrum.

Lüfer Dolması

Lüfer dolması is a traditional Turkish dish consisting of grilled or fried bonito fish stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, pine nuts, currants, onions, and herbs. The stuffed fish is then cooked until tender and served hot, often accompanied by a side of yogurt sauce.

Where to try it: Look for seafood restaurants or meyhanes along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey, where lüfer dolması is a popular specialty.

Hamsi Pilav

Hamsi pilav is a Black Sea delicacy featuring anchovy fish (hamsi) cooked with rice, onions, and spices. The tiny fish are typically battered and fried until crispy, then served over a bed of fluffy rice pilaf, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish.

Where to try it: Visit restaurants and lokantas along the Black Sea coast, particularly in cities like Trabzon and Samsun, where hamsi pilav is a seasonal favorite.

Turkish Drinks

Quench your thirst with these refreshing Turkish beverages, each offering a unique taste of Turkish culture and hospitality. See a few of the drinks below.

Turkish Tea (Çay)

Turkish tea, or çay, is a ubiquitous beverage in Turkish culture, enjoyed throughout the day. It is brewed using a double teapot method, where strong black tea is brewed in the larger pot and hot water in the smaller one. The tea is then diluted to the desired strength and served in small tulip-shaped glasses, often accompanied by sugar cubes.

Where to try it: Tea houses (çay evi) and cafes are common places to enjoy çay in Turkey, where it's served hot and offers a perfect opportunity to socialize or relax.

Ayran

Ayran is a refreshing yogurt-based drink made by diluting yogurt with water and adding a pinch of salt. It has a tangy flavor and a creamy texture, making it a popular choice to accompany meals, especially during hot summer days. Ayran is often served in tall glasses or clay cups.

Where to try it: Ayran is available in most restaurants and cafes throughout Turkey, particularly alongside grilled meats or kebabs.

Rakı

Rakı, also known as "lion's milk," is a traditional Turkish alcoholic beverage with a distinct anise flavor. It's typically served as an aperitif before meals or enjoyed leisurely with meze dishes. Rakı turns milky white when mixed with water, hence its nickname.

Where to try it: Rakı is commonly found in Turkish taverns (meyhane) and upscale restaurants, especially in cities like Istanbul and Izmir known for their vibrant nightlife.