Traditional Turkish cuisine, known as the heir to the cuisine of the Ottoman Empire, bears traces of Balkan and Eastern cooking. Traditional Turkish dishes are made with fresh and healthy ingredients and really give the perfect taste. Different foods stand out in the regions of Turkey. So in the southeastern part of the country, spicy, bitter meat dishes and soups are preferred. In the Aegean region, light dishes with olive oil, vegetables and seafood are preferred. In the region of Central Anatolia, the most preferred ingredients are legumes and cereals.
Types of soup
Ezogelin soup
Ezogelin soup, a unique dish of traditional Turkish cuisine, is a popular dish in Turkey. It is also an indispensable component of winter dishes due to its nutritious and healthy ingredients. Its main ingredients are red lentils, rice, bulgur, onions, garlic, butter and spices that you can add to your taste.
Lentil soup
The main ingredients of lentil soup, which are rich in nutrients, are carrots, potatoes, red or yellow lentils, onions and rice. Lentil soup is a recipe that you can easily make with ingredients in your kitchen.
Main dishes
Dried beans
Kuru fasulye, one of the signature dishes of traditional Turkish cuisine, is a cornerstone of tables in Turkey. Kuru fasulye is usually served with rice and pickles. Kuru fasulye can only be eaten by boiling the beans. If desired, you can add onions, bacon and meat to add flavor to the dish.
Kayseri Mantisi
The famous Kayseri mantısı (ravioli), an indigenous dish of Kayseri, is a dish prepared as steamed or baked minced dough. The outer layer of manti is obtained by cutting handmade dough into unique shapes, and the inner layer is minced meat with onions and spices. Kayseri mantı is served with garlic yogurt and tomato paste.
Iskender Kebab
The famous Iskender Kebab, which belongs to the city of Bursa, is one of the local dishes that foreign tourists coming to Turkey should try. The main ingredient of the Iskender kebab is the doner kebab. What differentiates these two dishes is the butter and tomato sauce that is poured over it when served, and the slices of yogurt and fat pie that are served next to it. The meat of Iskender kebabs is also different from doner kebabs. It is less fatty and is obtained from rams fed Uludag thyme.
Desserts
Baklava
Baklava, a sherbet dessert unique to Gaziantep, is one of the flavors inherited from Ottoman cuisine to traditional Turkish cuisine. Baklava, a sherbet dessert that has walnuts, pistachios, almonds or hazelnuts between thin decanters, is served with a sherbet flavor.
Turkish Delight
Delight, a delicious dessert consumed by many people around the world, is one of the important desserts of traditional Turkish cuisine. Lokum, which is enjoyed during holidays, celebrations, celebrations and special events, is also a gift that you can give to your loved ones.
Kunefe
Kunefe, a unique flavor from Hatay, is one of the few desserts that contain cheese in traditional Turkish cuisine. The main ingredients of kunefe are shredded phyllo dough, authentic kunefe cheese, butter and sherbet. Kunefe is a dessert made with authentic kinefe cheese, between two layers of shredded phyllo dough and cooked on a stove with a special tray, and then topped with sherbet to taste.
Street food:
- Stuffed shells
- Rice with chickpeas
- The bagel
- Grilled fish sandwich
- Sweet chestnut
- Halka dessert
- Cockroaches
- Boiled corn
- Sandwich with meatballs
- La Turca’s Steak Tartare
Famous drinks
Turkish Coffee
Traditional Turkish coffee is distinguished from other coffees by its unique taste, foam and presentation style.In Turkey, finely ground Turkish coffee is gently brewed in a cezve with cold water and optional sugar. Simmered slowly, it’s served hot with a frothy top, embodying a cherished cultural tradition.
Turkish Tea
Turkish tea, also known as hot water tea, is an important part of Turkish culture and customs. It is drunk at any time of the day and is considered a social rite in Turkish society. Turkish tea is usually faintly noted, but rich in flavor, with dominant floral aromas. Sharing Turkish tea is considered a sign of hospitality and companionship in Turkish culture.
