It’s a bird, it’s an aeroplane, it’s a country. Get ready to activate all your taste buds because in Turkey you have something for every taste. Find here a loved yogurt culture, sizzling kebabs and vegetarian delights.
21 Iconic Dishes From The Turkish Cuisine You Must Try
1. Manti
This is a Turkish version of meat-stuffed Ravioli. Tossed in garlic and tomato sauce and served in yogurt, Manti is sure to give you the chills.
2. Lahmacun
Flatbread covered in minced meat aka Lahmacun is a famous street food specialty of Turkey. The crust could be made according to you suitability just like a Pizza! Accompanied by salads and lemon juice it is a must-have.
3. Yaprak Sarma
Rice and minced meat wrapped in vine or cabbage leaves. There is a vegetarian option with onions. This dish is an influence of the Ottoman Empire and is a regular at the Turkish table.
4. Dolma
It is either made of dried eggplants, peppers, tomatoes or zucchinis. They are stuffed with rice and boiled in water and butter. This is one veg delight for your mouth.
5. Köfte
Kofte is similar to meatballs. Usually made of beef or lamb, there are also vegetarian options available. It is a regular in every menu, making it very easily accessible.
6. Pide
Pide is another flatbread dish. Similar in concept to the Lahmacun, it comes with an array of toppings.
7. Cacik
Turkish people love yogurt and Cacik is just that. It consists of cucumbers and herbs. A famous Turkish dip you must try.
8. Meze
This dish is sure to entice you. Meze is a well-known dish in Turkey or rather a platter of dishes consisting of yummy local cuisine.
9. Döner
Döner is a Turkish sandwich filled with meat, fresh vegetables, spices and, you guessed it- yogurt! Usually available for takeaways, it is street food you must try.
10. Menemen
Menemen is a scrambled egg dish sautéed in vegetables. It is a quick, traditional breakfast served with bread and a lot of warmth.
11. Corba
Corba is a lentil or tomato soup. This is sure to make you feel warm and will give you at-home vibes.
12. Kuzu Tandir
This dish is sure to give the trills. Well-cooked lamb with a few drops of lemon is what makes the most popular dish of Turkey.
13. Kumpir
The name originates from the Croatian word “krumpir” meaning potato. Kumpir is huge sweet potatoes baked in the oven, making them crisp from the outside and softer inside. It comes in an array of toppings like cheese, sausage, pickles, and Russian salad. A tasty fast food for a quick bite.
14. Şiş Kebab
Sis Kebab is delicious and chewy pieces of lamb, chicken or fish served on a metal or wooden stick. Eat it with bread and don’t forget to try it with yogurt.
15. İskender Kebab
Iskender Kebab is named after the Ottoman emperor Alexander the Great. It is long strips of lamb tossed in tomato sauce and served with yogurt. It is amongst the popular foods in Turkey, best to have along with pita bread.
16. Pilav
Rice cooked in butter is added with eggplants, chickpeas, meat or liver slices with thyme, pepper, cinnamon cumin and almonds. It sure is a flavorful delight.
17. İmam Bayıldı
Imam is generally accompanied by warm Pilav. It is tomato, onion, and garlic mixture stuffed inside aubergine and baked into the beautiful dish.
18. Borek
Borek is cheesy pastries filled in with meat or vegetables. It is sprinkled on with nigella seeds or sesame seeds on top and is generally rolled up and served as puffs.
19. Durum
Durum is a Turkish wrap made of slow-cooked chicken, lamb, or beef. The outer lining of the wrap is thinner than other Turkish bread. Topped up with vegetables, it makes a healthy fast food option.
20. Balik Ekmek
Balik Ekmek is a Turkish fish sandwich. Another iconic fast food to add to your list, especially to be enjoyed by the coastal region.
21. Salep
Salep is a warm, cozy feeling in a cup. Made from orchids and topped with cinnamon, Salep is sure to keep you at your best spirits.
