If you are interested in a culinary tour this is the article you are looking for! Now is the time to learn about the most famous Turkish dishes, world-wide just like a tourist!
When it comes to gastronomical tours, Türkiye presents endless options. Popular touristic destinations full of visual feasts of natural beauty and traces of rich history also promise unforgettable experiences with their unique dishes. As you can see, you will need to plan extremely carefully to find all the famous Turkish dishes and complete all the stops on this tasting tour. Fortunately for you, we have thought long and hard and prepared our recommendations for your delicious discoveries. If you are ready for a journey full of adventure and flavour, let’s start by answering the question “What should be eaten in Türkiye?”
1. Kebap (Kebab)
We think it would be appropriate to start our suggestions with the most famous popular Turkish food by far. However, it is not possible to get to know this flavour sufficiently in just one place. Let us tell you:
1.1. Where to eat kebab?
When it comes to the famous dishes of Türkiye, the first dish that comes to mind for almost everyone is, of course, the kebab (kebap). So much so that this special dish has even caused years long conflicts between cities. Every foodie should try the Adana kebab and turnip duo at least once while in Adana. The kebabs here are full of carefully chopped quality meat with plenty of hot pepper and seasonings. The Urfa kebab, which is less spicy compared to Adana kebab, appeals to both the eyes and the palate with its presentation highlighting parsley and green peppers.
2. Baklava
We continue our suggestions with one of the most famous answers to the question of why traditional Turkish food is special with none other than baklava! Whether its taste is slowly savoured or, whether you swallow it whole there is no bad way to enjoy baklava!
2.1. Where to eat baklava?
It is possible to find many different varieties of baklava with different ingredients, different shapes, and special recipes throughout Türkiye! The Gaziantep pistachio version of this special dessert is a registered local dish with the European Commission. Those who say that baklava should be eaten in Gaziantep are very right in our opinion! But let us warn you, Antep’s baklavas are so light and crispy that it’s hard to stop yourself. But believe me, it is worth every sweet bite you take!
3. Yaprak Sarması (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Are you ready to taste the yaprak sarması (stuffed grape leaves), in the best locations? Yaprak sarması have a special place in Anatolian dishes and Turkish cuisine. Although the stuffed grape leaves are delicious in all corners of the country, wherever you find fresh pressed olive oil and wine vineyards will lead you to the best yaprak sarması.
3.1. Where to eat stuffed grape leaves?
Aegean provinces are famous for their olive oil dishes and so also come to the fore with the most delicious variations of stuffed grape leaf dishes. Tokat, which is famous for the special flavour of its grape leaves, is among the cities that are impressively successful in this regard. If you are visiting Tokat, don’t forget to try their special walnut sausage, called köme, as well!
4. Pide
When discovering the most famous Turkish foods, it would be impossible not to mention the pide that appeals to all the senses with its taste, appetizing smell and unique appearance, right?
4.1. Where to eat pide?
Start planning your Black Sea trip now! If you are ready to taste the most delicious version of pide, you should try the round Trabzon pide baked with famous Trabzon cheese and the calzone-like closed and crispy pide made in Bafra, Samsun. In addition, the Artvin pide with its delicious roasted meat and cheese-served at every meal from breakfast to dinner-is also famous in the Black Sea.
5. Döner
Over many years, Germany and Greece have been claiming ownership, but we should be proud of how widely this dish has travelled.
5.1. Where to eat döner?
Because of döner restaurants opened abroad, even foreigners know that the homeland of döner kebab is Türkiye, but where is it from in Türkiye? Bursa, famous for its Döner and İskender kebabs, is among the places that every taste explorer should visit. When döner kebab, served alone or on crispy bread, meets the special sauce and butter, its flavours are taken to the next level.
6. Lahmacun
Those who are determined to meet Türkiye’s most famous dish are faced with multiple options to entice the palate. Lahmacun has found its place on this list. There can never be bad Lahmacun, but there is only one place to experience the peak of its flavours!
6.1. Where to eat lahmacun?
Let’s take those who want to discover the place where Lahmacun was created and try it in its most original form, should head towards Şanlıurfa. You can be sure that Urfa lahmacun, where the perfect ratio of meat, onion and most importantly pepper is used, will not leave your memory for a long time. Of course, it is the smoky odour of the wood-burning stone oven permeating the dough that truly constitutes its famous flavour.
7. Mantı (Turkish Dumplings)
It is impossible to skip mantı on this list of the most popular and well-known Turkish dishes. Don’t you agree?
7.1. Where to eat mantı?
To be clear, you have not had mantı if you have not tried it in Kayseri. Every detail of the mantı prepared here, from its shape to its meat filling, is unique and special. It is In ancient tales, it was believed that a woman from this region who could not fit 40 individual mantı in a spoon would never get married.
8. Hünkar Beğendi (Sultan’s Delight)
One of the outstanding examples of the best Turkish dishes that should be tried in its region of origin is Hünkar Beğendi! Do you know where our unknown and majestic sultan enjoyed this dish?
8.1. Where to eat hünkar beğendi?
Hünkar Beğendi, where smoked and spiced eggplant is mashed and blended with roasted lamb, dates to the Ottoman period. The most special version of Hünkar Beğendi, which stands out among the dishes found by the Turks, is served in Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire.
9. Tantuni
Tantuni, which is consumed with pleasure both as a quick snack and as a main meal, is another flavour that deserves to take its place on the list of the most famous Turkish dishes! When it comes to tantuni, frankly, only one place comes to mind.
9.1. Where to eat tantuni?
Mersin tantuni is among the must-tries of true gourmets. Prepared with special production methods using the fatty rib portion of beef and sauteed in cottonseed oil, the citrus juice added to the side salad is a unique flavour addition to the tantuni.
10. Köfte (Meatballs)
Since the beginning of the page, when reading the food options, we finally make those were asking “where are the köfte?” smile! After all, there is no famous Turkish food list without köfte, right? So, here’s our last, but certainly not least suggestion!
10.1. Where to eat köfte?
Köfte have a special place among the famous Turkish dishes and dozens of different destination suggestions such as Bergama, Soma, İnegöl, and Akçaabat can be listed. We can say that you have not eaten the best meatballs in Türkiye unless you have tried Tekirdağ köfte, which are kneaded with semolina and prepared with the most tender form of meat! Just, beware of the hot sauce! It may be a little too spicy, don’t say we did not warn you.
How about exploring these exciting and delicious destinations as soon as possible? You cannot call a holiday a holiday without delicious food and comfortable accommodations. Use Odamax, to easily book your room. Bon Appetit!
