12 Traditional Turkish Food That You Must Try

Turkey is one such destination where people visit the country not just to see its rich cultural, historical, and natural wonders but also for its vibrant food scenes. Its blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Balkan cuisine makes Turkish food one of the world’s most diverse and flavorful culinary experiences. Simple fresh ingredients, cooked to perfection with a lot of care and passion makes it a haven for foodies. Turkey has an abundance of lip-smacking culinary delights that you simply cannot miss. So, here’s a list of popular Turkish food that is sure to surprise your taste buds.

Must Try Turkish Food – Non-Vegetarian Delights

Kebabs

Let’s start with the famous Turkish kebabs that are popular all over the world. There are over 100 varieties of them made either by roasting or grilling the meat. Minced meat mixed with spices and yogurt are stacked on a skewer and cooked on open flame. The sizzling deliciousness of kebabs is a staple in Turkish cuisine. Adana Kebab, Beyti Kebab, Testi Kebab, Tomato Kebab, Furun Kebab, Ali Nazik Kebab, Alti Ezmeli Kebab and Iskender Kebab are few of the popular ones. 

Lahmacun

Lamacun is a kind of Turkish pizza that has been eaten by people for more than 300 years. A flat bread is topped with paste made from low fat and then over that some minced meat, vegetables, and herbs are added. This famous street food in Turkey is generally served wrapped, folded in half, or pulled apart to eat. It is served with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon to balance out all flavors. 

Manti

This is the Turkish version of the Italian dish ravioli. Here handmade dumplings are filled with spiced meat, usually of beef or lamb. These dumplings are then topped with a tomato and garlic infused butter sauce to please your taste buds. Finally it is served with yogurt sauce to put everything together. Since Mantı is so tasty and loved by all, it is made in every house. 

Menamen

Menamen is a popular dish made of eggs, onions, tomato, green peppers, and spices. This dish is very similar to the Shakshouka. The only difference is, the eggs are beaten here. All the veggies and spices are cooked in olive oil and then the beaten egg is added to it. Menamen can be had as a side dish for breakfast or can be had as a whole by itself. 

Köftas 

Koftas are one of the most famous Turkish foods to try as it is healthy and packed with flavors. In simple words it is the Turkish version of European meatballs. Minced meat of lamb or beef is mixed with spices and rolled into small balls. It is then steamed, grilled or fried and served simmered in tomato sauce. This dish goes well with rice, veggies or salad. Chickpeas or vegetables are used to make the vegetarian version of this dish.

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Must Try Turkish Food –Vegetarian Delights

Hummus

Hummus is one of the most favorite Turkish food items served along with everything in Turkey. It is more like a creamy dip made of chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, a pinch of cumin and garlic. Overnight soaked chickpeas are ground into a paste along with all the above ingredients. This protein-rich dip is always served with pita bread, falafel and crunchy veggies. 

Dolma

Dolma is an iconic Turkish vegetarian delicacy made with vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, and grape leaves, with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and spices. All the vegetables are cooked and then mixed with rice and onions. It is then rolled within a vine leaf and again cooked in water and butter. This vegetarian dish is so famous that people from other countries have started adding this dish to their cuisine.

Meze

The Turkish Meze is unique because it has a bit of everything. It is served as appetizers or sides, and is a perfect dish for sharing. Small portions of many sauces, dips, dolma and a variety of cheese are served in a large plate to be shared by all. The collection of many small Turkish dishes showcase the diversity of its cuisine. No Turkish meal is complete without a large Turkish food platter of Meze. 

Muhlama

Muhlama or mıhlama is a healthy and comforting breakfast staple in Turkey’s northern Black Sea region. This gooey dish is made of cornmeal, butter, and melted multiple cheeses. It is a great dish to have on cold winter mornings. Muhlama is generally served with fresh, crusty bread for dipping. 

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Must Try Turkish Food – Dessert Delights

Baklava 

This flaky, layered pastry is undoubtedly one of the most famous Turkish desserts. Baklava has a history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. The sweet desert is prepared using layers of thin pastry dough which are brushed with butter and then topped with chopped nuts, pistachios, sugar syrup or honey. This incredibly delicious dessert is served during special occasions and also along with tea or coffee.

Lokum

Lokum, also known as Turkish Delights is a soft, jelly-like confectionery that has been enjoyed for centuries. This traditional sweet shaped like bite-sized cubes is made from sugar, starch, rose water, and pistachio. Lokum in different shapes, sizes and flavors can be seen in the grand bazaar of Istanbul. It is one of the most famous Turkish desserts that is loved by both children and adults. 

Künefe

Our list of the best food of Turkey cannot be complete without the mention of Künefe, the most loved dessert in the whole of Turkey. Künefe is made with shredded phyllo dough which is then layered with sweet cheese and soaked in a sweet syrup called attar. The crispy golden-brown exterior and melted interior makes for a truly unique and indulgent treat.

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