Turkish food is so much more than just the hummus and pita wraps you pick up from your neighborhood kabob spot! Cultural regions across Turkey are famous for their unique cooking techniques, spices, and dishes that cannot be found elsewhere. In this article, find out about 20 foods that you absolutely need to try while staying immersed in Turkish culture.
1.Zeytinyağlı Enginar
If you’re ever in Turkey, be sure to try zeytinyağlı enginar. It’s a dish made with cooked artichokes in olive oil and various spices. It’s usually served as a side dish, but it’s so flavorful that it can easily be a meal on its own.
Zeytinyağlı enginar is a popular Turkish food, but it’s also popular in other parts of the world. In fact, it was recently named one of the best 50 dishes in the world by CNN.
If you haven’t tried it yet, you absolutely need to!
2. Ada Köftesi
Ada Köftesi is a type of Turkish meatball that is made from ground lamb or beef. The meatballs are usually served with yogurt or tomato sauce.
3. Acılı ekmek
If you’re looking to try some unfamiliar Turkish foods, then acılı ekmek is a great place to start. This dish is made with bread that is fried in oil and then topped with various spices and herbs. It’s usually served with a dipping sauce on the side.
It is popular street food in Turkey, but it can also be found in some restaurants.
If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try the next time you’re in Turkey!
4. Revani
Revani is a Turkish dessert that is made with semolina flour, sugar, and eggs. It is often flavored with lemon or orange zest. The dough for Revani is very thick and sticky. It is spread into a pan and then baked. Once it is baked, it is cut into squares or diamonds. Revani is usually served with a syrup made of sugar and water.
If you are looking for a unique and delicious dessert, then you need to try Revani. This Turkish treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
5. Nane Beğendi
Nane Beğendi is a traditional Turkish food that is absolutely delicious. It consists of eggplant that is roasted in the oven and then pureed. This puree is then mixed with a tomato sauce and served over lamb that has been slow-cooked in the oven. Nane Beğendi is typically served with rice or bulgur.
If you are looking for a tasty, hearty dish, then you need to try Nane Beğendi. The combination of flavorful lamb and rich, creamy eggplant will leave you wanting more.
Trust me, this is one Turkish food that you do not want to miss out on!
6.Lahmacun Dişi Lahmana Kavurma
Lahmacun Dişi Lahmana Kavurma: This dish is a type of Turkish pizza that is made with ground lamb, tomatoes, and onions. It is usually served with yogurt on the side.
7. Börek
Börek is delicious Turkish food that you absolutely need to try. It’s a type of pastry made with flaky dough filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. Börek can be enjoyed as a snack or as a main dish.
No matter what type of börek you try, you’re sure to enjoy the flaky dough and tasty filling.
So if you’re looking for something new to try, be sure to give börek a try. You won’t be disappointed
8. Gözleme
Gözleme is a type of Turkish flatbread that is made from thin dough that is rolled out and then filled with various savory or sweet fillings. It is then cooked on a griddle.
It is usually made with spinach and feta cheese, but it can also be made with other fillings like ground meat, potatoes, and vegetables. The dough is usually made with flour, water, salt, and yeast. However, some people also add yogurt or eggs to the dough to make it more tender.
9.Kofte
If you’re looking to try something new and exciting, then kofte is the perfect dish for you. Kofte is a type of Turkish meatball that is usually made from ground lamb or beef. The meat is seasoned with spices like cumin, paprika, and chili pepper, and then formed into small balls.
Kofte is usually served with rice or bulgur, and a variety of vegetables. It can also be served with yogurt or tomato sauce on top. Kofte is a hearty and flavorful dish that will definitely leave you wanting more.
10. Tulumba
If you’re looking to try something new and exciting, then you should definitely check out tulumba. This Turkish dessert is made by frying batter in hot oil and then dipping it in syrup. It’s a delicious treat that you won’t want to miss!
11.Domates Dolması
Domates Dolması is a Turkish food made with roasted tomatoes. The tomatoes are stuffed with a mixture of rice, onion, and spices. They are then roasted in the oven until they are soft and slightly charred.
It is a delicious and healthy dish. The tomatoes are packed with nutrients, and the rice and onion filling is hearty and filling. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or to take to a potluck or picnic.
If you’re looking to try something new and exciting, Domates Dolması is definitely a dish you should try. It’s sure to become one of your new favorites!
12.Baklava
Baklava is a well-known Turkish dessert that is made of thin layers of phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and held together with syrup or honey. It is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
It is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire. The word “baklava” comes from the Turkic word bakla, which means “acorn”. This likely refers to the traditional filling of chopped nuts, which could include acorns.
Baklava is a popular dessert all over the world, and it can be found in many different variations. However, the traditional Turkish version is still the best in my opinion. If you ever have the chance to try it, I highly recommend it!
It is a sweet dessert that is made from layers of filo pastry that are filled with chopped nuts and held together with syrup or honey. Baklava is a very popular dessert in Turkey and is often served at weddings and other special occasions.
13.Patlıcan Ezmesi
If you’re looking for a delicious and unusual dip, try patlıcan ezmesi. This Turkish food is made from eggplants that are roasted in a special way.
The eggplants are then mashed and mixed with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and other spices. The result is a smooth, creamy dip that has a slightly smoky flavor. It’s perfect for dipping bread or vegetables, or for spreading on sandwiches.
14. Çiğ köfte- Raw Meatballs
Çiğ köfte is a Turkish food that consists of raw ground meat (usually beef or lamb) that is mixed with spices and herbs. The mixture is then shaped into small balls and served with a variety of dipping sauces. Çiğ köfte is usually eaten as a starter or appetizer, but it can also be the main course.
15. Patlıcan salatası
Patlıcan salatası is a dish made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. The eggplant is peeled and then roasted on a charcoal grill. The other ingredients are chopped and mixed together with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. This dish is served cold or at room temperature.
It is a traditional Turkish food that is commonly served as an appetizer. However, it can also be served as a side dish or a main course. It is a very healthy dish because it is made with healthy ingredients like eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Patlıcan salatası is also a very delicious dish.
If you are ever in Turkey, make sure to try it!
16.Kavurma
Kavurma is a traditional Turkish food that is made by stewing lamb or beef in a clay pot. The meat is usually marinated in a mixture of spices and then slow-cooked until it is tender. Kavurma is typically served with rice or pilaf and a variety of vegetables.
17.Lokum
If you’re looking for something new to try, Turkish Lokum is a great option. This jelly-like candy is made with fruit and nuts and has a chewy texture that’s similar to gummi candy. It comes in a variety of flavors, including rose, lemon, and mastic.
Turkish Lokum is often eaten as a snack or given as a gift. It’s a popular treat during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan when many people fast during the day and eat special foods at night.
If you’re looking for something sweet and different, give Turkish Lokum a try!
18.Turşu
Turşu is a type of pickled vegetable dish that is common in Turkish cuisine. It is typically made with cucumbers, but other vegetables can be used as well. Turşu is often served as a side dish, but it can also be eaten on its own as a snack.
19. Lahana turşusu
Lahana turşusu is a type of pickled cabbage dish that is very popular in Turkey. It is usually made with white cabbage, but it can also be made with green cabbage. The cabbage is pickled in a vinegar and water solution and then flavoured with garlic, dill, and other spices. It is often served as a side dish, but it can also be eaten on its own as a snack.
20.Fasülye
Fasülye is a delicious Turkish food that is made with beans. The beans are cooked in a tomato sauce and then served with rice. Fasülye is a very popular dish in Turkey and is often served at parties and celebrations.
Try Fasülye, you will not be disappointed!
Turkish food is unlike any other cuisine out there, and it’s definitely worth trying if you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons. The next time you find yourself in Turkey, be sure to sample some of these dishes – you won’t regret it!
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