Turkish cuisine is recognized across the globe for its distinctive and varied tastes that are firmly ingrained in the geography, history, and culture of the nation. With both traditional recipes that have been handed down through the years and modern cuisine that appeals to modern tastes, the nation’s culinary landscape is a reflection of its rich legacy. Visiting Turkey is the best way of trying Turkish cuisine, and with cheap Turkey air tickets, it is now easier than ever to plan a trip for food lovers. Turkish food is diverse, with choices ranging from street food that provides a glimpse into the local way of life to luscious kebabs, mouthwatering meze, and sweet baklava. So start preparing to go on a culinary adventure and explore the tantalising flavours of Turkish cuisine.

Traditional Dishes

Turkish cuisine is known for its traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations. Some of the must-try dishes include:

• Kebabs: Turkey is renowned for its tasty and delicious kebabs. There are several variations, ranging from the well-known doner kebab to the more exotic Adana kebab. The meat is grilled to perfection after being marinated in spices, making it a favourite of both tourists and locals.

Image Resource: unsplash.com

• Meze: Meze is an assortment of bite-sized dishes that are often consumed as an appetiser. They are often paired with raki, a traditional Turkish drink. Meze is a Middle Eastern food platter that features a variety of dishes, such as hummus, stuffed vine leaves, and eggplant salad.
• Baklava: Baklava is a kind of delicious pastry that is layered with phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup. It is a traditional dessert in Turkish cuisine and is often served on festive occasions such as weddings and other celebrations.

Street Food

Street food is an integral part of Turkish cuisine and offers a glimpse into the local culture. Some of the popular street food options include:

• Simit: Simit is a popular breakfast food that is sold in most parts of the nation. The round bread is sometimes referred to as the Turkish equivalent of a bagel, and sesame seeds are sprinkled all over it, giving each bite an additional crunch.
• Lahmacun: Another well-known street food item that is enjoyed by both residents and tourists is lahmacun. An explosion of flavours is added to the thin, crispy flatbread by topping it with minced meat, onions, herbs and spices like cumin and paprika.
• Kumpir: Kumpir is a full and hearty snack that is ideal for a quick bite on the go. It is a baked potato that has been split open, mashed with butter and cheese, and topped with a variety of ingredients, including sausages, veggies, and olives.

Image Resource: unsplash.com

Regional Cuisine

Turkey’s geography and history have influenced its regional cuisine, and each region offers its unique flavours. Some of the regional cuisine options include:

• Aegean cuisine: Aegean cuisine is a perfect representation of the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its health benefits. The cuisine heavily relies on fresh vegetables, herbs, and olive oil, which give it a unique flavour. Seafood, grilled meat, and cheese are also popular ingredients in Aegean cuisine.
• Black Sea cuisine: Black Sea cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with meat and fish playing a significant role in the cuisine. The region’s harsh climate has influenced the cuisine, and dishes like bean stews, grilled meats, and pide (a type of bread) are popular. The cuisine also features dishes that use cornmeal as a primary ingredient.
• Southeastern cuisine: Southeastern cuisine is a fusion of Middle Eastern and Turkish flavours, which results in spicy and flavorful cuisine. The use of spices like paprika, cumin, and sumac gives the dishes a unique taste. Stuffed vegetables, spicy kebabs, and soups like mercimek çorbası (lentil soup) are some of the popular dishes in the region. The cuisine also features a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Image Resource: commons.wikimedia.org

To summarise, Turkish food has a wide variety of flavours that will please every palette. There are many alternatives to try, from classic foods like kebabs and baklava to modern cuisine. Regional cuisine and street food can provide a look into the traditions and lifestyle of the region.  Be ready to be blown away by the wonderful and unique tastes that Turkish cuisine has to offer by preparing your bags and gearing up to explore.

Kenneth

Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].