Turkey sitting at the brink of Europe and at the crown of middle east, enjoys a special position as a melting pot of these places that is not just strongly reflected in it’s culture but also it’s food.
From Pide that resembles Pizza or kebaps that are similar to the Mediterranean grill, Turkey proudly boasts of an array of dishes concocted with in it’s delicious cuisine whose roots dates centuries back.
Here are a few of the dishes that are must haves and cannot be missed on a trip there,
1. Iskender Kebap
Iskender Kebap also known as Alexander Kebab is the most popular dish in the northwestern region of Turkey. Made with thinly sliced grilled lamb, along with warm tomato sauce poured over pieces of pita bread, served with a dollop of butter and yoghurt. This dish is very popular and can be found all around Turkey, but has it’s roots in the Bursa region.
2. Meze
Meze, a dish that is also found in other Mediterranean countries, roughly translates to appetizers. It comprises of several small vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes such as salads, cheeses, meats and purees/dips that is served along with bread.
It is great for sharing and getting a little taste of everything. Meze is also very healthy as it is made with fresh, natural produce.
3. Gözleme
Gözleme, a popular street food are savory pockets made of crepes with fillings such as minced meat, spinach or cheeses inside. It is a delicious light snack, that takes expertise knowledge to roll out the thin dough. Gözleme originally tagged as “village food”, is now a popular choice for street food snack or as a breakfast option.
4. Menemen
Menemen is a breakfast dish that is a popular choice through out the country. Made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes and spices and devoured with bread and tea, it’s filling and perfect to start the day. Slight variations can be found be with the way the eggs are cooked, but overall it’s a delicious way to kick start your day.
5. Simit
Simit is the most simple, cheap and widely found street food, with small carts perched around the city. A circular shaped baked goodie with a hole in the center, is encrusted in sesame seeds and can be eaten plain or with toppings such as nutella, jam or cream cheese.
6. Fish
Contrary to popular beliefs, besides an array of dishes with grilled sheep, Turkey also houses delicious seafood dishes. Surrounded by four seas, Turkey has ample of seafood delicacies especiallly, fish.
While visiting the beach, riverside or taking a cruise, several restaurants can be found selling different types of fishes from grilled to fried, Served independently or as sandwiches.
7. Baklava
A world famous dessert, that needs little introduction, Baklava. A classic dessert prepared with thin layers of filo pastry stuffed with crushed nuts such as pistachio or walnuts or almonds, and sweetened and set with syrup as it bakes to a beautiful shiny golden.
Baklava can be found anywhere around Turkey. This light on mouth dessert will perfectly complement all your meals and only leave you wanting for more.
8. Turkish Delight
Turkish Delight, or known as Lokum in Turkey are small sweet jiggling cubes dusted with sugar and available in a wide range of flavours from rose, orange, lemon to exotic dates, pistachios, hazeluts, and walnuts. A widely popular sweet dish that can also be bought to carry home as souvenirs.
As you hop around the city exploring, be sure to try out these little flavored delights around the country and pick a few extra to carry home.
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