What to Eat in Turkey

Thinking about what to eat in Turkey? From kebabs to sweet baklava, Turkish cuisine is a big part of the travel experience. Whether you walk through local markets or sit at a cozy table in a restaurant, food tells you a lot about the culture. This Turkish food guide will take you through 15 must-try dishes. These meals are found across the country and are loved by locals and tourists alike. Let’s start your food journey.

What makes Turkish food special?

Turkish cuisine is rich, flavorful and full of variety. The food has roots in Ottoman, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. You will find olive oil, grilled meats, yogurt, fresh herbs and spices in many dishes. Meals are often shared, and food is always offered with hospitality. Many visitors join local tours to explore different regions and taste these unique flavors. Contact us to book a Culinary Tour or try an Istanbul Yacht Cruise with dinner to sample local bites.

Must-Try Turkish Dishes

1. Doner Kebab

This is one of the most famous street foods in Turkey. Doner is made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It is usually served in a wrap, on bread or as a full plate with rice. The flavors are simple but strong. For a richer version, try Iskender Kebab, which comes with tomato sauce, yogurt and melted butter.

2. Sis Kebab

Chunks of lamb or chicken are grilled on skewers. The meat is seasoned with herbs and served with rice, grilled vegetables and flatbread. You can taste this dish during Food Walk Tour in Istanbul.

3. Kofte (Meatballs)

Kofte are meatballs made with ground beef or lamb, mixed with herbs. Some are grilled, some are cooked in tomato sauce. They are filling and easy to enjoy. They are often served with salad and rice.

4. Manti

These small dumplings are filled with ground meat and topped with yogurt, garlic, and butter sauce. Some restaurants add tomato sauce and mint. Manti is especially popular in Kayser.

5. Meze

Meze is a group of small dishes served as starters or snacks. They include cold eggplant salad, hummus, yogurt dips, stuffed grape leaves and cheese. Meze is a great option for vegetarians too.

6. Turkish Breakfast (Kahvalti)

This breakfast is more like a feast. It usually includes cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, boiled or fried eggs, jams, honey, bread and strong black tea. Some places offer it all day long. 

7. Pide and Lahmacun

Pide is a long, flat bread with toppings like cheese, ground meat or spinach. Lahmacun is thinner and topped with minced meat, onion and herbs. You can add lemon juice and roll it up.

8. Baklava

Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of thin dough, nuts and syrup. Pistachio or walnut versions are common. You can find the best baklava in Gaziantep.

9. Kunefe

Kunefe is a warm dessert made with thin pastry filled with cheese. It is baked until golden, then soaked in sweet syrup and topped with ground pistachios.

10. Cig Kofte

Originally made with raw meat, the modern version is vegetarian. It is a mix of bulgur, tomato paste and spices. It is often served wrapped in lettuce with lemon juice.

11. Kuru Fasulye

This is a simple dish made with white beans, tomato paste and sometimes beef. It is eaten with rice and often served in local restaurants called lokantas.

12. Simit

This is a round bread covered in sesame seeds. It is sold by street vendors and goes well with tea and cheese. A perfect snack while walking in cities like Ankara or Izmir.

13. Ayran

Ayran is a salty yogurt drink served cold. It helps cool the body and goes well with grilled foods. You can find it in nearly every restaurant in Turkey.

14. Sac Kavurma

This is a dish made by cooking small pieces of meat with vegetables on a large round iron plate. It is hot, juicy and full of flavor.

15. Lokum (Turkish Delight)

Lokum is a soft candy made with starch and sugar. It comes in many flavors like rose, lemon and pomegranate. It is often offered with coffee or as a gift.

Q & A: What Tourists Ask

What is the best dish to try first?
Start with doner kebab or kofte. These are tasty, affordable and easy to find everywhere.

Can I find vegetarian Turkish food?
Yes. Meze plates, vegetarian cig kofte, eggplant dishes and bean stews are widely available.

Is Turkish food spicy?
Not very. Some southeastern dishes use more chili and pepper, but most meals are balanced in flavor.

Turkish food is more than just a meal. It is an experience full of taste, warmth and tradition. Every region has something special to offer. Whether you are eating manti in Kayseri or baklava in Gaziantep, each bite tells a story. Contact us to book a local food tour and explore dishes you would never discover on your own. Enjoy the flavors, try something new and let Turkish cuisine surprise you.