Turkey has an incredibly rich culinary heritage, blending flavors from the Middle East, Mediterranean, Balkans, and Central Asia. Here are the top 10 foods you must try in Turkey:
1. Kebabs
- Adana Kebab (spicy minced meat skewer)
- Şiş Kebab (grilled meat on skewers)
- Iskender Kebab (döner meat with yogurt and tomato sauce)
2. Baklava
- A famous Turkish dessert made with layers of filo pastry, nuts, and sweet syrup.
3. Lahmacun
- A thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and spices, often called “Turkish pizza.”
4. Pide
- A boat-shaped Turkish flatbread with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
5. Meze Platter
- A selection of small appetizers like hummus, ezme (spicy tomato dip), haydari (yogurt dip), and stuffed grape leaves.
6. Manti
- Turkish dumplings filled with meat, served with yogurt and garlic sauce.
7. Menemen
- A traditional Turkish breakfast dish made with eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and spices.
8. Simit
- A sesame-crusted bread similar to a bagel, often eaten with tea.
9. Künefe
- A warm, sweet dessert made with shredded pastry, cheese, and syrup.
10. Çiğ Köfte
- Traditionally made with raw meat (now often vegetarian), mixed with bulgur, tomato paste, and spices.
