Turkish cuisine is considered one of the world’s most famous and diverse, known for its rich flavors and a wide variety of delicious dishes that fill the menus of restaurants around the world.
The Turkish cuisine is renowned for its diversity, offering a wide range of dishes that cater to all tastes. It is rich in meat and fresh vegetables, and spices are used in moderation, making it suitable for people who prefer milder flavors.
1–Turkish Shawarma or Doner: The King of Popular Foods
Turkish shawarma, also known as doner, is one of the most popular and widespread dishes in Istanbul. Wherever you go, you will likely find a doner vendor just about 100 meters away from you. However, contrary to common belief, Turkish shawarma is traditionally served in a thin bread called “saj bread” rather than pita bread. It is called “durum” and is undoubtedly one of the most prominent and important street foods that you shouldn’t miss experiencing in Istanbul and throughout Turkey.
2-Meat in Pastry
Meat in pastry is one of the most famous popular dishes that you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Istanbul. It consists of a thin and crispy bread filled with minced meat and various vegetables, quickly cooked in a large charcoal oven.
After baking, a few drops of lemon are added on top to make it ready for a delightful experience that will please your senses.
This light and quick meal is an ideal choice to satisfy your hunger during your beautiful journey in Istanbul, especially considering its affordable price, which does not exceed 10 Turkish liras.
3. Adana Kebab:
One cannot talk about the most famous Turkish recipes without mentioning “Adana Kebab,” a delicious dish that is considered a symbol of Turkish cuisine. Adana, the city known as the capital of kebab in Turkey, serves this appetizing meal in a distinctive way that sets it apart from other regions. Adana Kebab is made from minced lamb meat combined with spicy seasonings, grilled over charcoal, and served with salad and bread. If you are looking for a unique experience to taste this delightful dish, you can visit the Şişli district in Istanbul, where you will find numerous restaurants that offer Adana Kebab with an unparalleled flavor.
4–Manti
Manti is one of the most famous Turkish dishes that resembles the well-known “shish barak” in the Levant region, with variations in naming and preparation. Manti consists of tiny pieces of dough filled with meat, boiled, and served with yogurt, olive oil, and spices. Manti is widely available in various restaurants throughout Turkey, with Bursa being its original hometown, where it is served with an unparalleled flavor.
5–Turkish Eggplant Meze:
Turkish eggplant meze is considered one of the essential dishes served on the Turkish table, often presented as a main appetizer that adds a distinctive flavor to any meal. This meze primarily consists of grilled eggplant, combined with garlic, olive oil, tahini, and various spices. Turkish eggplant meze is known for its light and delicious taste, typically served with fresh bread.
6–Yaprak Dolma
Turkish Yaprak Dolma, also known as “Dolma,” is one of the most popular traditional dishes in Turkey. It is widely favored by the majority of the population and consists of a delicious combination of rice and minced meat wrapped in grape leaves. Yaprak Dolma is cooked with tangy lemon juice, adding an irresistible and distinctive flavor. You can find Yaprak Dolma in most Turkish restaurants, where it is served in various ways to cater to different tastes.
7–Iskender Kebab:
Iskender Kebab is one of the most renowned Turkish dishes that Turks, especially the residents of Bursa, take pride in. The name of this dish is attributed to “Mehmet Oğlu İskender,” a resident of Bursa who invented it in 1867.
Iskender Kebab consists of grilled lamb meat, charcoal-roasted, served with pieces of bread drenched in tomato sauce, butter, and yogurt. This delectable meal is accompanied by grilled eggplant salad and spicy green peppers.
You can savor Iskender Kebab at any branch of Iskender Kebab restaurant, which is spread across Turkey.
8- Sweet Potato “Kumpir”:
Kumpir consists of grilled sweet potatoes mixed with butter and cheese, topped with various sauces and salads for customers to choose according to their taste. One of the most renowned areas for selling Kumpir is Ortaköy Street, located on the Ortaköy coast overlooking the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
9–Turkish Kokoreç:
Kokoreç is considered one of the finest traditional foods among the local residents of Istanbul. It consists of minced meat stuffed with lamb intestines and wrapped around a skewer, resembling a shawarma skewer, and grilled to a crispy texture.
The Kokoreç is then served in white bread with a few vegetables, creating an irresistible and savory meal.
10–Turkish Pide:
Turkish Pide, also known as Turkish pizza, is one of the most popular fast foods in Turkey, originating from the Black Sea region. It consists of a thin dough similar to pie crust, filled with various ingredients including minced meat, chicken, cheese, and vegetables.
The Pide is baked in a traditional oven, shaped like a boat, giving it a distinctive appearance and delicious taste. While Turkish Pide bears some resemblance to the famous Lahmajoun in the Levant region, it differs slightly in shape and flavor. Pide features a thinner crust and is baked in a traditional oven, whereas Lahmajoun has a thicker dough and is baked in an electric oven.