25 Traditional Turkish Foods you must try – A what to eat in Turkey Guide

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (for which I am deeply grateful) at no additional cost to you.

Searching for the best traditional Turkish Foods? Delicious Turkish dishes and Turkish snacks? Who is in? One of the main highlights of my solo female travel adventure in Turkey was most definitely the food. As a Latina foodie, who traveled around Turkey solo for a few months, I can tell you that, in Turkey, there are tons of exciting places to visit (especially with amazing landscapes, like Cappadocia which is more like planet mars), heartwarming people, lots of culture, great shopping, adventurous activities but, more importantly, you will find a true paradise just for foodies!

Turkey not only stole my heart (which is why I call Turkey my soul country), but it also made my stomach smile (Happy Belly Happy Heart!) again and again! And what better way to truly experience any country is there than by trying their traditional cuisine?

This is why for this post, I decided to partner with other Turkish food lovers, who also happen to be fellow travel bloggers, to bring you this list of mouthwatering Traditional Turkish Foods. Basically, the best Turkish dishes, Turkish desserts and drinks you must not miss when visiting Turkey. Your stomach will definitely thank me!

what-to-eat-in-turkey-traditional-turkish-foods-dreamsinheels

The Best Turkish Dishes, Turkish snacks, Turkish Desserts and Drinks to try during your visit!

Turkish Biber Dolmasi

Contributed by Anya from Roadiscalling.com

Biber Dolmasi Turkey

Since Turkish national cuisine is one of the most diverse and interesting in the world, it is simply impossible to give preference to only one type of food. There is just so much in every big city and small town.

On my multiple visits to Turkey I tried many various dishes and almost all of them turned out to be incredibly delicious. Some of the best food for me personally was on well-known Istiklal Street near Taksim Square in Istanbul. There, I ate so flavorsome Biber Dolmasi – a pepper stuffed with rice, lamb, small grapes, pine nut, and herbs. When I think about Turkish food, stuffed peppers always come to mind first.

This dish can be found in some type of local fast-food restaurants Lookanta. There are a few of them in Istanbul but I had a chance to eat only in those that are on Istiklal Street. And highly recommend this chain for your visit too.

In general, what distinguishes Turkish cuisine from the cuisines of other nations is the great variety of cold and warm dishes with olive oil. Biber Dolmasi is one of them.

Usually, it is cooked in a slow cooker with water, salt and a bit of sugar. In the end, when it gets ready, olive oil with lemon juice is added. This food is light, fulfilling and at the same time healthy. There are multiple varieties that do not include meat and are great for vegetarians and vegans.

You might also like: Paragliding over the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz, Turkey

Turkish Gozleme

Contributing by Michael from Timetravelturtle.com

Gozleme Turkish dishes

When you’re busy sightseeing in Turkey, sometimes you don’t have time for a long meal. You just want to be able to grab something quick and tasty to get you through the next few hours of exploring. For me in these situations, the solution is always gozleme.

Some people call it the ‘Turkish pancake’ because at its simplest, that’s what it is. It’s made with a mound of dough that’s a mixture of plain and wholemeal flour, kneaded with water and salt the night before. The dough is then rolled into a thin layer and cooked over a hotplate. But the best thing about the gozleme is what is added to it – because that can be anything.

Normally extra ingredients are added to one half of the thin layer of dough and then the other half is folded over it before it’s cooked, making it a cross between a pancake and a sandwich. My favourite ingredients to add are feta and spinach.

But you can also add small bits of meat and other vegetables. You can also add sweet things like chocolate and fruit, to turn it into a dessert. You’ll find people making gozleme at little stalls all through Turkey. Each one only costs about a dollar so not only is it a quick and tasty snack, but it’s also a very cheap one!

Turkish Güllaç

Contributed by Zoe from Wandering Family

You know those moments. You’re going about your business, perhaps chatting with a friend or wandering down a street on some sort of errand. You take a nibble of a new food, maybe a bit absently…and suddenly your focus involuntarily and almost instantly shifts from whatever you were doing to the amazing flavor in your mouth!

I had one of those moments in a small, sunshiny dessert cafe on Istiklal Caddesi, the main shopping thoroughfare in Istanbul. The food: Güllaç.

Güllaç is a dessert that is especially popular during Ramadan. It has only a few ingredients: micro-thin layers of corn starch and wheat flour pastry, chopped walnuts, a heated milk, sugar and rosewater syrup, and a garnish of pistachios, hazelnuts and pomegranate seeds.

When I ordered Güllaç the only thing I knew about it was that it was a sweet. When it arrived it struck me as a very pretty and light-looking dessert. The red of the pomegranate seeds stood out against the square of white creamy pudding beneath, making for a very visually appealing dish.

I cut off a forkful-size corner, put it into my mouth, and abruptly had to put my hand up to ask my mom to stop talking. Roses, was all my brain could think. THERE IS A FOOD THAT TASTES LIKE ROSES SMELL. Mind blown!

I spent the next 15 minutes in silence, savoring. Twelve years later I remember it like it was yesterday.

Güllaç is beautiful to look at, melts in your mouth and has an absolutely wonderful flavor. Everything I ate in Turkey was delicious, but Güllaç was far and away the best.

Turkish İmam bayıldı (Stuffed Eggplant)

Contributed by Wendy from Thenomadicvegan.com

İmam bayıldı is a mouth-watering dish that not many visitors to Turkey know about. You simply have to try it while you’re there! In Turkish, the literal translation of the name of this dish is “the Imam fainted”. Why did he faint? Because this dish is just that good!

Actually, there are a couple of different stories about how İmam bayıldı got its name, but the most common one goes something like this:

The wife of a Turkish Imam presented this dish to her husband, and when he tasted it he was so overcome with pleasure that he lost consciousness. Another variation of the story says that he fainted when he heard how much the ingredients cost (the dish calls for copious amounts of olive oil).

To make imam bayıldı, a large eggplant is stuffed with tomatoes, garlic and onions. Sometimes other vegetables are also added. The stuffed eggplant is then roasted in the oven with lots of olive oil. It’s a great choice for vegetarians and vegans traveling in Turkey, or for anyone who wants to taste an authentic Ottoman dish.

In addition to Turkish cuisine, İmam bayıldı can also be found in the cuisines of Greece, Bulgaria and several other countries that were once part of the Ottoman empire. The Ottoman food!

Recommended: Hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia Turkey

Iskender Kebab

Contributed by: Kate from Ourescapeclause.com

Istanbul Kebab

While those of us from outside of Turkey might associate “kebabs” with sandwich-style döner kebabs, in Istanbul, arguably the best version of kebab is served in a different way entirely.

Iskender kebab is made up of döner meat that is served over a bed of bread, tomatoes and peppers. The kebab is then topped with yogurt and melted butter. It might sound a little strange–especially the whole served on a bed of bread thing–but the dish definitely works and is a fantastic combination of flavors.

It may not be (okay it definitely isn’t) a light meal… but it is an incredibly delicious one, and a must-try food while you’re traveling in Turkey.

Invented in the 19th century by a man named Iskender Efendi from Bursa (hence the name of the dish), you can taste Iskender kebab in Istanbul in the original restaurant, Iskender Iskenderoglu, where this tasty meal is still served up by descendants of the inventor.

Kahvalti (Traditional Turkish breakfast)

Contributed by Inna from the Executive Thrillseeker

Image source: Flickr

Are you wondering what is the first thing to do when you come to Turkey? Start your day with Turkish breakfast which is luckily served till around 2 pm.

Turkish breakfast is not only extremely delicious but also is a first acquaintance with the culture and traditions of the country.

Ideally, Turkish breakfast is an unhurried family meal with conversations that sometimes smoothly flows into lunch. The main words that can be used to describe a Turkish breakfast are abundance and variety.

Traditional Turkish breakfast includes several types of cheese (as a rule, white types of cheese), different types of olives, eggs cooked to your liking (boiled, scrambled eggs, omelet with sujuk or vegetables).

Freshly cut vegetables – cucumbers and tomatoes as well as honey, butter, several kinds of jam along with fresh and delicious Turkish bread. Turkish people love pastry and bread and serve them to the table in abundance.

And, of course, tea in small tulip-shaped cups. It is brewed in special two-tier teapots and is served strong and hot. Turkish people love coffee too but, oddly enough, usually drink it during the day or in the evening.

When all the ingredients are served, we can see a delightful table in front of us, full of many small plates with various delicacies. All this is then modestly called “breakfast”.

Turkish Künefe

Contributed by Jessica from One Girl, Whole World

Turkish cuisine is one of my favorites in the entire world, so it’s hard to pick just one “best” food in Turkey—but künefe definitely has to be toward the top of the list!

Künefe (kyoon-eh-fay) is a pastry made from sweet cheese wrapped in shredded phyllo dough, baked until crispy, and finally soaked with a delicious syrup until it’s sticky and moist. 

It’s served hot and fresh right out of the oven, so that the soft cheese is gooey and delicious. Typically there’s a ground pistachio topping with a spot of clotted cream.

It’s actually a fairly common food all over the Middle East, but Turkey’s particular take on it is the one I prefer. It’s a great example of southeastern Turkish cuisine, and can usually be found at kebab and grill restaurants (also from that area). 

Because it’s difficult to make, even Turkish people wait and eat it out at kebab restaurants rather than trying to prepare it themselves. My favorite place in Istanbul to have künefe is at Hafiz Mustafa, a pastry and sweets restaurant that has been around for 150 years. 

Not only is the kunefe amazing, but you can fill up on all manner of baklava and other sweets at the same time.

Another Favorite: The Solo Female Travel in Turkey Guide

Turkish Delight or Lokum

Contributed by Wendy from Thenomadicvegan.com

If you’ve ever read or watched the Chronicles of Narnia, you’ve probably heard of Turkish Delight. It’s the addictive sweet that Edmund Pevensie couldn’t resist when the witch offered it to him in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. If you have a sweet tooth, as soon as you take a bite you’ll understand why Edmund was so transfixed by the stuff.

It has been produced in Turkey since the 1700s and is sold in markets all over the country, but not under the name of “Turkish Delight”. Instead, the locals call it “lokum”, which is derived from an Arabic phrase that literally translates as “throat comfort”.

This gel-like sweet comes in many different flavors and is usually cut into cubes and coated with powdered sugar to prevent the pieces from sticking together.

It was a precursor to jelly beans, which were inspired both by lokum and Jordan almonds and are a hybrid form of these two candies combined.

Despite its gelatinous appearance, the traditional recipe does not include any gelatin, so lokum is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. In addition to Turkey, the sweet is also popular in neighboring Greece, where it’s known as loukoumi. Variations of the sweet can also be found in Romania, Bulgaria, and even Albania.

Turkish Menemen

Contributed by Carly from Fearless Female Travels

Whenever I schedule a flight to Turkey, I always try to arrive at the Istanbul Airport early in the morning. Why? Because I absolutely love Turkish breakfast foods, and I think there’s no better way to start a trip to Turkey than by enjoying a traditional Turkish breakfast.

Although lots of hotels and guesthouses will serve an expansive, buffet-style spread of bread, fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese for breakfast, I prefer to venture out to a local café or restaurant for a heaping plate of menemen.

Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish made from soft scrambled eggs cooked in a rich, lightly-spiced tomato sauce. Every chef has their own way of making menemen, but as a vegetarian, I’m always on the lookout for variations with big pieces of vegetables (like bell peppers and onions) in the sauce, and lots of gooey cheese melted on top.

Most restaurants will serve menemen with thick slices of homemade bread that you can use to soak up all that delicious tomato sauce.    

In Istanbul, the most popular place to get menemen for breakfast is Lades Restaurant, in Beyoglu (near Taksim Square). They have both vegetarian and meat options at impressively low prices, and portion sizes are large enough to keep you satisfied through a full day of sightseeing. 

Pide (Turkish Pizza)

Contributed by Rai from Araioflight.com

pide-turkish-pizza-traditional-turkish-foods

In its simplest form, pide is a flat bread with toppings baked in a stone oven. This popular food and its various varieties can be found all over Turkey.

The base is a flat bread similar to that of a pizza crust and toppings vary widely with the most readily available being cheese and onion. Other toppings you may want to try are mushrooms, tomatoes, ground beef, and spinach. 

The most authentic form is traditionally cooked in hot clay ovens. They are also readily available on the street from the cart sellers and I found it hard to resist not stopping to taste one as I made my way through the country.

My favorite spot in Istanbul to try pide is a place called Pide Sun in Kadıköy.

Suggested Reading: Boat Trips in Oludeniz Turkey + Dalyan Tombs and Dalyan Mud Baths excursion!

Tursu Suyu (Pickle Juice)

Contributed by from Priyanko from Constant Traveller

Tursu-Suyu-Pickle-Juice-Turkish-Traditional-drinks

Having Turkish-style fish and chips at Istanbul’s famous Eminonu pier is a given for most tourists. More unconventional is trying the variety of juices next door to these establishments that line the pier on the European side.

When I first spotted the colourful drinks, I thought it would be a sweet drink on the lines of rose syrup. I couldn’t be more wrong as I approached the drinks and saw what they really were.

Turnip juice, pickle juice and a mixture of the two. Oh boy! The sane part of me wanted me to back away but the adventurous part of me was dying to taste the juice.

I relented and ordered the Tursu Suyu. The first mouthful sent me on an acid trip. No, not THAT acid. The combination of pickled vegetables and brine was just too sour to take in.

I took small sips and slowly began to appreciate the drink as the sourness became more palatable and its health benefits would make apparent the next day in the form of a clean stomach!

One drink was more than enough for my adventurous palate of Turkish food and drinks to try. I must add that Tursu Suyu prepared me for Korean kimchi even without knowing it, so there’s that benefit as well!  

Contributions by Olga Maria from Dreams in Heels

Meze (Turkish Appetizers) or Turkish Snacks I love and you must try:

Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)

Midye Dolma Traditional Turkish Dishes - Stuffed Mussels

I’d be lying if I said that I ever got tired of Turkish food. There is so much to choose from but if I have to pick one memorable and delicious food item it’s definitely Midye Dolma. A must try!

Midye Dolma Traditional Turkish Foods - Stuffed Mussels Istanbul Turkey

What is Midye Dolma? Midye Dolma are rice-stuffed mussels with aromatic spices that are sold in stands and street food carts all over Istanbul.

You can literally find them on almost every corner. And because Midye Dolma are super cheap, they’re a budget-friendly indulgence.

People usually just stand on the street, squeeze a little lemon onto it and enjoy! Warning, you can’t eat only one….I promise you that!

Midye Dolma Traditional Turkish Snacks

Many people also joke by calling Midye Dolma the perfect hangover remedy after an evening of partying around Istanbul (and late at night, you will find everyone standing around the street food carts eating them).

But I think that they’re an anytime you want one snack! If you happen to be in Turkey, don’t hesitate to try it. You will definitely thank me later!

Suggested Reading: Best places to visit in Turkey beyond Istanbul

Turkish Cig kofte

cigkofte-traditional-turkish-foods

Turkish Cig Kofte is a Meze or Turkish Snack that made my belly happy. It is super simple, since it is just a raw meatball wrap placed on a lettuce leaf. You squeeze a little lemon over it, pop it in your mouth and savor the variety of flavors.

I know some people, might be thinking, “Raw meat?” Well, not enough to stop me from trying it … and it is super good! The ingredients are also simple; Bulgur, ground raw meat with no fat, tendons and sinews and, to make the taste pop, a special, smoky hot spice that goes by the name of ‘Isot.’

Pretty much with the Isot is sort of how they marinate the meat, so it tastes like it was cooked. They also tend to add a couple of other things like pepper paste, chopped onions, parsley, etc.

But the highlight I would say is Isot since it is almost like a blackish paprika. You can see this by the color of the cig kofte and, depending on how dark the color is, you can see the quality of the Isot that was used to prepare it. The darker the color, the better the quality.

Fun Fact: Traditionally, Cig Kofte is mostly made by men because it requires a higher level of physical arm/hand strength for the process of kneading. To get the recipe right, you need just the right amount of kneading, similar to other cooks who need to master certain techniques.

You need to have strong arms and fingers to get the best result. Do not forget to eat it in the traditional way, which is by wrapping the lettuce leaf around the meatball, followed by squeezing a lemon onto it.

NOTE: Most Turkish people will also have traditional drinks, such as ayran or raki, to accompany it. Just delish!

Kumpir (Turkish Baked Potato)

Kumpir is a delicious baked potato with different kinds of fillings, so you can have your pick from among many options. It’s one of my most favorite street foods, other than Midye Dolma, for a quick snack.

Kumpir is made with large potatoes, wrapped in aluminum foil and baked in special ovens. Once the potato is cut down the middle, unsalted butter and Kasar cheese is added, then you can pick different fillings such as, sausages, sweet corn, extra cheese, mushrooms, salads, etc.

turkish kumpir ortakoy istanbul tuskish snacks street food

Kumpir can also be found in many shops/restaurants but it’s considered more of fast food. And it’s quite filling.

I personally loved eating Kumpir at Ortakoy in Istanbul. It’s so nice to enjoy one while sitting by the water (with the views of the Ortakoy Mosque and the Bosphorus bridge in the background) during sunset or afterwards, just relishing the flavors of the food, along with the ambiance of the surroundings, while people watching.

It was one of my favorite things to do during my several months in Turkey.

Turkish Sarma (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

sarma-traditional-turkish-foods-cuisine

Sarma is a Turkish traditional dish from the Ottoman Empire whose name comes from the Turkish word ‘Sarmak.’ I original tried this at a Turkish local home, but you will find it in lots of restaurants.

It is quite delicious, that’s if you love cabbage of course. But I do love the combination of all that is wrapped inside. It is basically stuffed grape leaves mixed with cabbage, rhubarb, chard leaves along with an usual filling of a combination of mince meat, rice or other grains such as bulgur.

For those who do not eat meat, you can find the stuffed vine leaves without meat, usually called by locals: yalancı dolma (meaning ‘liar’s dolma’ in the Turkish language). There are also other variations of a similar dish found in other areas of Turkey. Something to try in every region.

Manti (Turkish Ravioli or Turkish Dumplings)

Manti is the famous Turkish Ravioli, who some people also call Turkish Dumplings, since they filling wrapped in a type of dough. They are quite tasty and the secret is to get one of the fresh, handmade versions.

Although they are made with a variety of fillings, and different toppings that can also be found, Mantis are usually cooked and served in two different ways:

(1) Boiled in water, then serves with a combination of yogurt and garlic, along with a tomato sauce topping. Usually, they use more yogurt than tomato sauce, but you can always request it to your taste;

(2) Boiled in tomato sauce but still served with a yogurt/garlic combination. Note: You can always add pepper or other spices to it, as you prefer. Simply delicious!

Lahmacun (the other Turkish Pizza)

lahmacun-traditional-turkish-foods

Lahmacun, also known as Turkish Pizza, is very popular to eat in Turkey, but also found in Armenia, Lebanon, etc. There is an existing battle over its origin, but I know you guys are here for the food, not for the battle. 

Lahmacun, is made with very thin bread and literally translates to “meat with dough.” It is essentially a flat round piece of bread, which is served with minced meat or vegetables, and other condiments such as parsley, onions, tomatoes and different herbs. 

On the other hand, there’s Plenty which is made with a pita-type flatbread, so it is thicker. Plus, it usually comes in a variety of fillings, such as cheeses, meat, peppers, etc.

Pide can also be served either closed or open. I personally love both, Lahmacun and Pide. Maybe it’s the New Yorker in me but I’m a sucker for anything that resembles pizza!

Borek

Borek, for me, is the anytime breakfast or snack in Turkey. People have it in the morning and sometimes even as a late-night snack.

I personally love the extra cheesy or ground beef ones, but they come in a variety of fillings. 

Borek is essentially in the family of baked pastries, made of thin flaky dough, such as phyllo or yufka (a thin pastry made from flour, water and salt), of Anatolian origins.

You can also find Borek in other regions like the Balkans, North Africa, etc. It is so good, you cannot eat only one. One of my favorite Turkish snacks!

Kokoreç

This one might not be as much to my liking but it is one of the most popularly consumed fast foods in Turkey, so worthy of being mentioned here. 

Kokoreç is essentially lamb intestines, wrapped around sweet breads, placed on a skewer, grilled horizontally over a charcoal fire.

You can find it offered anywhere, especially by the street vendors, so if you have been to Istanbul you’ll have seen it. 

It’s mostly served on bread, but also can be served without it, or as a meal instead. Some people refer to it as a lamb intestine sandwich. 

Drink-wise, it’s mostly accompanied by drinks such as Ayran, if not soda or just beer.

Did someone mention my sweet tooth? My favorite Turkish Dessert

Turkish Baklava

Baklava-Turkish-food

You cannot come to Turkey and not try their delicious Baklava. I am sure that, by now, most are likely to have already tried this dessert somewhere else in the world, since it is quite popular and readily available in many countries.

But that is definitely not the same as trying it in Turkey (in my opinion). In Turkey, I’ve had some of the best baklava I’ve ever tasted in my life.

One of my favorite places, if not my favorite to have it, in Istanbul is a famous shop established in 1820 called Karakoy Gulluoglu. They are definitely one of the best Baklava makers in the world.

The varieties of Baklavas are never ending, and the taste is amazing. Although it can feel overwhelming on which to pick, I’m willing to bet that, like me, you can’t just have one.

I totally loved many of the pistachio filled ones! But honestly, even with all of the time that I spent in Turkey, I still have not finished trying them all. I plan to return for more!

Traditional Turkish Drinks that I’m obsessed with

Çay (Traditional Turkish Tea)

traditional-turkish-tea-turkish-cuisine

People in Turkey mostly start their day with a cup of freshly brewed Turkish Tea. Turkish Tea, a very strong black tea, is the perfect accompaniment to their breakfast, similar to coffee for us Latinos, and just part of their morning ritual.

People also drink it throughout the day, similar to a coffee break, they like tea breaks. Since the tea is very soothing, it is also good to drink it while relaxing in the evening.

Turkish tea really highlights the Turkish culture and hospitality. Everywhere you go, people will offer you, or simply just serve you, Turkish tea.

It is definitely part of their daily lifestyle and drunk at any occasion. And honestly, I prefer having their tea many times a day over the Turkish coffee since, after two cups of Turkish coffee, I am jumping off the walls, LOL … it’s that strongly caffeinated!

Traditional Turkish Coffee

As I mentioned above, Turkish coffee makes me hyper and is quite strong. But in Turkey, Turkish coffee is more than a traditional drink; it’s a small pleasure in an even smaller cup.

If you are not aware, it is not called Turkish coffee because of the beans, since the beans are really Arabic coffee beans finely ground. What it makes it have is own name is the way that it is made and enjoyed.

For me, being offered a cup of Turkish coffee or, as previously mentioned, tea speaks volume about Turkish generosity and traditions. Strangers will welcome you and insist on offering you one or the other!

When you see this coffee don’t be surprised if you find it different from many of the coffees we are accustomed to … it is so well grounded that it looks almost like cocoa powder.

After, mixed with water and sugar (optional) in a special coffee pot called cezve or ibrik, and simmered over the lowest heat or traditionally on hot sand, it is served in one of the traditional small Turkish coffee cups with a lot of foams on the top.

As in Europe, they always serve you the coffee with a glass of water next to it (it is quite strong.) Also, usually something sweet is included. I remember eating it with Turkish delights, some pastries or chocolate. Just one small cup is enough for me!

Raki

Raki is a traditional alcoholic beverage in Turkey. It is sort of a national drink, similar to Tequila for Mexicans or Agua ardiente for Colombians.

It is quite a strong, hard liquor with an anise flavoring. It’s definitely worth a try, but I found it a little too strong.

Raki is mostly drunk with meze (Turkish appetizers) and makes for a fun evening with friends. You will see Turkish people, especially men, sitting outside of restaurants drinking it and having lively conversations over food.

Do as the locals, and give it a try. Once you do, definitely tell me your thoughts below. 

While not my favorite, I must mention another traditional drink, Ayran.

Ayran (Turkish Yogurt Drink)

It is a cold, refreshing and super traditional drink which Turkish people love. To be honest, it is not my cup of tea or in this case of yogurt, but I did try it.

Some travelers love it and some don’t. It is about taste, but you never know until you try it so, this is why I’ve included it here.

Ayran is a yogurt-based beverage that is mixed with salt. Similar to the Indian culture where they add yogurt when eating a very spicy food (like the yogurt sauce served with biryanis), in Turkey, they drink Ayran a lot with spicy food and also with Kebabs, since it compliments those flavors nicely.

But in general, it is widely enjoyed and popular in Turkey for lunch and dinner. You will often see people having it with their favorite Simit (the Turkish version of a bagel).

While we’re on the subject, I must also mention this traditional bread

Simit (Traditional Turkish Bagel)

simit-turkish-style-bagel-traditional-turkish-cuisine

As someone who does not eat much for breakfast, sometimes having the traditional Turkish breakfast was just too much for me. Luckily, I discovered another alternative sold by many street vendors: Simit.

As a New Yorker, I totally love bagels, so it’s no surprise that I had to try the Turkish version. Basically, I love Simit. It’s great with cream cheese along with a cup of Turkish tea, like the locals do.

I see they also have tomatoes and cucumber with it, but I prefer just cheese. It is a must-try when you are in Turkey, especially when freshly baked!

In summary, you can’t come to Turkey and not indulge in traditional Turkish flavors. You may leave the country with a few extra pounds (not just your luggage) but you won’t regret the memories, the experience and the taste of each individual Turkish dish or drink.

Life is too short to eat bad food and Turkey has one of the most amazing cuisines in the world. It’s definitely one of my favorite and, as you can see above, I am not alone!

There are lots of Turkish food lovers from all over the world. Don’t be surprised if you join this distinguished group after visiting Turkey for yourself!

Enjoyed Reading this post? Save it for later on Pinterest!

what-to-eat-in-turkey-turkish-traditional-foods-you-must-try-best-turkish-dishes
What to eat in Turkey: Traditional Turkish Foods you must try!


4 thoughts on “25 Traditional Turkish Foods you must try – A what to eat in Turkey Guide”

  1. Earth to Connie

    Some of these foods look delicious. Although I tried Ayran in a Turkish restaurant near me and I can’t say I enjoyed it. I love Turkey and would love to visit again soon

    1. Dreams in Heels

      Thank you for your comment. Yeah the food is amazing. I agree with you about Ayran. I do not like it either. It is all about taste.

  2. Super. Such an interesting review! Thank you for sharing, the photos are excellent, everything looks very appetizing on them!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

15585

Let’s keep in touch

Join other travelers and get the latest travel updates, travel tips, tricks and insider secrets. Be notified first about giveaways and special events.

Scroll to Top