The Best of Turkish Food

Turkish food

Turkey is a world renowned foodie haven with a unique fusion of eastern and western influences. Here are some of the best dishes that you won’t want to miss.

Baklava

No culinary tour of Turkey would be complete without indulging in this famous sweet treat. Thin layers of filo pastry are filled with chopped nuts and smothered with a healthy measure of honey and syrup. Famed bakery, Karakoy Gulluoglu in Istanbul serves up some of the best in the city.

Dolma

Literally meaning ‘to be stuffed’ this savoury delight is popular throughout turkey and can be found in all authentic restaurants. A range of vegetables or vine leaf is stuffed with a spicy rice and pine nut mixture.

Menemen

This authentic breakfast sees scrambled eggs getting a spicy makeover with the addition of chilli, garlic and green pepper. Other vegetables can be featured and sausage is sometimes added.

Manti

Referred to as Turkish ravioli, this dish has its own unique texture and flavour. Miniature, lamb or beef dumplings are boiled in water or tomato sauce, served with a generous dollop of cold yogurt and spices. Bodrum Manti & Café in Istanbul is well known for their version which serves hungry locals, 24 hours a day.

Kanafeh

Another famed Turkish dessert, pastry is soaked in syrup with a filling of unsalted cheese. It’s finished with a sprinkling of pistachios and served hot whilst the cheese is still melted.

Kofta

This simple recipe of ground beef or lamb has long been a staple in Turkish cuisine. These balls or patties can be ordered in sandwiches, stewed with a rich tomato sauce or simply enjoyed on their own with a yogurt dip.

Lokum

More commonly known as Turkish Delight in the west, this iconic dessert is a tourist favourite which can be found throughout the open air markets of Istanbul. These small cubes of jelly come in all flavours, with a variety of toppings and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Pide

Turkey’s answer to the Italian pizza, this street food classic is made using flatbread in a boat-like shape with a variety of toppings. These can include minced meat, vegetables or just a double helping of cheese.

Pilav

Rice may seem a little boring but the Turkish variety is one of the most delicious side-dishes on the menu. Cooked with butter and stock, it can often include chick peas or lentils and is best enjoyed with a drizzle of yogurt.

Adana Kebab

Visit the southeastern city of Adana and you’ll find plenty of places serving up this local favourite. With an extensive preparation process, lamb meat is finished off on a charcoal grill and served alongside a steaming pita bread.
With so many affordable holidays to Turkey, there’s never been a better excuse to enjoy these mouth-watering dishes. 

James Stanley is a photographer and blogger who works for Bahay Kubo Interactive based in the Philippines. He loves travel and especially beaches!