If you love food, Turkey is a dream come true.
The country has a rich and tasty food culture, with flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
Here’s a list of must-try dishes that you need to taste while you’re in Turkey.
1. Baklava – A Sweet Treat 🍯
Baklava is a classic Turkish dessert that everyone loves.
It’s made of thin layers of crispy pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and soaked in sweet syrup.
- Where to Try It: You’ll find baklava everywhere in Turkey, but Gaziantep is the place to go if you want to try the best baklava. It’s known as the baklava capital.
2. Kebabs – Turkey’s Grilled Goodness 🍖
Kebabs are a huge part of Turkish food, and each region has its own special kind.
Whether it’s grilled meat on a skewer or stuffed in a flatbread, you can’t visit Turkey without trying one.
- Adana Kebab: A spicy minced meat kebab from the city of Adana.
- İskender Kebab: Thin slices of meat served over flatbread with yogurt and tomato sauce, popular in Bursa.
3. Meze – Small Dishes, Big Flavors 🍽️
Meze is a selection of small dishes, perfect for sharing.
You’ll find everything from creamy hummus to tangy yogurt-based dips and fresh salads.
- Where to Try It: You’ll see meze on menus at many restaurants, especially in Istanbul. If you’re near the coast, try it in Antalya too!
4. Simits – A Turkish Snack 🥨
Simits are sesame-crusted bread rings, similar to bagels.
It’s a popular snack, often eaten for breakfast or a light bite during the day.
- Where to Try It: Simit vendors are everywhere, especially in Istanbul. Grab one while you’re walking around or enjoying a coffee in the city.
5. Pide – Turkish Pizza 🍕
Pide is like Turkish pizza, but it’s made with a thinner, longer flatbread.
It’s topped with cheese, ground meat, vegetables, or even eggs.
- Where to Try It: Kayseri is known for its pide, especially with ground beef. But you’ll find great pide all over Istanbul too.
