TOP 8 TRADITIONAL TURKISH FOODS YOU SHOULD TRY THIS HOLIDAY
If you think Turkish food is all about the juicy kebabs, then sorry to break your heart! Because these piping hot long meats do not represent the Turkish culture. How about Turkish delights then? Not exactly! While they had you dreaming about the Narnia movie (where you might get served with Turkish delights by the evil Snow Queen), sadly this is not even the half slice of the story. Turkey food scenes are much bigger and bolder than you can imagine. Because this country is a melting pot of different regions dating back to the Ottoman Empire. So grab your bag and keep your belly empty! This blog will take you on a mouth-watering culinary journey into the Turkish streets. So, hop on the magic carpet, and let’s explore some of the country’s traditional foods.
Top Turkish Foods to Try This Holiday
Here, you will get to devour some of the quirky yet tantalizing dishes from Turkey. It’s time to give your taste buds a good tickle!
1. Pide
On top of the list is Pide. This dish has its origin in the Black Sea region. So what’s so special about this dish? Well, its shape is just enough to amaze you. With its long boat-like shape, you will feel like going on a sailor’s adventure. Soft dough balls are stretched and then filled with different fillings like melted cheese, chopped meats, and veggies (coz why not?). While every flavor is packed with spices to make your appetite full, the most popular combo is Turkish sausage, gooey eggs, and yellow cheese with a dash of paprika or cumin. But, if you are a bit of a health freak then spinach and cheese will be a good pick for you. The crunchy sides baked on firewood give you that perfect ASMR sound.
2. Islak Burger
Did you get boozy too much? Need something to wear off hazy sight? Hit the streets of Tkasem Square to find the Islak Burgers. Thought your burger just got drowned in liquid too. Not literally! Because these burgers are drenched in tomato and garlic sauce. Take it as your Sloppy Joe’s burgers in Turkish style!
While not many found this street food snack appealing at first you know the old saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” right? This motto applies to foods as well. This burger is filled with a tender Hamburger patty sandwiched between tomatoes and lettuce. The toasted fresh golden buns are slathered in mayo sauce. A perfect alternative to your classic hamburgers! (yeah those are splashed with ketchup and Dijon mustard).
3. Lahmacun
An Ottoman explorer discovered this. That’s right! Just like Christopher Columbus discovered the American lands. Derived from the word lahm-i-acini, this dish is the spicy version of an Italian pizza (No Italians were harmed during the making of this dish). An air-pocketed crispy dough that came from the town Gaziantep, near the Turkish-Syrian border. This dish is made with a thick tomato paste with meat, garlic, and Turkish spices. Still too bland for you? Kick off the spices with a drizzle of lemon juice and parsley for getting the Insta-worthy shot.
4. Piyaz
If you measure your life with a calorie scale, then the dish is for you. Want to jump with joy? Then read this—Piyaz is made from beans! Ah, yes! The first love of every British! But they are not your regular tin can Heinz beans. Rather, they are smaller versions named candir. This dish is made from thin tahini sauce mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice, vinegar, salt, onion, parsley, and olive oil. Traditionally this dish is garnished with a chopped boiled egg right before it is served.
5. Ezoglein Corba
Have trouble in making your mother-in-law happy? This is a universal struggle! While there is no proof that she will be satisfied with your efforts, you can still give the best shot by making Ezoglein Corba. Came from a small town Gaizantep, this dish is named after a bride Ezo. She made a special soup in hopes of making her crabby mother-in-law happy. Typical ingredients include tomato paste (sweet or spicy), dried mint, fresh tomatoes, and onions (grated), and sprinkled with biber (red chili flakes). So did Ezo’s mother-in-law become merry? Try this experiment at home!
6. Mercimek Kofte
Not a meat lover? Then Mercimek Kofte is made just for you! This dish is a chef’s kiss for all vegans. It is locally known as belluh. Made from bulgur (cereal grain made from racked wheat), red lentils, finely chopped onions, scallions, tomato, hot pepper paste, and cilantro. Est way to eat? Just grab a lettuce and this fried fritter into it. A classic veg cigar!
7. Manti
Think of Manti as the Turkish version of Chinese dumplings. This little delicacy is rolled into square shapes. And is filled with different types of fillings, Every filling varies from region to region. Common fillings include spicy lamb, beef, potato, cheese, or even pumpkin. The dumplings are boiled or steamed and served with a zesty garlic sauce and drizzled with butter.
8. Cig Kofte
Rooted in the Southeast region of Turkey- Sanliurfa, this dish is eaten as a snack or an appetizer. So, what makes it unique? Unlike the typical meat dishes, Cig Kofte is prepared with raw meat. Yes, you read that right! It is raw! Did you lose your appetite? Don’t worry! This dish must be on your bucket list as it is filled with lam mixed with Turkish spices and served with a dash of lemon juice.
Can’t find the guts to try raw meat? You can try the non-meaty version. It is made from bulgur and ground walnuts for health freaks!
Wrap Up
This blog has outlined some of the traditional Turkish foods you need to try this holiday. Turkish cuisine has everything to savor every taste bud. Whether is a fresh salad like Piyaz or a meaty pizza like Lahmachun, this blog has covered every mouth-watering dish for you. Are you in need of a cheaper holiday package to visit Turkey? Contact Virikson Holidays right away to avail customized deals. With more than 10 years of experience, we promise to make your dream journey into a lasting memory.
