Best Foods of Turkish Cuisine

The origins of Turkish cuisine trace back to the Ottoman Empire and have gained a large following worldwide. Turkish dishes delight the palate with their unique flavors, spices, and meticulously crafted recipes. In this article, we invite you to explore more by focusing on the favorite dishes of Turkish cuisine.

Kuzu Tandır (Lamb Tandoor)
A staple in Turkish cuisine, lamb tandır is a delicious meat dish prepared by slow-cooking in a tandoor oven for an extended period. It is renowned for its tenderness and rich flavor.


İskender
Originating from Bursa, İskender is a delightful dish featuring doner meat served with buttery yogurt and tomato sauce. It is typically presented on lavash or bread.


Hünkar Beğendi
A creation of the Ottoman palace kitchen, Hünkar Beğendi consists of meat poured over roasted eggplant puree. Usually made with beef, it is topped with melted cheese.


Mantı
Mantı involves thin dough filled with pounded meat and spices, usually served with garlic yogurt and butter. It is garnished with mint and red pepper flakes.


Karnabahar Kızartması (Cauliflower Fritters)
These tasty cauliflower fritters, made by frying cauliflower, are often served with yogurt-based sauce or garlic yogurt.


Mercimek Çorbası (Lentil Soup)
A staple in Turkish cuisine, lentil soup is made with red lentils, onions, tomatoes, and pepper paste. It is served with a squeeze of lemon.


Lahmacun
Lahmacun is a thin dough topped with minced meat, tomatoes, peppers, and spices, baked in the oven and typically served with lettuce.


Pide
Pide is an essential part of Turkish cuisine. It is baked in the oven with various fillings such as cheese, minced meat, sucuk (Turkish sausage), and vegetables.


Meze Varieties
Various meze options like hummus, baba ganoush, and şakşuka are indispensable on Turkish tables. These appetizers are commonly served before meals.


Turkish cuisine boasts a rich array of diverse flavors. The examples provided here are just a glimpse, as there are many more culinary treasures to discover within Turkish cuisine.