Eating & Drinking
“There is no shortage of resplendence in the world-famous Turkish cuisine—smoking kebabs, myriad olive-oil dishes, and heart-stopping sherbet desserts await.”
Food is one of the cornerstones of Turkish culture, with every region from the Mediterranean to Anatolia bringing its own unique touch to the table. The result is evocative, mouth-watering, and utterly irresistible. Every meal is a ritual that will make your tastebuds go mad. The essentials in every Turkish kitchen are local and Middle Eastern spices, olive oil fresh from the age-old groves of the Aegean, and meat from the local livestock. Turkish people do love meat dishes but don’t worry, vegetable dishes are also dinner staples.
If you wish to eat like a local, start your meal with a hearty soup, which often delivers the best of Turkish legumes. The main dish is usually some form of meat, accompanied by grains like pilaff or bulghur. Salads and yogurt are essentials and generally come as compliments the of house. There is always bread on the table and the Turkish are actually proud of their bread. You will find countless varieties across the country. Traditional Turkish breakfast is a must-try. Local varieties of cheese, tantalizing breakfast dishes including the appetizing Turkish pasty, and the heart-warming Turkish tea… You will have an unforgettable culinary experience.
Street food is not Turkey’s best game. Simit, or Turkish bagel, is the main event, and you will find more teahouses and breweries than food stalls in the bustling streets. They are truly the heart of Turkish culture, where families and friends come together to exchange a few words. The tea is astounding, but beyond that, these are the best places for some people-watching.