The Culture of Turkey

TURKISH CUISINE: 5 MOUTHWATERING SPECIALTIES IN TURKEY

When you are visiting Turkey, you want to try the best of the best cuisines while you are passing through. There are many fantastic dishes that are made differently according the regions of Turkey, and are exceptional no matter where you try them.  The high quality and the simplicity of ingredients in Turkish cuisines make for a pleasant surprise for guests as they experience mouthwatering culinary bliss when touring Turkey.

Here are 5 dishes you don’t want to miss:

ISKENDER KEBAB

This is just one of the many different kinds of kebabs you can try in Turkey.  The Iskender Kebab comes from Bursa in Northwestern Turkey. It is made with thinly sliced lamb or beef topped with tomato sauce over sliced pide bread. Tomato sauce and boiling butter are poured over the dish.  The dish is served with a side of yogurt. You can find this kebab anywhere in Turkey and will absolutely fall in love with this dish.

STUFFED EGGPLANT

This dish is loved by locals and travelers alike all throughout Turkey.  This is a dish of fried eggplant that is stuffed with a mixture of olive oil, ground beef, diced onions, tomatoes, green peppers and garlic.  When you take the first bite, the flavors melt together in your mouth. It is usually served with rice and yogurt on the side. If you think you don’t like eggplant, this dish will change your mind. 

BÖREK

Traditionally, it is said no Turkish woman should marry until she has mastered the art of making börek. Börek is made from Yufka, a paper thin pastry that is rolled or stacked in layers with various types of fillings such as cheese, potatoes, spinach, meat, etc.  Börek are light and crisp and perfect to have for breakfast or with tea. These are easy to grab on the go and you will find börek everywhere in Turkey.

KÖFTE

Köfte or meatballs come in all shapes and sizes based on how they are prepared and cooked in different regions of Turkey. These are always a sure fire winner where ever you are.  Köfte are made from finely ground meat, onions and different spices then fried, baked or boiled. Köfte are cooked and served with whole green peppers, tomatoes and sliced potatoes. When you are travelling find out what the local köfte specialty is and try it. You will not be disappointed.

KUNEFE

This amazing Turkish dessert is made from kadaif which is something like shredded wheat.  Cheese is placed in between two thin layers of the kadaif and cooked in a small round copper plate.  Syrup, consisting of sugar, water and a couple of drops of rose water, is poured on the pastry during the final minutes of cooking. It is topped with clotted cream and pistachios. It seems to be an odd combination, but this is a dessert that you will wish you had more of after you return home from your tour in Turkey.

There are many wonderful Turkish dishes that will make your time in Turkey a delightful culinary adventure.  These dishes are just a few to start with as you experience your first authentic Turkish cuisines. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dania Lee Demirci is a Travel Specialist for Dos Plumas Travel, a leading American owned tour operator located in Antalya, Turkey. For more information on how you can start planning the trip of a lifetime, visit Dos Plumas Travel's website at www.gotourturkey.com.

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