Turkish cuisine is a unique blend of flavors, textures and spices that are influenced by the country’s geographic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is known for its delicious meat dishes, fresh vegetables, and a wide variety of breads and pastries.
One of the most popular dishes in Turkish cuisine is “kebab,” which is typically made with grilled meat, often lamb or beef, and served with rice, vegetables and a yogurt-based sauce. Another must-try dish is “dolma,” which is a stuffed grape leaf dish typically filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat.
Another classic dish is “manti,” which are small, steamed dumplings filled with ground meat and served with a yogurt-based sauce and spices. “Baklava” is a sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough, nuts and honey syrup. It’s common to find Baklava at any Turkish sweet shop or restaurant.
Another traditional Turkish dish is “Iskender Kebab” which is a variation of döner kebab, it is made of thin slices of meat (lamb or beef) served on pide bread with tomato sauce and melted butter on top, along with yoghurt and a spicy red pepper paste called “acılı biber” (hot pepper) or “acısız biber” (non-hot pepper).
“Lahmacun” also known as “Armenian Pizza”, it is a thin dough topped with minced meat (usually beef or lamb), vegetables and herbs. It is usually rolled up and eaten as a fast food.
“Meze” is a selection of small dishes served before the main course, which can include a variety of dips, such as “muhammara” (a red pepper and walnut dip), “ezme” (a spicy tomato and onion dip), and “acılı ezme” (a spicy version of ezme).
“Raki” is the traditional alcoholic beverage of Turkey, it’s an anise-flavored spirit that is usually consumed with seafood or meze dishes.
In conclusion, Turkish cuisine offers a wide variety of delicious and unique dishes, with a special emphasis on meat dishes and flavorful herbs and spices. Some must-try dishes include kebab, dolma, manti, baklava, Iskender kebab, lahmacun and meze, all of which are sure to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression. Raki is the perfect drink to complement the flavors of the food.
