Turkish cuisine is a rich and diverse blend of flavors, textures, and cooking techniques. It is known for its vibrant use of spices, fresh herbs, and vegetables, as well as its delicious meats and seafood.
The cuisine has been influenced by various cultures and regions over the centuries, including the Ottoman Empire, Persia, Greece, and the Middle East. In this article, we will explore ten of the most popular Turkish specialities, their ingredients, and spices used, along with some interesting facts about Turkish cuisine.
Kebabs
Kebabs are one of the most popular dishes in Turkish cuisine. They consist of grilled or roasted meat that is marinated in spices and served with vegetables and rice or bread. The most popular types of kebabs in Turkey include Adana kebab, made with minced lamb, and Urfa kebab, made with spiced minced meat. Other varieties include shish kebab, chicken kebab, and lamb kebab.
The spices used in kebab marinades often include cumin, paprika, garlic, and oregano, among others. Sumac, a tangy spice made from dried berries, is often used as a seasoning for grilled vegetables.
Pide
Pide is a type of Turkish flatbread that is similar to pizza. It is typically topped with meat, cheese, or vegetables and baked in a wood-fired oven. Pide can be eaten as a main dish or as a snack, and it is often served with a side of yogurt or ayran, a refreshing yogurt drink.
The most popular types of pide include Kiymali pide, made with minced meat and vegetables, and Peynirli pide, made with cheese and herbs.
Lahmacun
Lahmacun is another popular Turkish flatbread that is often served as a snack or a light meal. It is topped with a spicy mixture of minced meat, onions, and herbs, and then baked in a wood-fired oven. Lahmacun is typically rolled up with lettuce, tomato, and lemon juice and eaten like a wrap.
The spices used in the meat mixture for lahmacun include cumin, paprika, and chili flakes, among others.
Borek
Borek is a savory pastry that is made with layers of thin, flaky dough and filled with a variety of ingredients, including cheese, meat, vegetables, and herbs. Borek can be baked or fried, and it is often served as an appetizer or a side dish.
The most popular types of borek include spinach and feta borek, made with fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese, and ground beef borek, made with spiced ground beef.
Manti
Manti is a type of Turkish dumpling that is similar to Italian tortellini. It is typically filled with spiced ground meat and served with a yogurt sauce and a drizzle of melted butter. Manti is often considered a festive dish and is served on special occasions, such as weddings and holidays.
The spices used in the meat mixture for manti include cinnamon, allspice, and black pepper, among others.
Pilaf
Pilaf is a staple dish in Turkish cuisine and is often served as a side dish to meat and vegetable dishes. It is made by cooking rice with onions, butter, and broth, and it can be flavored with a variety of spices and herbs, including saffron, cumin, and dill.
The most popular types of pilaf in Turkey include plain white pilaf and bulgur pilaf, made with cracked wheat.
Dolma
Dolma is a stuffed vegetable dish that is popular throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. It is typically made by stuffing vegetables such as peppers, eggplants, and grape leaves with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. Dolma can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer, and it is often served with a side of yogurt or salad.
The spices used in dolma fillings can vary depending on the recipe, but they often include parsley, mint, dill, and cinnamon.
Turkish Delight
Turkish Delight, also known as Lokum, is a sweet and chewy candy that is popular throughout Turkey and the Middle East. It is made from sugar, cornstarch, and water, and it is flavored with a variety of ingredients, including rosewater, lemon, and pistachios.
Turkish Delight is often served with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee and is a popular gift to give to friends and family.
Baklava
Baklava is a sweet pastry that is made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. It is a popular dessert throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean, and it is often served on special occasions, such as weddings and holidays.
The spices used in baklava fillings can vary depending on the recipe, but they often include cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is a strong and flavorful coffee that is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans in water. It is typically served in a small cup and is often accompanied by a small piece of Turkish Delight.
Turkish coffee is known for its unique preparation method, which involves boiling the coffee and water together and then allowing the grounds to settle at the bottom of the cup before serving.
Here’s a list of 10 popular Turkish starters and a brief explanation of each:
| Turkish Starter | Description |
|---|---|
| Meze | A selection of small dishes, similar to tapas, that are served as appetizers. Meze can include items like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and grilled vegetables. |
| Cacik | A refreshing yogurt dip made with diced cucumbers, garlic, and mint. Cacik is often served as a side dish or a starter. |
| Sigara borek | Thin, crispy phyllo dough cigars filled with feta cheese and herbs. Sigara borek is a popular snack or appetizer in Turkey. |
| Patlican salatasi | A salad made with roasted eggplant, garlic, and yogurt. Patlican salatasi is typically served as a starter or a side dish. |
| Kalamar tava | Crispy fried calamari served with a squeeze of lemon. Kalamar tava is a popular seafood starter in Turkey. |
| Imam bayildi | A dish made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, seasoned with herbs and spices. Imam bayildi is often served as a cold starter or a side dish. |
| Acili ezme | A spicy tomato and onion dip made with hot peppers, parsley, and lemon juice. Acili ezme is often served as a starter or a side dish. |
| Biber dolma | Stuffed bell peppers filled with spiced rice, herbs, and ground beef or lamb. Biber dolma is a traditional Turkish dish that is often served as a starter or a main course. |
| Coban salatasi | A salad made with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. Coban salatasi is a popular side dish or starter. |
| Patates kizartmasi | Crispy fried potatoes seasoned with salt and served with a side of yogurt or ketchup. Patates kizartmasi is a popular snack or starter in Turkey. |
Here is a list of 10 famous Turkish main courses with brief explanations:
| Turkish Main Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Kebabs | A staple of Turkish cuisine, kebabs are skewered and grilled or roasted meats that are often marinated in spices. Popular types of kebabs include Adana kebab made with minced lamb and Urfa kebab made with spiced minced meat. |
| Lahmacun | A thin, crispy flatbread topped with spiced minced meat, onions, and herbs, and baked in a wood-fired oven. Lahmacun is often served with salad, lemon, and rolled up like a wrap. |
| Pide | A type of Turkish flatbread that is similar to pizza. Pide is typically topped with meat, cheese, or vegetables, and baked in a wood-fired oven. The most popular types of pide include Kiymali pide, made with minced meat and vegetables, and Peynirli pide, made with cheese and herbs. |
| Borek | A savory pastry made with layers of thin, flaky dough filled with a variety of ingredients including cheese, meat, vegetables, and herbs. Borek can be baked or fried, and is often served as an appetizer or side dish. |
| Manti | A type of Turkish dumpling filled with spiced ground meat and served with a yogurt sauce and melted butter. Manti is often served on special occasions, such as weddings and holidays. |
| Iskender kebab | A popular variation of the traditional kebab that is served on a bed of pita bread and topped with a tomato and butter sauce, yogurt, and melted butter. |
| Hunkar begendi | A hearty stew made with chunks of braised lamb or beef served on a bed of creamy eggplant puree. Hunkar begendi is a traditional Turkish dish that is often served for special occasions. |
| Imam bayildi | A vegetarian dish made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, seasoned with herbs and spices. Imam bayildi is often served as a cold starter or a side dish, but can also be served as a main course. |
| Etli yaprak sarmasi | A popular Turkish dish made with vine leaves stuffed with spiced ground beef, rice, and herbs, and served with a yogurt sauce. |
| Tavuk sis | Grilled or roasted chicken skewers that are often marinated in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, and herbs. Tavuk sis is a popular main course in Turkey. |
Here is a list of 10 popular Turkish desserts with brief explanations:
| Turkish Dessert | Description |
|---|---|
| Baklava | A sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. Baklava is a popular dessert throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. |
| Turkish Delight (Lokum) | A sweet, chewy candy that is flavored with a variety of ingredients, including rosewater, lemon, and pistachios. Turkish Delight is often served with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee. |
| Sutlac | A creamy rice pudding that is often flavored with cinnamon and served cold. Sutlac is a popular dessert in Turkey and is often served on special occasions. |
| Revani | A semolina cake that is soaked in syrup and flavored with lemon zest. Revani is a popular dessert throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. |
| Asure | A dessert made with a mix of grains, nuts, and fruits, cooked in a sugar syrup and served cold. Asure is often served during religious holidays in Turkey. |
| Kazandibi | A type of milk pudding that is caramelized on the bottom, giving it a crispy texture. Kazandibi is a popular dessert in Turkey and is often served with a sprinkle of cinnamon. |
| Kadayif | A sweet pastry made with shredded phyllo dough and filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup. Kadayif is often served during Ramadan in Turkey. |
| Kunefe | A sweet pastry made with shredded phyllo dough and filled with melted cheese, topped with syrup and pistachios. Kunefe is a popular dessert in Turkey and is often served warm. |
| Lokma | Small, fried dough balls that are soaked in syrup and often sprinkled with cinnamon. Lokma is a popular street food in Turkey. |
| Tavuk gogsu | A unique dessert made with milk, sugar, and shredded chicken breast. Tavuk gogsu has a creamy texture and is often flavored with cinnamon. |
In conclusion, Turkish cuisine offers a diverse array of dishes that are rich in flavor and history. From the savory kebabs and flavorful stews, to the mouth-watering desserts, Turkish cuisine has something to offer for everyone. We have explored some of the most popular starters, main courses, and desserts in Turkish cuisine, but this is just a small selection of the many delicious and unique dishes that Turkish cuisine has to offer. Whether you are a fan of meat dishes, vegetarian fare, or sweet treats, there is sure to be a Turkish dish that will satisfy your taste buds. So next time you are looking to explore new and exciting flavors, give Turkish cuisine a try and experience the taste of Turkey right from your own kitchen or at a Turkish restaurant near you.
