38 Delicious Turkish Foods

Turkey has long been a staple food for many cultures around the world, and its rich legacy continues to inspire new recipes and culinary trends centuries after it was first introduced to the region. From sweet to savory, there are plenty of options available when planning your next dinner out with friends or family. In this article, we will explore some of the best Turkish foods you can try as soon as you get home from the airport or train station.

1. Sultanshaki (Kabob) -

Kabobs are popular in many parts of Asia and have become increasingly popular in recent years in Turkey. They are an excellent source of protein (especially when paired with vegetables and sauce) and make an ideal snack or side dish. A classic sultanshaki recipe is made by combining chicken meat with egg, onions, tomato paste, and dill pickle. It's then baked until cooked through and served piping hot on top.

2. Tofik kubiliği (Tofu Wraps) –

If you're looking for a great way to enjoy one of Turkey’s most delicious dishes, tofu wraps are perfect! These small parcels come together with their fillings – either beef or veggie tofu – and are then stacked with lettuce leaves or cucumber slices. Their filling takes some time to cook, so be sure to let them sit until they're ready to eat! You can also use other types of meat like chicken or turkey meat in place of the veggie or egg mixture and serve them alongside the lettuce, cucumber, or salad. Just be careful not to overfill their wrappings.

3. Shish kebabs

– Also known as “shish” kebabs, shishkebabs are traditional flatbread sandwiches that are typically filled with different cuts of meat such as chicken, sausage, or ground beef. The meat and bread are combined into a single sandwich and then cooked on a griddle or in a skillet until melted and crisp. Popular shishkebabs include grilled shishkebabs and roasted ones, and both can be easily customized with added toppings like vegetables or sauces.

4. Yolksalarımaz

(Sweet Butter Sauce) – This dish is one of my absolute favourites when I go to meet up with friends. Traditionally the sauce is made with locally sourced honeycomb and rose butter. However, nowadays people make it using locally sourced butter or ghee instead, which gives it a slightly more refined taste and makes it even more appealing. Simply combine the butter with chopped onion, garlic, and olive oil and stir until combined. Add salt and pepper if necessary to taste. Serve chilled and topped with fresh vegetables of choice.

5. Közleme

(Meatballs) – Another traditional Turkish meal, these meatballs should be on everyone’s menu! Once again, these aren’t just any meatballs - they are traditionally filled with minced meat and other ingredients like eggs, potato starch, herbs, mushrooms, and spices. There are many variations of each recipe, but most commonly a combination of lamb, veggie, and chicken meat is used in order to create a variety of delicious meals that can be enjoyed all year round.

6. Baklava

- Baklava is another popular dessert in Turkey, known for its thick, fluffy, and creamy creaminess. The main ingredient in baklavas are dough balls, which are sometimes stuffed with fillings like cheese or nuts. Some versions may use flaky pastry or pasta or even both. Typically, baklavas are eaten with yogurt or jam, but other options include lemonade, ice cream, or even just plain water!

7. Tekkek -

Tekkek is a Middle Eastern specialty that originated in Yemen, where it is referred to as "kamala" due to its distinct flavour. Similar to quiche, the filling is usually ground meat, beans, or vegetables and then layered onto a pita bread (or wraps). Although some versions may use wheat flour, most prefer cornflour, which is much easier to roll.

38 Delicious Turkish Foods

Turkey has long been a staple food for many cultures around the world, and its rich legacy continues to inspire new recipes and culinary trends centuries after it was first introduced to the region. From sweet to savory, there are plenty of options available when planning your next dinner out with friends or family. In this article, we will explore some of the best Turkish foods you can try as soon as you get home from the airport or train station.

1. Sultanshaki (Kabob) - Kabobs are popular in many parts of Asia and have become increasingly popular in recent years in Turkey. They are an excellent source of protein (especially when paired with vegetables and sauce) and make an ideal snack or side dish. A classic sultanshaki recipe is made by combining chicken meat with egg, onions, tomato paste, and dill pickle. It's then baked until cooked through and served piping hot on top.

2. Tofik kubiliği (Tofu Wraps) – If you're looking for a great way to enjoy one of Turkey’s most delicious dishes, tofu wraps are perfect! These small parcels come together with their fillings – either beef or veggie tofu – and are then stacked with lettuce leaves or cucumber slices. Their filling takes some time to cook, so be sure to let them sit until they're ready to eat! You can also use other types of meat like chicken or turkey meat in place of the veggie or egg mixture and serve them alongside the lettuce, cucumber, or salad. Just be careful not to overfill their wrappings.

3. Shish kebabs – Also known as “shish” kebabs, shishkebabs are traditional flatbread sandwiches that are typically filled with different cuts of meat such as chicken, sausage, or ground beef. The meat and bread are combined into a single sandwich and then cooked on a griddle or in a skillet until melted and crisp. Popular shishkebabs include grilled shishkebabs and roasted ones, and both can be easily customized with added toppings like vegetables or sauces.

4. Yolksalarımaz (Sweet Butter Sauce) – This dish is one of my absolute favourites when I go to meet up with friends. Traditionally the sauce is made with locally sourced honeycomb and rose butter. However, nowadays people make it using locally sourced butter or ghee instead, which gives it a slightly more refined taste and makes it even more appealing. Simply combine the butter with chopped onion, garlic, and olive oil and stir until combined. Add salt and pepper if necessary to taste. Serve chilled and topped with fresh vegetables of choice.

5. Közleme (Meatballs) – Another traditional Turkish meal, these meatballs should be on everyone’s menu! Once again, these aren’t just any meatballs - they are traditionally filled with minced meat and other ingredients like eggs, potato starch, herbs, mushrooms, and spices. There are many variations of each recipe, but most commonly a combination of lamb, veggie, and chicken meat is used in order to create a variety of delicious meals that can be enjoyed all year round.

6. Baklava - Baklava is another popular dessert in Turkey, known for its thick, fluffy, and creamy creaminess. The main ingredient in baklavas are dough balls, which are sometimes stuffed with fillings like cheese or nuts. Some versions may use flaky pastry or pasta or even both. Typically, baklavas are eaten with yogurt or jam, but other options include lemonade, ice cream, or even just plain water!

7. Tekkek - Tekkek is a Middle Eastern specialty that originated in Yemen, where it is referred to as "kamala" due to its distinct flavour. Similar to quiche, the filling is usually ground meat, beans, or vegetables and then layered onto a pita bread (or wraps). Although some versions may use wheat flour, most prefer cornflour, which is much easier to roll.

8. Haremi (Harema) - Haremas are one of my favourite breakfasts, especially when accompanied with fresh fruits or yogurt. While Haremas are typically made with lamb, veggie, or beef, their ingredients can vary depending on what you choose to feed them. For example, if you want a Haremi packed full of vegetables, it might be better to use vegetable broth while making Haremos instead. Other popular variations include Haremian Haremi, which includes lentils, chickpeas, rice, and potatoes, or Haremi-Alaşi, which includes chicken or pork meat, egg, and tofu.

9. Lümzi (Meat Pies) - Lümzi are incredibly easy to make and can be enjoyed cold or warm depending on how you bake them. The filling is likely shaped like a pie, however, you can shape it differently if needed. When baking them, try to avoid using too many ingredients while still packing enough filling to keep things moist. They can be filled with meat, veggies, or even fruit. Try to find pita bread or wraps that you can cut into strips and wrap in a sheet of fresh and crispy bread. Alternatively, you could slice open wedges out of bread and fill them with filling like chicken breast or fish, or make it similar to a lasagna or pizza crust.

10. Huzkarati Karimova - As mentioned earlier, Huzkarati Karimova are very thin, soft, and smooth pastries that are often served as sides at weddings. They are made with minced meat, minced meat, or mince meat. Depending on the type of fillings used, the filling can range from soft to hard.

11. Bayrakat (Dull Sweet Potato Fluffers) - Bayrakat are another deliciously cheesy option for dipping and satisfying your belly. Unlike regular dulce-like rolls, bayrakat are made with softened milk, butter, and flour, so they don't have the same dense texture as dulce but are just as sweet. To make bayrakat, mix together flour, butter, and milk and set aside for 15 minutes before rolling them out into a thin layer of dough. Then cut into squares of desired size, add desired filling, and fold it into your favorite topping.

12. Cappadocia - An extremely versatile filling, capicola is a great alternative to zucchini noodles. Made with sauteed zucchini, capicola is basically zucchini noodles without the need for pasta.

13. Kahlepide - This is an Ethiopian dessert with a twist, and that is exactly what we love about it. The filling is ground meat, veggies, or beans, mixed with dry fruit like dates, apricots, or figs, and cooked until melted and bubbly. Then garnished and enjoyed, or simply stored in your freezer for future use.

14. Biriyani - This is one of my all-time favourite Indian desserts and honestly, no list of Turkish foods would be complete without biriyani. The filling is mashed potatoes, peas, or lentils and cooked until it thickens. Next comes the batter, which is made of curd, milk, and egg, and you mix until incorporated and then mix it again until well combined. Finally, you put it on top, and voila - it's done!

15. Biryani - Perhaps the ultimate comfort food in Turkey, Biryani is really simple to make! All you need is some sliced spoons, bread, soup, spices, and maybe a little bit of syrup. Cook on a low heat until it gets warm and crispy, and once it's cooled down, put it on toast, mash it, and enjoy.

16. Hakkari - Hakkari is a simple yet flavorful dish, made with boiled and mashed potatoes, eggs, and various meats such as beef, fish, or poultry. They are then simmered with vegetables or soup until they fall apart. Served with rice or bread, Hakkari can be enjoyed chilled or warm depending on the preferred temperature.

17. Gözgecine - If you're looking for something sweet with a kick, look no further than a Gözgecine. Made with semolina and corn, they have a unique and enticing crunchy and creamy texture. Perfect for enjoying during summer months, they are also perfect as desserts or a light appetizer.

18. Şeşte - Şeşte is a traditional Turkish dessert that consists of soaked and fried dough, rolled into circles, and dipped in cinnamon sugar. It can be found in bakeries everywhere, as well as on street vendors.

19. İneleme - This is a common breakfast in Turkey, and it's always good when delivered right out of the oven or microwave. It's also very popular when served cold, as it keeps well for days or weeks. First, soak the dough until it becomes softer, then cover and roll it in flour and egg mixture until it reaches about 2/3 inch thickness. Cut it into cubes and place it on a hot plate, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and garnish with chives, cinnamon sticks, or nutmeg. Enjoy.

20. Beyezleri - Beyezleri is a classic Turkish treat that features a savory fillings and a sweet layer of cheese. Firstly, you start off by mixing half of melted cheese into a large bowl, and then drizzle with warm butter or lard. Next, mix the remaining cheese with the egg mixture, and then pour it on top of

- Haremas are one of my favourite breakfasts, especially when accompanied with fresh fruits or yogurt. While Haremas are typically made with lamb, veggie, or beef, their ingredients can vary depending on what you choose to feed them. For example, if you want a Haremi packed full of vegetables, it might be better to use vegetable broth while making Haremos instead. Other popular variations include Haremian Haremi, which includes lentils, chickpeas, rice, and potatoes, or Haremi-Alaşi, which includes chicken or pork meat, egg, and tofu.

9. Lümzi (Meat Pies) - Lümzi are incredibly easy to make and can be enjoyed cold or warm depending on how you bake them. The filling is likely shaped like a pie, however, you can shape it differently if needed. When baking them, try to avoid using too many ingredients while still packing enough filling to keep things moist. They can be filled with meat, veggies, or even fruit. Try to find pita bread or wraps that you can cut into strips and wrap in a sheet of fresh and crispy bread. Alternatively, you could slice open wedges out of bread and fill them with filling like chicken breast or fish, or make it similar to a lasagna or pizza crust.

10. Huzkarati Karimova - As mentioned earlier, Huzkarati Karimova are very thin, soft, and smooth pastries that are often served as sides at weddings. They are made with minced meat, minced meat, or mince meat. Depending on the type of fillings used, the filling can range from soft to hard.

11. Bayrakat (Dull Sweet Potato Fluffers) - Bayrakat are another deliciously cheesy option for dipping and satisfying your belly. Unlike regular dulce-like rolls, bayrakat are made with softened milk, butter, and flour, so they don't have the same dense texture as dulce but are just as sweet. To make bayrakat, mix together flour, butter, and milk and set aside for 15 minutes before rolling them out into a thin layer of dough. Then cut into squares of desired size, add desired filling, and fold it into your favorite topping.

12. Cappadocia - An extremely versatile filling, capicola is a great alternative to zucchini noodles. Made with sauteed zucchini, capicola is basically zucchini noodles without the need for pasta.

13. Kahlepide - This is an Ethiopian dessert with a twist, and that is exactly what we love about it. The filling is ground meat, veggies, or beans, mixed with dry fruit like dates, apricots, or figs, and cooked until melted and bubbly. Then garnished and enjoyed, or simply stored in your freezer for future use.

14. Biriyani - This is one of my all-time favourite Indian desserts and honestly, no list of Turkish foods would be complete without biriyani. The filling is mashed potatoes, peas, or lentils and cooked until it thickens. Next comes the batter, which is made of curd, milk, and egg, and you mix until incorporated and then mix it again until well combined. Finally, you put it on top, and voila - it's done!

15. Biryani - Perhaps the ultimate comfort food in Turkey, Biryani is really simple to make! All you need is some sliced spoons, bread, soup, spices, and maybe a little bit of syrup. Cook on a low heat until it gets warm and crispy, and once it's cooled down, put it on toast, mash it, and enjoy.

16. Hakkari - Hakkari is a simple yet flavorful dish, made with boiled and mashed potatoes, eggs, and various meats such as beef, fish, or poultry. They are then simmered with vegetables or soup until they fall apart. Served with rice or bread, Hakkari can be enjoyed chilled or warm depending on the preferred temperature.

17. Gözgecine - If you're looking for something sweet with a kick, look no further than a Gözgecine. Made with semolina and corn, they have a unique and enticing crunchy and creamy texture. Perfect for enjoying during summer months, they are also perfect as desserts or a light appetizer.

18. Şeşte - Şeşte is a traditional Turkish dessert that consists of soaked and fried dough, rolled into circles, and dipped in cinnamon sugar. It can be found in bakeries everywhere, as well as on street vendors.

19. İneleme - This is a common breakfast in Turkey, and it's always good when delivered right out of the oven or microwave. It's also very popular when served cold, as it keeps well for days or weeks. First, soak the dough until it becomes softer, then cover and roll it in flour and egg mixture until it reaches about 2/3 inch thickness. Cut it into cubes and place it on a hot plate, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and garnish with chives, cinnamon sticks, or nutmeg. Enjoy.

20. Beyezleri - Beyezleri is a classic Turkish treat that features a savory fillings and a sweet layer of cheese. Firstly, you start off by mixing half of melted cheese into a large bowl, and then drizzle with warm butter or lard. Next, mix the remaining cheese with the egg mixture, and then pour it on top of