A Culinary Journey Through Turkey

When it comes to travel experiences that awaken all five senses, Turkey stands out as a paradise for food lovers. Blending flavors from Central Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans, Turkish cuisine is as diverse as the landscapes it’s born from. For those eager to explore culture through cuisine, food tourism in Turkey offers an unforgettable journey.

Istanbul – Where Food Evolves from Many Cultures

You should begin your trip in Istanbul, where the bridges between the continents can also be seen in the city’s cuisine. Both the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar should be on your list, as they are filled with aromatic herbs, various dried fruits and Turkish delights (lokum). Turkey has lots of street food — sample the simit (Turkish sesame bagel), find the delicious balık ekmek (fish sandwiches) near Galata Bridge and try the famous döner kebab.

For those who want more, discover the city’s meyhanes, serving meze, seafood and rakı which allow you to truly enjoy local Turkish food.

Gaziantep is the Capital of Turkish Flavor

Because Gaziantep is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities program for Gastronomy, it is often called the culinary heart of Turkey. Their meals are famous for being full of spice such as kebabs, Ali Nazik and baklava (made with Turkish pistachios). A food tour is essential for anyone who really wants to experience Turkish cuisine.

Antalya – Food Made with Mediterranean Flavors

Antalya is known for serving up fresh fish and the light Mediterranean cuisine. Sample dishes on the menu that include grilled sea creatures, meze and zeytinyaglılar which are vegetables cooked with olive oil. Because many of these restaurants are by the sea, the views are as impressive as the food here. Don’t miss the chance to try pizazz, a special salad made with local tahini sauce that’s famous round here.

Enjoying a meal amid Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys

The area is famous for its otherworldly views and also unique culinary traditions. Sample testi kebab, a clay pot dish that cooks slowly on the grill which your server breaks open as you eat. Grapes grown in volcanic earth are used to make excellent island wines. Visiting these ancient caves for a meal makes every meal feel extra special.

It was in Bursa that Iskender Kebab was first created.

Fans of meat will enjoy food heaven in Bursa. This city is known for İskender kebab—lamb thinly carved and put on pita, covered with tomato sauce and melted butter and a dish of yogurt on the side. When in northwestern Turkey, diving into freshly cooked Manti should be on your list.

Konya – Spirit of the Sufists

Located in Konya, where Rumi was based, the food there demonstrates a soulful idea of tradition. Eat etli ekmek (the thin Turkish pizza with beef) and then indulge in traditional sweets that are called hoşmerim and sekerpare. Most of the meals are carefully prepared and taken time, reflecting Athens’ way of thinking.

Do you have any Sweet Notes and Turkish Tea?

Turkish food tours aren’t finished until you have dessert. There’s a huge variety in Turkish desserts, from the syrupy pastries like sobiyet and kadaifi, to simple soft puddings and fruit compotes. Drink them with Turkish tea or coffee, all strong and sweet and often sharing a piece of pastry.

It’s Not Just About What We Eat — It’s About Exploring Culture

It’s not only about trying delicious dishes when you go food tourism in Turkey. It’s all about being with locals and enjoying the foods and recipes their ancestors passed on, along with discovering the stories behind them. In any restaurant in Istanbul or village home in Anatolia, Turkish food is full of stories.