One of our favorite part of visiting new countries is trying all the delicious foods! Check out this list of our favorite foods to try in Turkey.
1. Ice Cream!
Turkish ice cream tastes really different to the ice cream we have in the US. Ice cream stalls in Istanbul are a major tourist attraction. The ice cream is slightly stretchy and stiff and the vendors toss the pieces of ice cream up in the air. The reason this ice cream has a different texture and flavor is the inclusion of Salep. Salep is a powder made from wild orchids and makes the ice cream stretchy and stiff. It also has a bit of a floral flavor making the ice cream very unique. It is a must-try on any visit to Turkey.
2. Iskender Kabob.
This Kabob is special because you’ll hear it before you see it. It makes a delightful sizzling noise and is traditionally served on pita bread accompanied by various sauces. It’s special because of all the amazing spices – check out the spice market at the Grand Bazaar to see where they come from!
3. Revani.
This Turkish spin on a semolina cake is SO delicious. It’s drenched in sweet and fragrant honey but isn’t too heavy. It makes a delicious snack with tea in the afternoon, or an after-dinner dessert.
4. Turkish coffee.
Turkish coffee is definitely different than American coffee. It tends to be thicker in its consistency, and is also more fragrant due to the cardamom that is sometimes added. It is very finely ground and is also unfiltered allowing for more of the antioxidants that coffee contains to be allowed through! The coffee preparation style is different as well as it is traditionally prepared in copper pots. By the way, Turkish coffee was inducted into the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013!
5. Lokum.
Another name for this is Turkish Delight! This is another sweet treat that should not be missed while in Turkey. The traditional sort is made with rosewater and pistachios but there are lots of different flavors available.
6. Musakka.
This meat based dish can be found at most restaurants in Turkey, and each will put their spin on it. It is usually made with minced beef and eggplant. The one pictured below is not a traditional appearing musakka, but was still extremely delicious!
7. Apple tea.
If you’re checking into your hotel and your hosts offer you a glass of apple tea, don’t refuse it! It is known to be a gesture of hospitality in Turkish culture. Also try the Turkish black tea and the herbal rosehip tea!
8. Pide Ekmegi
You can’t leave Turkey without trying this delicious flatbread with sesame seeds. You’ll see it everywhere – in restaurants, grocery stores, even in street vendor’s stalls. It’s deliciously fluffy and tastes delicious alone or with the following food…
9. Baba Ganoush.
This delicious spread is made from smoked eggplants combined with yogurt. It’s absolutely delicious and pairs well with Pide.
And that’s it for our favorite foods to try in Turkey! Check out our Turkey landing page here for more inspiration, or head to itineraries here!
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