Yes, we had to dedicate an entire blog post solely to our favorite dishes in Türkiye because they deserve it. After living in Istanbul for a year and traveling quite intensely throughout the country, we quickly learned which dishes we loved and would become a staple in our lives as Turkish residents. Here is a list of our top ten favorite Turkish dishes. Bon appetit!
1. Beyran
We are starting this list with what Matt thinks is his favorite Turkish dish (which is tough because there are so many incredible dishes). Beyran is a traditional Turkish soup originating from the city of Gaziantep, known for its rich, hearty flavors and spiciness. Often enjoyed as a breakfast dish, it’s made with tender, slow-cooked lamb (or beef), rice, garlic, and flavorful lamb broth. It packs a flavorful punch and is perfect for chilly evenings… While the soup is good just about anywhere, you will not have anything that comes close to Metanet Lokantası in Gazaintep. There you are required to get to the restaurant early to secure your breakfast beyran before the soup runs out (trust me, IT WILL). We still have dreams about this place and its smells and flavors.
2. Kelle Paça
Kelle Paça is a traditional Turkish soup made from a combination of sheep’s head (kelle) and trotters (paça)— this one’s for adventurous eaters! While it for sure seems weird, trust me when I tell you that it is so yummy, especially after servers generally come by and pour some melted butter in the dish. TURKS LOVE BUTTER! It’s especially popular in the southeastern regions of Turkey and is often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a remedy for cold weather or hangovers.
3. Mantı
Mantı is a beloved Turkish dish that resembles miniature dumplings, filled with a mixture of ground meat, typically lamb or beef, seasoned with onion, salt, and pepper. Think of it as “Turkish ravioli” but served with yogurt and garlic sauce. A delightful comfort food that will have you coming back for more. Go to Türkiye’s Kayseri province for the best mantı in the country!
Funny anecdote: While we were in the beautiful coastal town of Kaş dining on some amazing mantı, Perlie fainted due to heat exhaustion. Matt knew Perlie had to go to the hospital but spent a quick 2 minutes gobbling up Perlie’s mantı because it was truly too good to leave wasted. (Perlie was fine in the end, so those extra minutes taken away from Perlie’s well-being to eat some more mantı weren’t in vain)
4. Pide
Often called Turkish pizza, this flatbread comes with various toppings and originates from the Black Sea region. It’s boat-shaped, with a soft yet slightly crisp crust, typically topped with a variety of ingredients that vary by region and taste. Common fillings include seasoned ground beef or lamb, sucuk (Turkish sausage), cheese, spinach, or eggs — we typically like the one with only cheese (kaşarli)! You will find side placs all over Türkiye, but our all-time faves have been while roadtripping through Trabzon.
5. Lahmacun
Lahmacun is a thin, round flatbread topped with a flavorful mixture of minced meat (typically lamb or beef), finely chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices like red pepper, parsley, and sumac. It’s considered a thinner, rolled-up version of Turkish pizza—light, crispy, and perfect for a quick bite. It’s a popular street food across Turkey and a staple for its balance of spiced meat and refreshing, citrusy garnish. Don’t be like us and not roll up the Lahmacun… No really, that’s how we thought it was eaten. Once you roll it up, we swear it tastes a million times better. It’s also more fun to eat that way (and you’ll fit in with the locals).
6. Döner Kebab
I think everyone knows this one. Thin slices of meat (often lamb, chicken, or beef) cooked on a vertical rotisserie, usually served in a wrap (dürüm) or with rice and salad. Döner can be served in various ways: wrapped in flatbread (dürüm), layered in pita, or plated with rice and salad. Unlike the German variation and others you will find dotted across Europe, the Turkish version doesn’t require sauce. While I love the German kebab, it is doused in sauce which masks the true flavor of the meat which obviously shows a lower quality. The Turkish variation, however, allows you to bask in the flavors and spices of just the meat… making it a superior option. You can’t go wrong with sampling döner kebabs anywhere you go in Türkiye.
7. Şiş Kebab
Marinated meat (often lamb or chicken) grilled on skewers. The marinated pieces are threaded onto metal or wooden skewers along with chunks of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, then grilled over an open flame or charcoal until perfectly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. Do yourself a favor and try both lamb and chicken and then truly discover your favorite variation. If you go to places that specialize in this dish, you can even watch your meats being grilled right in front of you!
8. Adana Kebab
Spicy minced meat (typically lamb) skewered and grilled, originating from the Adana region. Made with hand-chopped lamb or a mix of lamb and beef, it’s seasoned with red pepper flakes, paprika, cumin, and sometimes minced garlic or onion. The meat mixture is molded around long, flat metal skewers and grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky, slightly charred taste. Known for its signature spice and rich flavor, Adana kebap is usually served with flatbread, roasted vegetables (such as tomatoes and peppers), fresh parsley, and a side of sumac-seasoned onions. For your best Adana kebab, head down south to the hot region of Adana. But, don’t go in the summer (like we did) and risk yourself truly melting. This dish is nothing short of incredible, especially if you have a tendency to order spicy dishes like me. Just ask the server “how spicy” to avoid any unnecessary tummy issues while traveling.
9. Menemen
This is a classic dish that often accompanies a typical Turkish breakfast. A traditional Turkish scrambled eggs dish cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, and sometimes onions. The ingredients are simmered together until the tomatoes and peppers are tender, then eggs are gently scrambled in, creating a creamy, savory texture. It’s often seasoned with spices and served with fresh bread for dipping. Many Turkish breakfasts add a surcharge for menemen, but man you will be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t pay this fee because menemen with some toast is awesome. But, be sure not to wait too long after it comes out to avoid eating it cold.
10. Pilav
Pilav, a Turkish rice dish, is often cooked with butter and served alongside meat dishes. It’s not anything like your typical rice dishes. The rice is often sautéed in butter or olive oil before simmering in a flavorful broth, typically with a hint of salt. Pilav is served alongside a variety of main dishes, from kebabs to stews, making it a versatile and beloved staple in Turkish cuisine. The Turks are truly one of the cultures that has their rice making down to a tee. While so simple and cheap, it is just the perfect flavor that preaches- back to the basics. If you are taking the airport bus from Levent to either of the Istanbul airports, there are several small pillar vendors dotting the area to snack on while you wait for your bus.
11. Iskender
There are few dishes that have such an effect on us that we remember the exact time and place of eating it. Well, you guessed it – Iskender Kebab makes that list of legendary dishes. To offer a quick definition, Iskender Kebab is a Turkish dish made of thinly sliced meat served over pita bread with tomato sauce, melted butter, and yogurt. While this sounds like a lot and interesting combinations of flavors, it is one of the most beautiful combinations to ever grace your taste buds. When it comes served to you, don’t dive in until the server dumps more of, you guessed it, melted butter on your dish. That is your cue to dive in and enjoy what has just been placed in front of you. For the best Iskender and some of the best food you’ll ever try, head outside of Istanbul to the city of Bursa. While Istanbul has its options (check out other post about must-try restaurants in Istanbul), nothing beats a classic Bursa Iskender Kebab. For us, this is truly the superior kebab option you can get, a kebab that we will never forget.
But wait! There’s more…
You’re probably thinking we’ve given you the names of a bunch of unfamiliar dishes – but what’s the point if we don’t know where to get them? Check out our blog post detailing our favorite restaurants, cafes, and bars in Istanbul.
And yes, desserts also have to have their own blog post. Stay tuned for that!
