Must-Try Foods In Turkey: The Ultimate Food Tourism Guide

Turkey is going places with its rich culinary history and the sheer gastronomic delight it offers. In 2024, Turkey went for a collaboration with UNESCO to present the traditional dishes of the country on a global stage.

Further, in Turkey’s $61.10 billion tourism revenue in 2024, spending on food and tourism held one of the largest shares with a revenue contribution of 20.7%.

So, gastronomic tourism in Turkey is a major economic driver for the country.

Now, while the data about food tourism looks promising for the last two years, Turkey has always been a favorite destination for culinary enthusiasts.

Also, the food you get here tells the stories of various historical and cultural influences. Various parts of the country offer you the most unique street food and gourmet delicacies.

Constant delight awaits visitors who explore Istanbul street vendors and enjoy walking through the coastal towns of Aegean Turkey.

So, are you ready for a gastronomic tour of Turkey? In this Dream and Travel Guide, we will discuss the must-try foods in Turkey and the best locations to find them.

Let’s explore!

Must-Try Foods In Turkey: Know The Eclectic Influence And Diverse Experiences

As the bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey brings the best of both worlds in its food. The U.S. News has named it the 5th best country, which has great food.

Again, the rich culinary experience of the country is shaped by various influences over centuries. The impact of the following culinary traditions is common in Turkish food.

Central Asian
Ottoman
Balkan
Middle Eastern

Again, the food tourism experiences in Turkey are diverse. You can take conducted food tours, attend cooking classes, and dine at traditional restaurants.

Furthermore, you can explore various parts of the country such as the Aegean regions, Mediterranean regions and Southeastern Anatolia.

Each part of the country offers a unique specialty. For example, Southeastern Anatolia is famous for its spicy kebabs. On the other hand, the Mediterranean and Aegean regions are known for seafood.

Moreover, Turkey hosts many grand food tourism festivals, presenting the rich culinary scenario of the country. The Istanbul Street Food Festival, the Mesir Paste Festival in Manisa, and the Alaçatı Herb Festival are some of them.

However, irrespective of the kind of food tourism you choose, don’t miss these must-try foods in Turkey.

1. Kebabs: The King Of Turkish Cuisine

Kebabs form the very heart of Turkish cuisine; many regional varieties reflect different cooking styles and the tastes of a particular area.

The spicy Adana kebab is best served in its hometown, Adana, whereas the milder Urfa kebab is for people who tend to avoid too much heat.

While in Istanbul, visit Zübeyir Ocakbaşı for some serious charcoal kebab action in a grill house famous with locals and tourists alike.

2. Baklava: A Sweet Delight

It is a sin to miss tasting Baklava during your trip to Turkey. This rich and flaky dessert with a layering of filo pastry intermixed with nuts and drenched in sweet syrup or honey is a sheer delight.

Baklava is best enjoyed in Gaziantep, the city where it originated. Legend has it that Güllüoğlu Baklava in Istanbul delivers a remarkable tasting experience.

One of the must-try foods in Turkey, it is the perfect combination of crispiness and sweetness, making it a must-try for all dessert lovers.

3. Simit: The Turkish Bagel

Nothing compares to a Simit, a tasty bread ring adorned with sesame seeds.

It pairs well with Turkish tea and is available throughout the country. You’d find people selling fresh Simit on every street corner of Istanbul, but for an added kick, visit the fresh bakery near Galata Tower called Galata Simitçisi.

4. Meze: A Flavorful Starter

Turkish cuisine is famous for its Meze, a selection of small appetizers you will have before the main course.

Popular mezes include:

Haydari (yogurt dip)
Ezme (spicy tomato salad),
Midye Dolma (stuffed mussels)

If you’re in Bodrum, visit Mimoza Restaurant, a seaside spot offering a delightful variety of fresh mezes alongside stunning sunset views.

5. Iskender Kebab: A Bursa Specialty

This dish has thinly sliced döner meat on top of pita bread and is soaked luxuriously in tomato sauce and melted butter. It is a specialty from Bursa and a must-try during your Turkey trip.

Your best experience of Iskender comes straight from Bursa’s own Kebapçı İskender restaurant.

The right balance of flavors sets it apart and easily makes it one of the top choices for meat lovers.

6. Lahmacun: Turkish Pizza With A Twist

Lahmacun, often referred to as the “Turkish Pizza,” is a signature dish of the country. It has extremely thin, crispy flatbread garnished with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and a mix of spices.

This is then rolled up with fresh greens and a squeeze of lemon for an explosion of flavors.

You will find the best Lahmacun in Diyarbakır. However, if you are in Istanbul, pay a visit to Halil Lahmacun in Kadıköy.

7. Pide: The Turkish Flatbread

This Turkish-style pizza is also baked in an open-fire oven. Various kinds of pide exist, including cheese, minced meat, and sucuk (Turkish sausage).

You must experience Pide in Fatih Karadeniz Pidecisi. It serves hot, traditional Black Sea-style pide in Istanbul. Turkey packages from India make your journey smoother and hassle-free.

8. Kumpir: A Loaded Baked Potato

Kumpir is one of the most popular street foods in Turkey. It consists of a baked potato stuffed with cream, cheese, olives, corn, sausages, and other ingredients.

You will get the best Kumpir in Ortaköy, Istanbul. Vendors there are dedicated to selling this loaded baked potato.

Walk along the Bosphorus as you savor a Kumpir for the ultimate Istanbul experience.

9. Turkish Tea And Coffee: A Cultural Tradition

Turkish tea and coffee are important elements of traditional Turkish social hospitality. Traditionally, Turkish tea is served in a tulip-shaped glass.

Türk Kahvesi (Turkish coffee) has a thick consistency and a strong flavor.

Mandabatmaz Coffee House provides visitors with a distinctive experience of drinking foamy Turkish coffee and experiencing local culture in Istanbul.

10. Dondurma: The Famous Turkish Ice Cream

The distinct texture of Turkish ice cream, known as Dondurma, is stretchy and chewy.

This Turkish ice cream contains orchid root flour and mastic substances, which vendors use to perform entertaining tricks during their service.

Mado, a well-known chain, offers some of the best varieties of Dondurma across Turkey.

Must-Try Foods In Turkey: Time For Some Astonishing Culinary Exploration

The must-try foods and vibrant culinary scene of Turkey set the country apart as one of the top destinations for culinary tourism.

The pleasure of eating kebabs, tasting baklava, and drinking coffee in Turkey will transport you through tales of cultural heritage with each mouthful.

Also, the delicacies in Turkey are the best because of the use of fresh ingredients and various flavors.