Turkish cuisine is one of the oldest and richest culinary cultures in the world. Throughout history, Anatolia has hosted numerous civilizations, laying the foundation for the richness and diversity of Turkish cuisine. Blended with inspirations from different cultures within the expansive borders of the Ottoman Empire, Turkish cuisine is filled with unique tastes and traditional flavors. In this post, we will explore some of the unforgettable flavors of Turkish cuisine.
1. Varieties of Kebabs
Kebab is indispensable in Turkish cuisine. This traditional dish, which brings together meat with the magical touch of fire and smoke, appears in various forms across Anatolia.
İskender Kebab
Originating from Bursa, İskender Kebab is made by placing thinly sliced doner meat over pieces of pita, then pouring melted butter and tomato sauce on top. It is served with yogurt on the side, making it an unforgettable dish.
Adana Kebab
Named after the city from which it originates, Adana Kebab is prepared by grilling a skewered mixture of minced meat and spices. It’s known for its spiciness and is usually served with sumac-flavored onions, parsley, and lavash.
2. Mezes
Mezes, essential to the Mediterranean and Aegean cuisines, enrich the appetizer section of Turkish tables.
Haydari
Made with sheep’s yogurt, garlic, and various herbs, Haydari is among the most beloved mezes.
Eggplant Salad
This salad, prepared by blending roasted eggplant with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, adds a unique flavor to the table.
3. Desserts
Turkish desserts typically feature syrupy and rich tastes.
Baklava
The most famous dessert of Gaziantep cuisine, baklava, is prepared by layering finely rolled pastry dough with plenty of chopped pistachios, baking it, and then soaking it in syrup.
Künefe
A speciality of the Hatay region, Künefe is prepared with a special cheese placed between layers of shredded wheat, then baked with melted butter and drenched in syrup before serving.
Conclusion
Turkish cuisine has developed over centuries under the influence of various cultures, earning a unique place among the world’s cuisines. Every corner of Anatolia is filled with its own unique flavors. The dishes we touched upon in this post are just a few elements of Turkish cuisine. Behind each dish lies centuries of history, tradition, and culture. Exploring Turkish cuisine means getting to know this rich historical and cultural heritage more closely.