Turkish cuisine is very diverse, appealing to different tastes. Even though kebabs are the most popular foods, you can also find plant-based meals. Although there are many options for Turkish dishes, it can be hard to choose among them. Thus, we Çam Hotel, one of Turkey's best thermal hotels, will help you make delicious choices for the best Turkish foods!
Best Turkish Foods That You Will Love
Since Turkey has various cultures within its borders, you can see numerous foods changing by the region. For example, if you travel to the East side of Turkey, you can find more meat-based foods despite more plant-based meals in the West. Indeed, it is also possible to see diverse food options in cities. But, with many meals, where to start to eat?
Here is the list of the 10 best Turkish foods you should eat!
1. Mantı (Turkish Ravioli)
Called Turkish Ravioli, mantı is a dough filled with ground meat specific to the Central Anatolian region. Although there are different types, the typical mantı is a small wrapped dough served with garlic yogurt, baked tomato sauce, and butter. Moreover, it is common to see mantı with spices. Especially red pepper and mint are often preferred on top of the mantı.
2. Kısır
Kısır is a kind of salad made from fine bulgur wheat. There are some versions of kısır, but the main ingredients are tomatoes, onions, and parsley. Additionally, you can put some garlic, lettuce, and sour pomegranate molasses, which lead to a little sour taste. In fact, kısır is an appetizer that accompanies meals. That’s why you should not think it is the main dish.
3. Karnıyarık
Karnıyarık is a special food consisting of eggplant and meat together. It is a combination of vegetables and meat with a balanced taste. There are two ways to make a karnıyarık; either in the oven or frying. Also, it is mainly served with rice.
The main ingredients of karnıyarık are eggplant, ground meat, onions, peppers, and tomatoes. You can also add peppers if you like the spicy taste. There is also the meatless version of karnıyarık, which is imambayıldı.
4. Yaprak Sarması
Made of grape leaves (fresh or cured), yaprak sarması is an appetizer that can be served either hot or cold. It consists of rolled grape leaves filling rice or sometimes mixed with bulgur. These rolls are cooked on the stove, added water on it, and served with olive oil after that. Furthermore, you can add some dried currant while preparing its ingredients.
5. Höşmerim
Höşmerim, also called cheese dessert or cheese halva, is popular in Central Anatolia, Trakya, and Marmara regions. It is made from unsalted cheese, sugar, and buttermilk. Because of its ingredients, it has high nutritional value and a delicious taste.
You can see different versions of it, and one of the delicious höşmerim where you can find in Kızılcahamam. Therefore, we suggest you eat that delightful dessert in Kızılcahamam, where you can eat other local foods, too.
6. Hünkar Beğendi
What is interesting for Hünkarbeğendi is its name. Hünkarbeğendi refers to sultan’s liked meal in Ottoman era. It is a traditional palace meal favored in the 19th century. This food is made from smoked eggplant puree and bechamel sauce. After that, the puree is topped with meats
7. Testi Kebabı
Testi kebabı or pottery kebab is unique to Cappadocia region meal. It is a kebab prepared with lamb meat and various vegetables in the Avanos jug made of red clay. In that jug, testi kebabı is cooked for 2-2.5 hours. In fact, it is formed around tandoori culture. However, it is also made in an oven or stove in today’s world.
8. Kuru Fasulye
Kuru fasulye or haricot beans meals are at the heart of Turkish cuisine with their unique taste. Maybe you think how haricot beans can have a delicious taste, yet just a couple of simple ingredients; onions, butter, tomatoes, and tomato paste. You can also prefer it with meat or pastırma, a kind of dried beef.
In terms of serving, kuru fasulye and rice form a good combination. It is one of the foods you can find almost in every restaurant in Turkey. Thus, if you are planning to come to Turkey, we suggest that you should try them together.
9. Çiğ Köfte
Çiğ köfte is an appetizer that you can find everywhere in Turkey. Bulgur, tomato paste, onions, garlic, pepper, and some spices consist of çiğ köfte. Traditionally it is made with raw meat, however, it is not widely used. Thus, if you do not a meat-lover, you do not need to be afraid to eat. But, just to ensure it is better to ask whether there is any meat inside the çiğköfte.
10. Turkish Breakfast
Although it does not consist of only one food, we want to include Turkish breakfast in that list. Actually, Turkish breakfast is one of the richest breakfasts in the world. It has numerous foods such as eggs, menemen, cheese, vegetables, simit (Turkish bagel), bread, and olive as well as a cup of Turkish tea.
But, these are just some components of Turkish breakfast! Then you can imagine how it big is. If you come to Turkey one day, you should try Turkish breakfast. In fact, it is not just a meal also an experience that you need to try.
In this article, we have tried to show the 10 best Turkish foods. Since Turkey has many foods, you can find various food options.
We are glad to host you in Çam Hotel with the best chefs in its restaurants. During your stay, you can try many dishes specific to Turkish cuisine. Moreover, you can take advantage of thermal water and other activities!
If you want to learn about thermal water, you can read our blog named What is Thermal Water? What are the Benefits?.
For that, you can make your reservation in Çam Hotel, which provides the ultimate comfort of a 5-star hotel with the best service quality and delicious meals.
