Turkish Food Must Trys
Whenever you visit a new country, it’s vital to try a little of the local cuisine; who knows what you might be missing out on otherwise?
When heading to Turkey, no matter which part, you certainly need to get down with the food and drink, because it is unlikely anything you will try anywhere else in the world. If you’ve tried Italian, you’ve sampled Chinese, you have chowed down more than once on Indian, and you’ve ‘been there and done that’ with Spanish dishes, it’s time to get Turkish!
There are of course regional differences between all dishes, but overall, the general jist of it is the same regardless of where you go. It is impossible to list every single dish and type of drink you should be trying when you arrive at your Turkish destination, but to narrow it down to a few must trys, be sure to sample the following:
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Ayran
This is a sour buttermilk drink, which sounds terrible on description, but is actually truly delicious and is also hugely popular amongst locals, who drink it no matter what the time of day. You will find it in cartons, and it is sometimes served with cream on top, depending on your preference.
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Raki
This is one for the alcohol drinkers out there, and is not for the faint hearted either! Raki is locally known as ‘fire water’, and it is a spirit that is very, very strong. Traditionally consumed with water, but also with cherry juice on occasion, raki usually accompanies fish, and you will find many Turkish men enjoying a raki or two on a night out with their friends.
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Cay
You simply cannot visit Turkey and not try cay. This is tea to those who aren’t aware, and it is served in small glasses, and you can add sugar if you want to – the sweeter the better! You do not add milk to Turkish cay, just as a side note!
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Turkish coffee (kahve)
Turkish coffee is very strong tasting, and it is quite an acquired taste. You can add milk to it if you want to, and it is definitely a good idea to add sugar, to take away the bitterness.
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Lahmacun
This is a Turkish version of pizza, but with a twist. This is a very, very flat and crispy base, and on the top there are spices combined with very small pieces of meat, usually lamb. Load it up with salad, roll it into a cigar shape, and enjoy!
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Kavurma
A local dish, and one which is enjoyed whatever the weather in Turkish households, kavurma is a meat stew, and it is truly delicious! There are no words to explain the spices and the deliciousness of the tender meat, with the peppers, onions, etc. Yummy!
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Tavuk durum
This is the famous chicken wrap of Turkey, but it’s not just any old chicken wrap! The meat is doner, and is marinated deliciously. There is salad inside, and obviously it is in a wrap, which may or may not be toasted.
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Corba
This might sound like a no brainer, because corba is soup, and you can find soup anywhere, but Turkey does soup like no other country on the planet! Tavuk corba, basically chicken soup, has the biggest pieces of fresh, shredded chicken inside, and is truly a wonder when you’re feeling unwell, or even when you’re simply hungry. In addition, lentil soup is a staple meal in Turkish households, so definitely give it a try for a cheap and nutritious meal.
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Kokorec
It’s possibly not a good idea to find out what kokorec is, and simply try it instead! This is actually sheep’s intestines, chopped up, seasoned, and served usually in bread. It sounds awful, but it is truly delicious. Istanbul kokorec is renowned as the best.
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Kofte
Kofte is meatballs, and again, they are often served with or in a wrap, with salad. You’ll find these as street food, but you’ll also find them in restaurants as a main meal, served with chips and rice.
If you visit Turkey and don’t try a few of the dishes and drinks we’ve just mentioned, you’ve seriously missed out. This is a country which prides itself on food and on its traditional cuisine. Missing out on trying at least some of it means you haven’t experienced Turkey, because food is such a huge part of the culture. Just one try and you will certainly be hooked.
