Top 12 Turkish dishes that captivate the hearts of diners

1. Kahvalti

Kahvalti is a popular breakfast dish in Türkiye (Photo source: Collected)

Kahvalti is not just breakfast, but also a culinary cultural experience that cannot be missed when talking about Turkish food . A traditional table usually has freshly baked bread served with honey, kaymak – a typical smooth cream, fruit jam, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers and extra virgin olive oil.

Different regions have different variations in the way Kahvalti is prepared. Some regions add fried eggs with onions, green peppers and tomatoes to make the breakfast more interesting. If you are looking for the completeness of an energetic morning, Kahvalti will definitely not disappoint you.

2. Meze Appetizers

Meze appetizer is an indispensable dish in a Turkish meal (Photo source: Collected)

In Turkish culinary culture, a meal cannot be complete without an appetizer, and Meze is the most typical representative. This is a collection of small, elaborately prepared dishes such as Patlıcan salatası (cold eggplant salad), Acılı ezme (a signature spicy chili paste), and Cacik (cucumber mixed with yogurt and garlic).

Meze is both an appetizer and a way for Turks to connect over the table. The diverse flavors, from spicy to mildly sour, create an exciting start to a culinary feast. If you want to explore Turkish cuisine, start with Meze, because the richness of each small dish will take you from one surprise to another.

3. Kebab Bread

Kebab Bread - Turkish dish famous around the world (Photo source: Collected)

When it comes to Turkish food, we cannot ignore Kebab bread - a famous street food symbol around the world. The special thing about Kebab lies in the fragrant black sesame crust, the filling is lamb, beef, or chicken that is carefully marinated and grilled on hot coals. Raw vegetables, onions, tomatoes, and special sauce are the ingredients that make up the excellent flavor of this dish. Kebab bread is not only a daily dish but also a symbol of the richness and diversity of Turkish cuisine. Whether you enjoy it at street stalls or luxury restaurants, each piece of Kebab brings an unforgettable experience.

4. Corba Soup

Corba soup is a familiar breakfast dish of Turkish people (Photo source: Collected)

Nowhere is soup more beloved than in Türkiye, and Corba is a perfect example. A hot, aromatic bowl of lentil or tomato soup is the perfect way to start the day. Turks traditionally enjoy Corba soup in the morning, believing that its light flavor helps to wake them up and refresh them. Visitors to Turkey often seek out local eateries to try Corba, where each version has its own regional flair.

5. Kumpir Baked Potatoes

Attractive flavor, blended with many toppings of Kumpir (Photo source: Collected)

Walking on the bustling streets of Istanbul or coastal areas, visitors will easily encounter the seductive aroma of kumpir - a traditional baked potato dish. Different from the usual baked potato, Kumpir is processed more elaborately: crispy skin, soft inside mixed with butter, milk and covered with all kinds of toppings from sausage, cheese to pickles. Kumpir is a street food that attracts a lot of diners thanks to the perfect combination of flavor and presentation. Just try it once, you will hardly forget the fatty taste of this dish.

6. Baklava

Baklava - A dessert that represents the essence of Turkish cuisine (Photo source: Collected)

When it comes to Turkish food, we cannot help but mention baklava – a famous pastry that embodies the essence of baking art. Made from thin layers of dough stacked on top of each other, mixed with walnuts, pistachios and covered with sweet syrup, baklava is both crispy and rich, making anyone fall in love. Baklava is not only a dessert but also a symbol of Turkish culinary culture, often appearing in festivals and important events. With its eye-catching appearance and delicious taste, this cake has conquered not only locals but also international tourists.

7. Manti

Small and cute Manti cake with unique flavor of Turkish cuisine (Photo source: Collected)

These small, delicate manti wrap the essence of Turkish cuisine in a thin, smooth crust. The filling is a perfect blend of beef or lamb with typical spices. When steamed, manti are often served with cool yogurt and a mildly spicy chili butter sauce, creating a mesmerizing harmony of flavors. Although somewhat similar to Italian ravioli, manti have a very unique nuance, expressing the sophistication in the Turkish way of enjoying.

8. Köfte Meatballs

Köfte is one of the most popular Turkish dishes (Photo source: Collected)

Köfte is a traditional dish loved across the country. The fragrant meatballs, carefully seasoned with cumin, garlic, and a touch of paprika, have become a symbol of the richness of Turkish cuisine. Each region has its own variation of köfte, but all retain the same unforgettable appeal. Paired with rice, salad, or soft pita bread, this dish is a friendly greeting to anyone who visits.

9. Künefe

Attracting tourists by the perfect combination of Künefe dish (Photo source: Collected)

Künefe is a dessert that melts the heart of every diner. The golden crispy kadayıf layer hides the fragrant shredded cheese inside, all drizzled with sweet syrup and sprinkled with pistachios. Each bite of künefe is an unforgettable experience where the sweet, fatty, crunchy and chewy flavors blend perfectly. This dish also tells the story of the creativity and passion of the people of this land.

10. Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight is a traditional marshmallow in Türkiye (Photo source: Collected)

Turkish Delight, or Lokum, is a symbol of sweetness and sophistication in Turkish cuisine. The soft, smooth candies are made from sugar, water and cornstarch, then delicately blended with the scent of roses, oranges, lemons or chestnuts. Each piece of candy seems to embrace the sweet memories of childhood, evoking gentle emotions that are difficult to compare with any other food. A carefully wrapped box of Turkish Delight is not only a meaningful gift but also carries the soul of Turkish culture.

11. Kiymali Pide

“Turkish Pizza” with unique shape and flavor (Photo source: Collected)

Kiymali Pide, the "Turkish pizza", is a testament to the limitless creativity of the cuisine here. With its unique boat-like shape, Pide brings surprises from its thin, crispy crust to its rich fillings of beef, lamb, spinach and cheese. Baked over hot coals, the cake exudes an intoxicating aroma that diners cannot resist. The feeling of cutting each small piece of cake and enjoying it with a fresh salad is an unforgettable moment on the journey of discovering Turkish cuisine.

12. Gozleme

Gozleme - A simple and familiar dish of Turkish people (Photo source: Collected)

If Turkish Delight and Pide bring sophistication and creativity, Gozleme is the embodiment of simplicity and familiarity. This type of cake is made from thin dough, carefully rolled by hand and then filled with potatoes, coriander, spinach and cheese. Baked on a large stove, the crispy crust combined with the fatty filling creates an attractive symphony of flavors. Gozleme is loved not only for its delicious taste but also for its close feeling, like a warm invitation of Turkish street culture.

Closing the journey of discovery, Turkish cuisine is not only the culinary quintessence but also the key to open a rich and unique culture. Let Vietravel accompany you on this inspiring trip, enjoy the wonderful flavors and discover the endless beauty of the land of Asia - Europe.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-tho-nhi-ky-v16562.aspx