From Baklava to Kebabs: Must-Try Turkish Foods You Can’t Miss

Turkey’s rich culinary tradition is a reflection of its unique geographic location, nestled between Asia and Europe, and influenced by many cultures throughout history, including the Ottomans, Persians, Arabs, and Greeks. Turkish cuisine is celebrated for its diversity of flavors, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients, offering something to excite every palate. From savory street snacks to sweet, syrup-drenched desserts, here are some of the famous Turkish foods you absolutely cannot miss.

1. Baklava: The Iconic Turkish Dessert

When it comes to famous Turkish foods, baklava is undoubtedly a star. This decadent dessert is made from layers of thin, flaky filo pastry filled with finely chopped nuts—typically pistachios or walnuts—and soaked in a syrupy concoction of honey or sugar and lemon juice.

The key to a great baklava lies in its buttery richness and the contrasting textures between the crispy pastry and the gooey syrup. It’s traditionally enjoyed with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee, making it the perfect end to any meal.

2. Kebabs: A Meat Lover’s Dream

Kebabs are synonymous with Turkish cuisine. You’ll find a variety of kebabs throughout Turkey, each region offering its own twist. Some of the most famous Turkish foods in this category include:

• Adana Kebab: Named after the city of Adana, this spicy kebab is made from ground lamb mixed with hot red pepper and grilled over an open flame. It’s typically served with flatbread, rice, and salad.
• Şiş Kebab (Shish Kebab): One of the most widely recognized kebabs worldwide, this dish consists of skewered and grilled meat—usually lamb, chicken, or beef—seasoned with a blend of spices. It’s perfect for those who prefer tender, flavorful chunks of meat.
• İskender Kebab: A classic from the northwest region of Turkey, İskender Kebab is made from thinly sliced döner (rotisserie-style meat), served over a bed of pita bread, and topped with hot tomato sauce, melted butter, and yogurt. It’s rich, savory, and satisfying.

Kebabs are often paired with a simple yet refreshing side of chopped vegetables or yogurt-based sauces, adding a balanced contrast to the rich meat flavors.

3. Meze: The Turkish Tasting Plate

Turkish meze is a selection of small, shareable plates that are typically served at the beginning of a meal or enjoyed alongside alcoholic beverages like rakı (Turkey’s anise-flavored spirit). Meze includes a wide range of dishes, both hot and cold, but some of the most famous Turkish foods you might encounter are:

• Haydari: A tangy, garlicky yogurt dip with fresh herbs, often served with warm bread.
• Ezme: A spicy tomato and pepper salsa-like dip with a zesty kick.
• Dolma: Vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and occasionally minced meat. These flavorful bites are commonly served cold and drizzled with olive oil.
• Sigara Böreği: Crispy, fried pastries filled with feta cheese and herbs, shaped like little cigars. They’re crunchy, salty, and addictive.

The beauty of meze is in its variety—there’s something for every palate, from creamy dips to hearty stuffed vegetables.

4. Lahmacun: The Turkish Pizza

Lahmacun, often referred to as “Turkish pizza,” is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a mixture of finely ground lamb or beef, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, spiced with a combination of sumac, cumin, and paprika. Unlike Italian pizza, lahmacun is typically served without cheese.

What makes it unique is how it’s eaten: often rolled up with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and sometimes a few pickles or peppers. It’s a quick, portable meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light snack and is one of the famous Turkish foods favored by locals and tourists alike.

5. Pide: The Turkish Boat-Shaped Bread

Pide is another type of flatbread, but this one is thicker and more substantial than lahmacun. It’s shaped like a boat and filled with a variety of toppings, such as minced lamb, cheese, or sucuk (a spicy Turkish sausage). The crispy crust and soft, chewy interior make it irresistible.

One of the most popular versions is the karışık pide, which translates to “mixed pide” and includes a little bit of everything: cheese, meat, and egg, baked to perfection. This is Turkish comfort food at its best.

6. Manti: Turkish Dumplings

Manti are small, delicate dumplings filled with seasoned ground meat, typically lamb or beef. These tiny bites are traditionally boiled or steamed and served with a generous helping of garlic yogurt and a drizzle of melted butter mixed with paprika and sumac.

Some regional variations include frying or baking the dumplings, but the common thread is the combination of creamy yogurt and the tangy, spicy butter sauce. Manti is a labor-intensive dish, often reserved for special occasions, but it’s also one of the most famous Turkish foods cherished across the country.

7. Köfte: Turkish Meatballs

Köfte are Turkish-style meatballs made from ground lamb or beef mixed with herbs and spices. They come in many different forms:

• İzmir Köfte: Meatballs baked with potatoes, tomatoes, and green peppers.
• Çiğ Köfte: A vegetarian version made from bulgur, tomato paste, and spices, traditionally served raw but now typically cooked.

Köfte is a versatile dish that can be grilled, fried, or baked, and it’s often served with rice, salad, and pita bread. These meatballs are a staple in Turkish households, beloved for their simplicity and flavor.

8. Simit: The Turkish Bagel

Simit is a sesame-crusted bread ring that’s often compared to a bagel but lighter and crunchier. It’s sold by street vendors across Turkey and is a popular breakfast food or snack.

Often enjoyed with cheese, olives, or a cup of tea, simit is the ultimate on-the-go meal. Its simplicity is its charm, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most famous Turkish foods found everywhere from bustling cities to quiet villages.

9. Börek: Flaky Savory Pastry

Börek is a savory pastry made from thin layers of dough (yufka) filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, spinach, or minced meat. The dough is baked until crispy and golden, resulting in a flaky, buttery treat.

There are many regional variations of börek, including su böreği, which is softer and layered like lasagna, and tepsi böreği, baked in a large tray and cut into squares. Whether you try it for breakfast or as a midday snack, börek is one of those famous Turkish foods you won’t forget.

10. Lokum: Turkish Delight

Last but certainly not least is lokum, or Turkish delight. These small, gelatinous cubes are flavored with ingredients like rosewater, lemon, or pomegranate, and sometimes filled with nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts. Dusting the cubes in powdered sugar gives them their signature appearance.

Although often associated with Turkey, Turkish delight has gained popularity worldwide. It’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy after a meal or with a cup of tea, and a delightful gift to bring back home.

Conclusion

Turkey’s cuisine is a testament to the country’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. From sweet desserts like baklava and lokum to savory favorites such as kebabs and pide, Turkish food offers a world of flavors waiting to be discovered. The famous Turkish foods on this list represent just a small sampling of what Turkish cuisine has to offer, but each dish is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the country’s culinary delights. Whether you’re wandering through Istanbul’s bustling streets or dining in a traditional Turkish home, these foods are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.