Top 10 Traditional Turkish Dishes You Must Try
Turkish cuisine is one of the most diverse and flavorful in the world. It’s a beautiful blend of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences. From mouthwatering kebabs to delicious desserts like baklava, Turkish food is not just about eating—it’s about experiencing a centuries-old culture. Whether you’re exploring Istanbul’s bustling streets or dining in a cozy Turkish restaurant abroad, these dishes will give you the real taste of Turkey.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 traditional Turkish dishes you must try, along with their history, ingredients, and what makes them so special.
1. Kebabs (Şiş Kebap & Adana Kebap)
When people think about Turkish food, kebabs are usually the first dish that comes to mind.
Şiş Kebap (Shish Kebab): Small cubes of marinated lamb or chicken, grilled on skewers.
Adana Kebap: A spicy minced meat kebab from Adana city, grilled on skewers and served with flatbread, grilled peppers, and onions.
Kebabs in Turkey are not just fast food—they are part of the cultural heritage. Each region has its own variation, and no two kebabs taste the same.
👉 Must-try if you love smoky, juicy, and spicy grilled meat.
2. Meze (Appetizer Plates)
Meze is like the Turkish version of tapas. These are small appetizer dishes served before the main course.
Popular mezes include:
Hummus (chickpea paste)
Ezme (spicy tomato salad)
Haydari (yogurt with garlic and herbs)
Dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice)
Mezes are usually enjoyed with rakı (a Turkish anise-flavored drink) or tea. They’re perfect for sharing, which makes them a central part of Turkish hospitality.
3. Menemen (Turkish-Style Scrambled Eggs)
A classic Turkish breakfast dish made with eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and spices, sometimes cooked with cheese or sucuk (Turkish sausage).
Menemen is soft, creamy, and eaten with fresh bread. It’s similar to shakshuka but has a unique Turkish flavor.
👉 If you ever sit down for a Turkish breakfast, Menemen is a must!
4. Pide (Turkish Flatbread Pizza)
Often called “Turkish pizza,” pide is an oval-shaped flatbread topped with a variety of fillings such as:
Minced meat (kiyma)
Cheese (peynirli pide)
Spinach
Sucuk (sausage)
The edges are folded over, creating a boat shape, and it’s baked in a stone oven. Crispy on the outside, soft inside—pide is perfect for lunch or dinner.
5. Lahmacun (Turkish Thin-Crust Pizza)
Lahmacun is another pizza-like dish, but much thinner and crispier than pide.
It’s topped with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, parsley, and spices. Lahmacun is usually rolled up with fresh herbs and lemon juice squeezed on top.
👉 It’s a street food favorite and often eaten with ayran (a salty yogurt drink).
6. Manti (Turkish Dumplings)
Known as the Turkish version of dumplings, manti are small pockets of dough filled with minced lamb or beef.
They are boiled or steamed, then served with a delicious garlic-yogurt sauce and melted butter infused with paprika.
👉 It’s a rich and filling dish, especially popular in Anatolia.
7. Dolma & Sarma (Stuffed Vegetables & Grape Leaves)
“Dolma” means “stuffed” in Turkish. Common dolmas include bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplants stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat.
Sarma refers to grape leaves stuffed with rice and spices.
These dishes are often served with yogurt and are a staple at family gatherings.
8. Iskender Kebab
A legendary dish from Bursa, Iskender kebab is made with thinly sliced doner meat laid over pieces of pita bread, topped with tomato sauce, yogurt, and melted butter.
It’s one of the most famous Turkish dishes and a must-try for anyone who loves rich flavors.
9. Baklava
No list of Turkish food is complete without baklava.
Baklava is a layered pastry made with phyllo dough, chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts), and sweetened with honey or syrup.
It’s crunchy, sweet, and absolutely addictive. While baklava is popular across the Middle East, Turkish baklava is considered the gold standard.
10. Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Turkish delight, or lokum, is a chewy, sweet candy flavored with rose, lemon, or pistachio.
It has been enjoyed in Turkey for centuries and is often served with Turkish coffee. Lokum also makes a perfect souvenir to bring back from Turkey.
Conclusion
Turkish cuisine is more than just food—it’s a journey into history, culture, and hospitality. Each dish tells a story, from the spicy Adana kebab to the sweet layers of baklava. If you ever visit Turkey (or even a Turkish restaurant abroad), these 10 traditional Turkish dishes should be at the top of your must-try list.
Whether you’re a fan of savory meat dishes, vegetarian-friendly options, or sweet desserts, Turkish cuisine has something for everyone.