Food With A Long History: Top Turkish Dishes To Try

Turkey is known for many things, its ancient history, its fascinating culture, and the empire that reached into the heart of Europe…but nothing is more notable than its utterly divine cuisine. Because of its unique location at the crossroads of continents and cultures, the food of Turkey has evolved in such a way as to incorporate vast swathes of different foods from across the globe. In many ways, it’s perhaps the most interesting and exciting cuisine the world has ever seen since it combines almost every aspect of other foods, from the spicy to the sweet. 

Simit

Simit is a round bread that has been around since the 15th century. It’s usually served with chees, olives, honey, or jam. This delightful snack is made using the same traditional ingredients used over 500 years ago, including wheat flour, milk, or water, and is topped with sesame or black poppy seeds. It has a crunchy outer layer but is soft inside, and its flavor and versatility make it perfect for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. It’s also often referred to as a Turkish bagel due to its characteristic shape. Simit can be enjoyed steaming hot from the oven or cold later in the day as an afternoon snack, so it really appeals to everybody no matter what time of day it’s being eaten! You can easily find this tasty snack at almost any food stand in Turkey, and you can top it with anything from sweet to salty…it all works well!

Lamb Kebab

The humble lamb kebab is probably what most people imagine when they think of Turkish cuisine, and for a good reason. It was the favorite food among the various Sultans who ruled the expansive Ottoman empire from its inception until its demise. This Turkish dish is packed with flavor due to its marinade, typically consisting of spices such as paprika, pepper, tomato sauce, oregano, and thyme. The spiced meat is then placed on sticks and cooked over hot coals until cooked through. The result is a succulent and juicy dish that can be enjoyed while dining at a restaurant or served at home as part of a larger banquet-style meal. Reaglredss of how it’s prepared, lamb kebab will always remain an iconic Turkish meal that’s sure to tantalize your tastebuds.

Mercimek Corbasi

Because of Trukerys geography, there are many dishes made to counter the fierce winters that arrive each year, and mercimek corbasi is one such dish. It is an authentic Turkish dish made of red lentil soup. This traditional soup can be found throughout Turkey, with subtle differences in the recipes depending on the region. It is a hearty, warming soup that is perfect for cold winter days or light summer meals.

Borek

Borek is a family of savory pastries famous in many parts of the Middle East, especially in Turkey. It’s believed to have originated from the Turkish province of Mansa, where it was organically made with ground beef, spinach, and seasonings. You’ll find various versions of borek throughout Turkey today, with some filled with cheese and parsley. Potehrs with potatoes, pumpkin, or minced meat. Perhaps the most popular borek dish is called “Tandir Boregi,” which consists of thin layers of filo pastry encasing a cheesy mixture inside (sometimes including egg). The whole thing is then either pan-fried or oven-baked until golden brown. This type of borek is often served as a meze dish with yogurt or salad as an accompaniment.

Doner Kebab

Perhaps the most well-known Tursk food among Europeans is the donor kebab, well-loved by revelers and [party people everywhere! However, when appropriately eaten, the doner kebab is a classic Turkish culinary delight and makes a more wholesome and hearty meal. It originated in the city of Istanbul hundreds of years ago and has since become one of the most beloved dishes in Turkey. Almost everyone loves this food for its savory flavors and incredible convenience; it can be eaten just about anytime, thanks to street vendors operating at all hours!

Baklava

You can be forgiven if you think that most Anatolian cuisine is savory-based due to the selections included so far. However, they are just as well-renowned for their delightful desserts as for their juicy meat and bread-based meals. Baklava is a classic Turkish treat made from layers of filo dough, nuts, and sweet syrup. This delicious treat is popular all over the world, but the Turkish version is said to be the tastiest (just don’t tell the Greeks!)

Unfortunately, this post simply can’t make the enormous selection of mouthwatering Turkish food justice, but as you have seen so far, they certainly know how to do food! From Juicy lamb kababs to sweet, joyfully sweet baklava, there is so much variety that you can eat the Kop eir food for a lifetime and never get bored!