8+ Best Dishes of Turkish Cuisine

Turkish Cuisine, with its rich flavors and variety, has a large fan base worldwide. Shaped by the influence of different cultures throughout centuries, Turkish cuisine is known for its unique recipes, fresh ingredients, and meticulous cooking techniques.

In this blog post, we will focus on the 8 Best Dishes of Turkish Cuisine. Each dish stands out with its distinct flavors and represents the richness and diversity of Turkish cuisine. These dishes are favored choices for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a delightful evening meal.

Iskender Kebab

Iskender kebab is one of the prominent kebab varieties in Turkish cuisine. It consists of thinly sliced döner meat served with butter and tomato sauce. Typically, it is accompanied by pita bread and yogurt. Iskender kebab requires a special presentation and serving technique to preserve the taste of the meat and blend it with the sauces.

Kuru Fasulye ve Pilav (Turkish Beans and Rice)

Kuru fasulye ve pilav, one of the indispensable dishes on Turkish tables, is a satisfying and flavorful combination. The creamy texture of kuru fasulye (cooked beans) harmonizes perfectly with the fluffy and aromatic pilav (rice).

Kuru fasulye is slow-cooked for hours to bring out its full flavor. It is usually served with pickles and onions, offering the traditional Turkish hospitality to your guests. The pilav, on the other hand, complements the kuru fasulye with its soft and aromatic composition.

Mantı

Mantı, one of the traditional delights of Turkish cuisine, is a type of dumpling made with thin dough and filled with a savory mixture. It is served with yogurt and melted butter on top.

Mantı is a preferred dish for many Turkish families on special occasions. It is made by carefully preparing thin dough and filling it with a flavorful blend of ingredients and spices. The addition of yogurt and butter enhances the taste, completing the dish. Served on a hot plate, mantı brings joy to the table, leaving an unforgettable impression with every bite.

Lahmacun

Lahmacun, one of the most beloved street foods in Turkish cuisine, is a type of Turkish pizza made by spreading a mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices on thin dough, then baking it in the oven. Lahmacun stands out with its crispy thin crust and flavorful meat topping.

It is commonly consumed as an evening meal or a quick snack. The thin dough, combined with the spiced meat mixture, provides a delightful crispy texture after baking. When served with lettuce, rocket leaves, parsley, and lemon slices, lahmacun creates a complete taste experience.

Baklava

Baklava is a favorite dessert among dessert lovers. It is made by layering thin sheets of pastry dough, pouring melted butter and adding a mixture of nuts between the layers. After baking, it is sweetened with a syrup.

Baklava is known as one of the most famous Turkish desserts with its crispy layers and delicious filling. The process of making baklava requires great care and precision. The filling mixture of nuts spread between the layers and the stacking of the thin pastry sheets give baklava its characteristic touch.

Once baked, it is drizzled with cooled syrup, enhancing both its visual appeal and sweetness. It is a perfect choice to serve to guests or on special occasions.

İçli Köfte

İçli köfte is an exquisite delicacy of Turkish cuisine. It is made with a bulgur shell filled with a mixture of minced meat, spices, and herbs. Each bite offers a delightful combination of the crispy outer shell and the flavorful filling.

Preparing this dish can be time-consuming as it requires precision and patience. Skilled hands are needed to achieve the perfect balance of meat and spices for the filling.

İçli köfte is often chosen as a preferred dish for special occasions, dinner parties, or simply a delightful family dinner.

Şakşuka

Şakşuka is a delicious mezze made with vegetables, typical of Turkish cuisine. It is prepared by frying eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes, and then cooking them in olive oil. Şakşuka can be served either cold or hot. It is seasoned with garlic yogurt or tomato sauce and garnished with fresh herbs.

This healthy and flavorful mezze can be enjoyed alongside main dishes or as part of a meze platter.

Künefe

Künefe is one of the unique desserts in Turkish cuisine. It is prepared by placing fresh cheese between layers of fine shredded pastry known as kadayıf and baking it until golden brown. After baking, it is served with a drizzle of cooled syrup.

Künefe is an indispensable treat for dessert enthusiasts in Turkish cuisine. The combination of soft cheese with the crispy texture of kadayıf offers a captivating taste experience with every bite.

Turkish cuisine has enriched its heritage throughout history with the influence of various cultures, creating unique flavors of its own. Each dish emerges with carefully selected fresh ingredients, meticulously crafted recipes, and special cooking techniques. The presentation of İskender Kebab with pita bread and yogurt, the creamy texture of kuru fasulye (dry beans) combined with pilav (rice), the thin dough and flavorful filling of mantı, the crispy dough and spiced meat mixture of lahmacun, the crispy layers and sweet filling of baklava, the crunchy outer shell and delicious filling of içli köfte, the flavorful combination of vegetables in şakşuka, and the harmony of tel kadayıf (shredded pastry) and fresh cheese in künefe; all reflect different aspects and richness of Turkish cuisine.

Turkish cuisine not only shines in terms of taste but also stands out with its hospitality and culture of sharing. These dishes adorn family gatherings on special occasions, create a welcoming atmosphere for guests, and offer the pleasure of sharing with our loved ones with every bite.