Gastronomy Blogs

Antakya, located in the border province of Hatay, is a melting pot of religions and cultures. It is said to be influenced by 13 civilizations from the ancient world. The city was once held by Akkadians, Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Seleucids, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Seljuks, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, and the French. Hatay is now a part of Türkiye since 1939.

Each region is distinct in terms of its physical, social and cultural characteristics. Local food products of that places differ too. Türkiye possesses a wide variety of local products spread all over the country, some of which are GI-Certified and well-known worldwide. Just a quick reminder: GI (Geographical Indication) is a label placed on items that have a specific geographical origin and have characteristics or a reputation that are related to that origin. Let’s take a look at some of the delectable heritage of Turkish lands below. All signed "Made in Türkiye" with love!

The history of the land is blended with the joy of harvest days. Grape harvesting is the pinnacle of this joy. They say that the grapes become the bride when the time for grape harvesting comes. The symbol of Dionysus, the god of fruitfulness and vegetation, is the vine tree, so he is also known as the god of grape harvesting.

As a cultural melting pot, İstanbul has the most pleasant culinary scene to influence all its visitors. From special and traditional beverages like Boza to the classic dishes like Sultanahmet meatballs with captivating taste, they’re all matchless pleasures to have. But where do you begin when there are so many diverse meal options to pick from? Time to quench your cravings and discover what and where to eat in the world-famous İstanbul city!

In 2013, Turkish coffee culture and tradition took its place in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. It's critical to Turkish culture, and the Turkish word for "kahvaltı" even translates directly as the meal "before coffee." When visiting friends and family in Türkiye, Turkish coffee is always part of every occasion and will always be offered when you enter someone's home. It's a critical part of wedding celebrations, engagements, births, and almost anything you can think of.

Türkiye’s Maraş dondurması (Maraş ice cream) gets its name from the town of Kahramanmaraş, known as Maraş for short, which is located at the foot of Ahir Mountain. It is a dessert that is enjoyed all across Türkiye. Its thickened texture and taste make it different from classic Italian-style ice cream (gelato) and definitely worth trying. The secret to this type of ice cream is its ingredients, which are native to these lands. These include “salep” or “sahlep,” the powdered tubers of a purple orchid that grows only around Ahir Mountain and makes the ice cream more tempered. In addition to salep, Maraş ice cream contains Arabic gum, a resin that makes it chewier, and goat’s milk, which comes from the goats on Ahir Mountain.

The most well-known sweets associated with Turkish Cuisine are "lokum" (Turkish delight), and "baklava", giving the impression that these may be the typical desserts eaten after meals.

Türkiye’s Aegean region is famed for its rich cultural heritage, fascinating archaeological sites and the diversity of its cuisine. In addition to traditional Mediterranean crops like olives, tomatoes and grapes, the region is also home to some interesting herbs. These herbs are unique to the Aegean region and are used for their distinct taste in the kitchen and traditional health and medicinal benefits.

A miracle of bees, honey is a valuable food with high nutritional value, enjoyed by everyone from seven to seventy in every region of Türkiye with its addictive taste! The honey varieties with different aromas and properties find their place in our diet, from breakfast tables to various food and beverage recipes. Watch out the bees and get ready to go on a journey looking for Türkiye’s top honey varieties, each sweeter than the other.

Turkish people have a habit of drinking, but this habit is different. It doesn't come from a bad addiction but from the culture. From morning to evening, some drinks accompany Turkish people's day. To give an example of their fondness for drinks, even if it's too hot outside, they can still enjoy a hot Turkish coffee or tea. This enjoyment increases when it's cold outside. Because in winter, many other traditional drinks also come to the scene. Here are five Turkish wintertime drinks that you can enjoy to keep yourself warm and taste a new authentic beverage.

The Anatolian lands have been home to many civilizations for thousands of years, thus cradling many cultures. Every legacy has played its part in enriching the area, and today uncovering these layers bestows the wanderer with mesmerizing stories. Following the history of human itself, we find ourselves listening to the narrative of grapes, taking a journey beneath their silky exterior.

With historical bazaars, world class designer boutiques and modern upmarket malls, every year İstanbul attracts millions of shoppers. Amazing colours, divine scents, stunning designs and impressive curiosities await you in one of the most beautiful cities of the world.

Turks and tea! We all know the obsession, yet how many of us know how it all started?

Appetizing street delicacies, most colourful pickles, freshest fruits, daily caught fish and seafood, delicious vegetables cooked in olive oil and dozens of different meze plates on white linen tablecloths… From stylish dinner tables to simplest dishes İstanbul is real paradise for every foodie. Welcome to food heaven!

Much more than one of Türkiye’s top summer destinations, Antalya is steeped in history and a food culture that stretches from its rich marine life to the verdant bloom of its orchards. Endemic grape varieties and traditional recipes also abound in this Turkish province of significance at the foot of the mighty Taurus Mountains.

Artichoke is a vegetable known and widely used since the ancient times. Legend has it that the god Zeus fell in love with the mortal beauty Cynara, who lived on the island of Zinari and went to visit her brother Poseidon, the god of the sea. Zeus then made her a goddess, and they began to live together on Olympus, the mountain of the Gods. However, Cynara missed her family after a while and went to them in secret. Enraged by this, Zeus surrounded Cynara's heart with thorny leaves and turned it into an artichoke. Then, he threw it down from Olympus into the world.

Börek is the queen of all Turkish pastries. Börek, one of the dishes that have made our cuisine famous globally, has been prepared in Türkiye handmade for hundreds of years. There are so many types of Börek that traveled across continents that even an encyclopedia of its kind could be written.

The cuisine of Türkiye is rich in seafood. Owing much to its vast coastal regions, seafood abounds throughout the country. Surrounded by sea on three sides and home to large rivers, streams and lakes, this peninsula hides a different taste in every corner! The dishes brought from sea to table for centuries come to life with a diverse menu and flavour in each region. There are various techniques and recipes to bring these delicacies to the table. Discover some of the finest examples from the rich seafood culture of the Turkish peninsula!

Traveling to Türkiye is an adventure, especially when it comes to food. As a bridge between Asia and Europe, Türkiye is a melting pot of cultures and its variety of local cuisines is unmatched. Turkish cuisine’s richness and diversity will be celebrated even more in 2020. The Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry announced that 2020 will be designated as the “Year of Turkish Cuisine”, introducing a host of events to promote the country’s delicious flavours. In honour of this, let’s embark on a culinary journey in Türkiye.

As summer starts to show its face and short sleeves, light and comfy dresses and thin linen dresses come out of the wardrobes, rich dining tables and the finest delicacies of the Turkish cuisine that appear on these tables in all their splendor are transformed into a potpourri that brings together different flavors.

Türkiye drinks more tea per capita than any other country on Earth – but that refers pretty much exclusively to black tea. A tea culture this broad drinks so much more than just black tea – Türkiye's herbal teas are also some of the best in the world!

Cheese is a critical part of the Turkish culinary tradition. People begin eating cheese early in the morning over breakfast, where typically anywhere between 1-3 types of cheeses are consumed. Lunch is often a heartier meal where cheese is more likely to be part of a dish itself, such as a grilled cheese sandwich with Kaşar cheese, and dinner often turns onto other dishes with cheese mixed in or grated on top.

There are many reasons why traditional Turkish cuisine is so appreciated all over the world. Details such as the combinations of ingredients used in cooking, cooking techniques and indispensable cooking sauces make Turkish dishes to be liked by everyone. However, the most magical parts of Turkish cuisine are the hidden spices.

Kebap, the cornerstone of modern Turkish cuisine, simply means “charcoal-grilled” and includes dishes as disparate as kestane kebap — roasted chestnuts sold in paper bags by street vendors on winter days.

Bread, or "ekmek" as it’s known in Turkish, is central to Turkish culture, and arguably always has been. Nomadic Turks have been consuming bread for millennia, and bread is an indelible part of Turkish culture and Turkish cuisine. Almost every meal you eat will be served with fresh bread, and soaking up the juices or oils of another delicious Turkish meal is always one of its highlights.

When you get baklava outside of the Middle East or the Balkans, you’re lucky if you can find any more than one variety let alone the kind of variety you find in Türkiye. Here, baklava is hardly a single food item but incorporates many different flavors and everyone will have their favorite that tastes best to them.

From soups, salads and kebabs to desserts. Türkiye is the right place to try some exquisite flavours. When you think about Turkish cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t usually fish. However, fish plays a very important role in Turkish cuisine, going back deep into history. The world’s best fish can be savoured in Türkiye, of course it all depends on the season, as this plays a major role. Surrounded by the sea on three fronts, Türkiye’s delicious selection of fish is a must-try for all fish lovers! Here are the 5 most popular fish in Turkish Cuisine.

The importance of food in the Turkish culture is indisputable. The very same importance goes to a variety of traditional drinks. Some will warm you up in the winter months, while others will quench your thirst in the height of summer as you bathe in the Aegean Sea. Here are some traditional Turkish drinks you should definitely try!

Turkish cooking is actually very heavily vegetarian. There are a plethora of dishes that showcase the delicious, fresh, seasonal produce so widely available in Türkiye. Many dishes show off produce from a particular area, while others are widely available throughout Türkiye. Turkish food is often made in huge portions, this is because Turkish cooking is made to share with friends and family. Try these vegetarian dishes while you’re visiting - you won’t be disappointed!

Olives are an essential element of Turkish Cuisine. Whether as the star of the breakfast table or the base of olive oil, olives are always appreciated.

Turkish breakfast is the best way to get your day started anywhere in the world. It's filling, giving you the energy you need, but light, so you're not weighed down all day like some other popular breakfasts we could name (***cough. English breakfast. Cough***). It's got tons of variety, so the picky eaters among us can pick and choose what they like and what they don't. It's organic-friendly, vegetarian-friendly (but still with some lovely meats for the carnivores amongst us), and even vegan-friendly. In short, it's got something for everyone and is the perfect way to get your day started. So what's all in it? Let's find out!*

Turkish cuisine might be well-known for its kebabs and mezes, however, there is an aspect of Turkish food culture that always catches the attention of food lovers: Turkish Breakfast.

There are places favoured by Mother Nature and the Aegean coast of Türkiye is one of them. Crystal-clear waters, pristine nature, secluded bays, tasty delicacies and truly hospitable people… The coast of happiness welcomes you with a heritage of thousands of years.

It’s always best to follow the season when it comes to fruit. When consumed in the appropriate season, fruit tastes its best and has the most benefits. You’re the luckiest person on Earth if your country offers delicious fruit options every season! Türkiye has excellent climatic and ecological conditions, which result in a large bounty of tasty Turkish fruits! As a result, Türkiye provides its visitors with delicious fruit year-round. In this respect, Türkiye takes its place among the world's most fertile countries in terms of seasonal fruit. Let’s explore the country’s seasonal winter, autumn, spring, and summer fruit together – all the juicy and fresh superstars of each season deserve a try!

In Turkish cuisine, traditional “çorba” (soup) is an indispensable and delicious way of warming up in winter. Usually preferred just before the main course, Turkish soups can be consumed anytime of the day! They’re made using very healthy ingredients and are served in several variations like mercimek (lentil) soup, yayla soup (Turkish yoğurt soup), şehriye soup, and many more! You’re sure to find one that is perfect for you! Here, we have prepared a list of the 10 most popular traditional Turkish soups - all hold secure places at the very heart of Turkish cuisine!

Türkiye is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and its vibrant street food scene is a testament to this. From bustling city streets to local markets, Türkiye's street foods offer a delicious glimpse into the country's diverse flavors and traditions. Here’s a guide to ten iconic street foods that you must try when visiting Türkiye:

Drinking Turkish tea in the traditional, tulip-shaped, glass has already become a way of life for Turkish people! From early morning until bedtime, a cup of Turkish tea accompanies local delicacies of all kinds.

You're sure to find a syrupy morsel made for your sweet tooth in the bakeries and pastry shops of Türkiye!

Turkish cuisine is inherently healthy and highly seasonal, with many dishes being built around the multitude of fresh produce available. Fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, dairy and meat are produced throughout the country, ensuring highly nutritious and fresh tasting food. The flavours and spices that go into Turkish Cuisine are not only delicious, they have antioxidant properties, working to lower cholesterol, eliminate toxins and boost immunity. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley and rosemary are often used to flavour dishes, while across the Aegean and other sparsely inhabited regions, wild herbs are sought for their perceived health and medicinal qualities. Spices like red pepper flakes, sumac and ginger are used to flavour dishes or as homeopathic remedies in their own right.

Yoghurt is an integral part of Turkish cuisine. Visitors are often astounded at just how prevalent it is, from breakfast, lunch and dinner, hot or cold, the love is strong. Here is a list of the tastiest yoghurt based dishes for you to try.

Fall is here and you know what that means? Pumpkin everything everywhere! Türkiye’s no exception, so here’s a set of common Turkish pumpkin dishes that you can try out at home and get into the fall atmosphere.

Aegean region of Türkiye, the coast of happiness, is a place of pure beauty that is created entirely by the bounty of its natural landscape. A place of thriving orchards, olive groves and vineyards, where cities like İzmir and Bodrum enjoy a rich restaurant scene and every menu is inspired by the best regional ingredients. Whether luxury fine dining or a no-frills experience in a seaside village, the this Turkaegean experience has it all.

The TurkAegean is full of small towns where visitors can go on grape harvest tours, experience for themselves the region’s grape harvesting traditions, taste high-quality wines, and dine at local restaurants that serve their own brands of authentic wine. These grape harvest routes provide visitors with a heightened awareness of nature and offer a unique, selective experience. We’ve prepared a quick read about the unique, quaint towns that have made a name for themselves as major grape production areas. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore your favorite Aegean vineyard, harvest grapes, and taste test a selection of the best local wine.

Fresh fruits have already made themselves a name for their role in a healthy and balanced diet. Their “dried” counterparts are usually ignored despite they are even more beneficial for health. A natural source of antioxidants and rich of healthy fats and protein, dried fruits are just as delicious and nutritious for your health.

Olive oil has been an essential part of the Mediterranean agriculture, trade, and gastronomy since the 4500s BCE. The amazing Mediterranean stone fruit of olive has turned Türkiye into the second-biggest olive oil producer in the world. Let’s discover together the importance of olive oil production and some of the most popular Turkish olive oil dishes.

Mediterranean cuisine is one of the most popular culinary cultures with its famous flavours worldwide. The cuisine, which unite around olives, wheat, fresh vegetables, seafood, meat, dairy products, and plenty of spices and herbs, are divided into three large regions: the Eastern Mediterranean, Southern Europe, and North Africa. The Mediterranean cuisine of these regions also differ within themselves.

Youll find kebabs in countries all over the world, so what does kebab even mean? Essentially its a way of lumping a number of varieties...

Turkish cuisine has a number of vegetable dishes and a wide variety.