Top Turkish Foods to Try on Your Antalya Trip!

Top Turkish Foods to Try on Your Antalya Trip!

Turkish cuisine is a delicious blend of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences, known for its rich flavors and diverse dishes. When in Antalya, exploring the local food scene is an absolute must. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey!

Antalya offers a fantastic opportunity to savor authentic Turkish flavors, from street food delights to exquisite restaurant dishes.

Our website may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission from purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. For more information, please visit our Affiliate Disclosure page.

1. Kebabs: More Than Just Meat on a Stick

• Adana Kebab & Urfa Kebab: Spicy (Adana) and less spicy (Urfa) minced meat kebabs, grilled on skewers and usually served with lavash bread, onions, and tomatoes.
• Döner Kebab: Thinly sliced meat (lamb, beef, or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Enjoy it in a wrap (dürüm), on a plate with rice, or as a sandwich.
• İskender Kebab: A famous Bursa dish, consisting of thinly sliced döner meat served over pide bread, topped with hot tomato sauce and melted butter, and accompanied by yogurt.

2. Mezes and Starters: The Art of Sharing

• Ezme: A spicy tomato and walnut dip, finely chopped. Perfect with fresh bread.
• Haydari: A thick, garlicky yogurt dip. Refreshing and flavorful.
• Hummus: While Middle Eastern in origin, Turkish hummus is creamy and often served with pastırma (cured beef).
• Şakşuka: Fried eggplant and peppers in a savory tomato sauce.

3. Börek and Pastries: Flaky Perfection

• Su Böreği: "Water börek," layers of thin dough boiled then baked with cheese and parsley filling. It's like a savory lasagna.
• Sigara Böreği: "Cigarette börek," thin, crispy rolls filled with cheese, typically fried.
• Poğaça: A soft, savory pastry often filled with cheese, olives, or potatoes, great for breakfast or a snack.

4. Seafood: Fresh from the Mediterranean

• Grilled Fish (Balık Izgara): With Antalya being on the coast, fresh grilled fish like sea bream (çipura) or sea bass (levrek) is a must-try.
• Midye Tava: Fried mussels, often served with a garlicky sauce.
• Kalamar Tava: Fried calamari, usually served with tarator sauce.

5. Soups and Stews: Comfort in a Bowl

• Mercimek Çorbası: Red lentil soup, a staple, often served with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of chili oil.
• Yaylalı Çorba: A creamy yogurt-based soup with rice and mint.
• Güveç: A slow-cooked casserole, typically with meat (lamb or beef) and vegetables, baked in an earthenware pot.

6. Desserts: Sweet Endings

• Baklava: Layers of thin pastry filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup. A classic!
• Künefe: Shredded pastry with melted cheese in the middle, baked until golden, and then soaked in hot syrup, often served with clotted cream (kaymak).
• Lokum (Turkish Delight): A traditional sweet confection, often flavored with rosewater, lemon, or pistachios.
• Dondurma (Turkish Ice Cream): Unique for its chewy texture, often sold by entertaining street vendors.

Where to Find These Delights in Antalya

• Kaleiçi (Old Town): Many traditional restaurants offer authentic Turkish dishes and mezes.
• Local Markets & Street Vendors: Best for street food like börek, simit, and döner.
• Restaurants along Lara Caddesi or in Konyaaltı: For fresh seafood and more upscale dining experiences.

Ready to Savor Antalya's Cuisine?

Find the best culinary experiences and cooking tours in Antalya:

• Discover Antalya Food Tours & Cooking Classes
• Hotel in Antalya with Great Dining Option