Among all the cuisines of the world, Turkish cuisine holds the power to be a favorite one. Turkish cuisine draws its roots from its history and geography. 

This cuisine is further influenced by other cuisines such as  Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines.

So, are you wondering what is special about turkey food? Well, let’s first look at the major composition. The cuisine of turkey uses elements such as spices, garlic, mint, and parsley. When we look into oil, olive oil is used for a major part of cooking. 

Furthermore, fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and sheep’s milk yogurt are used. One of the basic features of this cuisine is the culmination of several small dishes instead of one big dish. 

The most common ingredient used in Looking at the type of meat, pork, is quite famous. As per religious norms, eating lamb is avoided.

Furthermore, coming to the hospitality of Turkey, it can be said to be quite heartwarming. Guests are usually offered tea. 

And the best part of it all is that now Turkey visa for Indians is easily available. You can seamlessly travel to Turkey from India. 

You can apply either for a tourist visa or a business visa, depending upon the travel purpose. A tourist visa is processed in 5-10 business days, while an E-visa can be obtained in just 1-2 business days!

Once you pay a visit to the country, you will know more about the culture, the places, the history, and more.

5 Best Dishes in Turkey

Let’s have a look at some Turkey dishes that one should definitely try!!

1. Kofte

Kofte is basically a preparation of meatballs, being mixed with certain spices and herbs to give a lip-smacking taste at last. The mixture is not served raw but is properly fried. 

People often eat it with a salad or sandwich, and it’s served with mashed potatoes. The taste of kofte is something that would make you want more. 

The right mix of cumin and paprika in the overall preparation, adds up to the dish. Thus, this dish is one of the traditional and most liked dishes of Turkey.

2. Döner kebab

The idea of a doner kebab is having a dish of grilled meat. Again, one can use chicken or any other meat. This meat is further sliced and rotated, thus being served in a flatbread. 

The dish is accompanied by sauces and salads which is a dish of grilled meat that is sliced from a rotating spit and served in a flatbread with salad and sauces. People love it, and it’s a demanded street food in Turkey.

3. Dolma

The interesting thing about a dolma is that it can be served either hot or cold. There is no compulsion. 

It is a combination of stuffed vegetables, like grape leaves, peppers, eggplants, or zucchini. The filling consists of rice, minced meat, herbs, and spices. People often pair it with tomato sauce and savor the splendid taste!

4. Acma

Acma, in particular, is a soft bagel. People of Turkey eat it as a  breakfast dish or at times, as a snack. It can be eaten plain or with some filling. 

Acma is filled with various ingredients such as butter, jam, cheese, olive paste, and more. Furthermore, it can be filled with cheese, meat, spinach,  and jam. In simple words, it is similar to a croissant!

5.  Lahmacun

If you like pizza, then you will love Lahmacun. Well, this is a thin dough which is loaded with toppings. The toppings consist of minced meat mixed with various vegetables to make it wholesome. 

Further, numerous spices are added to enhance the flavor. It’s healthy because it’s a baked dish. It is served in a wrap-like way and is a budget-friendly item to eat. 

Soup Section 

Soups are known for enhancing the overall taste of the meal. Like other cuisines, soups have a prominent position in Turkish cuisine also. Let’s have a look at some Turkish soups. 

• Tarhana Soup

This is one of the most famous soups in Turkey. It’s made of dried yogurt mixed with vegetables to form a thick paste.  Thereafter, a delicious broth is prepared and served, either hot or cold.

• Mercimek soup

Soups often enlighten a sense of healthy eating. Similarly, this soup comprises red and green lentils. This makes it of high nutritional value. Also, onion, garlic, and tomato paste are added to it. 

• Ezo Gelin soup

This soup is named after a legendary bride. Ezo gelin soup comprises bulgur, red lentils, rice, onion, garlic, tomato paste, and of course, some spices. 

Also read – What are the different types of passports in India 

Dessert Section

After soups and main dishes are done, it’s time to have a look at the popular dessert of Turkey. 

• Baklava

Well, Baklava is one of those desserts which you must have heard of before. It’s a dessert which fits well in almost every type of celebration. This is a sweet pastry made from several layers of filo pastry. 

It comprises nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, almonds, and more. It comes along to render a mind-blowing taste when served with sugar syrup or honey after baking the dish is done!

• Lokum

Do you love candies? Lokum is a candy made up of starch and sugar. It is cut into cute little pieces and tends to have a flavor of rose water, lemon, or mastic. 

This Turkish delight is also dusted with powdered sugar or coconut to add up to the taste. Once can pair it up with a good coffee and enjoy! 

• Muhallebi

It is a kind of pudding. It is made from milk, rice flour, and sugar. Further, flavors of vanilla, rose water, or mastic are added. To make it more exciting and special, it is topped with nuts, dried fruits, or honey. 

Conclusion

Turkey is highly famous for its mouth-watering delicacies , but it’s not just about this. You can also go on exploring some of the most beautifully made, handcrafted items. 

They include certain handlooms,  carpets, rugs and more. The happening city of Istanbul offers you a wide range of experiences to indulge into! So, this is your chance to dive into the synergy of Turkey tourism!