Turkey is a land of diverse topography and long-standing history. The same goes with its food. Turkey is well-known for its koftes and kebabs. The Ottoman Empire’s legacy and centuries of cultural interchange have impacted Turkish cuisine, making it one of the most rich and varied culinary traditions in the world. In this blog, you will learn about all famous Turkish food ,Turkish cuisine and popular Indian eateries in Turkey that one must not miss on.
Turkish Cuisine
The Republic of Turkey is a peninsula that lies in between the continents: Europe and Asia. So, it is common to find European and Asian influences in their food. The current cuisine is a result of Ottoman, Eastern, Balkan and Seljuk influences. The use of yoghurt, kaymak has been influenced by Mediterranean, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. The food is mainly vegetables, legumes, meat and drinks.
Turkish food is rich and requires intensive labour to cook. Meals consist of cereals, meat, bread, cold soups and side dishes cooked with olive oil and some pastry dishes. Turkish cuisines vary according to geographical locations, economic restrictions, and ecological factors.
The famous Turkish food is a testament to the diverse geography and long history. Every Turkish region has its own unique speciality just like in India. For example, seafood is stressed in Mediterranean side while the inlanders have hearty meals. Desserts and side dishes are essential components of the cuisine. Tea, especially strong black tea with sugar, is the preferred beverage.
Top Turkey dishes
- Baklava: Layers of filo pastry packed with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup make up this delicious pastry treat called Baklava. It is among the most well-liked sweet treats in Ottoman cooking.
- Kumpir: A baked potato stuffed with cheese, butter, and other toppings is called a kumpir. In Turkey and the Balkans, it is a well-liked fast food item.
- Gözleme: A savoury Turkish dish stuffed with cheese, spinach, or meat is called a gozleme. In Turkey, it is a common street dish that is usually loaded with a range of savoury ingredients like cheese, spinach, and minced meat.
- Kofte: Indians have heard Malai Kofta. This is a Turkish food that consists of flavoured small meatballs grilled or cooked in vegetables or sauce. It can be served with a variety of dishes.
- Mezze: Mezze is a staple and favourite food of Turkish people. Mezze consists of a wide range of side dishes like stuffed vegetables, dips, salads, cheeses, sauces and so on that can be served with cereals. It is prepared with fresh vegetables and gives a communal dining experience.
- Manti: Manti translates to ‘Turkish dumplings’. It is made with minced meat, onions and garlic cooked in sauce, cream or cheese. It is a laborious and meticulous dish but delicious too.
- Lahmancun: This translated to ‘Turkish flatbread’. It is made with minced meat, onions, garlic and herbs topped on pizza. This Turkish pizza is a speciality of Antolia region.
- Shish Kebab: Turkey is famous for a variety of kebabs. The most popular ones are shish kebab, meatballs grilled in stews. The other varieties are pottery kebabs, iskedaner kebab, Adana kebab. Kebabs are meatballs usually lamb or chicken roasted with vegetables like barbecue.
- Balık Ekmek: It translates to ‘fish sandwich’. There is a tradition in Turkey where you eat freshly caught grilled fish from the Marmara Sea. This is called Balık Ekmek. It is sold directly in boats in coastal Istanbul. The grilled fish is served like a burger in-between two loaves of bread.
Turkish vegetarian food
Some vegetarian Indian-origin foods you must not miss while in Turkey are:
- Kuru Fasulye: This is actually a side dish which can be eaten as a main dish. It consists of Turkish white bean stew made with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil. It is filling, delicious and easy to make at home. Furthermore, it goes with rice and bulgur.
- Börek: This is a pastry but tastes like a pattie! This pastry is filled with a variety of things and enjoyed with cream and cheese. It is made with flaky dough with spinach and cheese in it.
- Çorba: The literal translation of Dal is Corba. Some kinds of Corba are ‘Merçimek’, ‘Çorbası’ and ‘Ezogelin’. These lentil soups are made with different coloured lentils. It is served at every Turkish restaurant.
- Ciğ Kofte: These veggie meatballs are prepared with bulgur, walnuts, and tomatoes. This is a side dish served with rice, bulgur, bread. It becomes a meal if you eat it with cereals.
- İmam Bayıldı: Indians love eggplant curry. This eggplant dish is a Turkish version of the Indian eggplant curry. It is cooked with sauces, along with tomatoes, onions and garlic. Its literal translation is ‘stuffed eggplants’. We have this curry with rice, bread and bulgur.
Indian food & restaurants in Turkey
All the best Indian eateries are in Istanbul, the tourist capital of Turkey. Some popular authentic Indian restaurants are:
- Madhu’s Istanbul: A modern Indian restaurant that gives you a blend of the Indian and Turkish tastes. The decor exudes a classy and elegant vibe, enhancing the dining experience. The restaurant also features live music and dance performances, adding to its lively atmosphere.
- Notable Dishes: Punjabi Samosas, Robata Chops, Gajar ka Halwa Baklawa
- Bombay Masala Indian Restaurant: This Indian eatery serves authentic Indian food. It is open from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm. A delicious selection of Indian food is available at Bombay Masala. It provides a great dining experience that is enhanced by ambience and quality. Tradition, contemporary cuisine, and the highest standards of customer satisfaction all coexist at Bombay Masala.
- Notable Dishes: Butter Chicken, Vegetable Biryani, Mango Lassi.
- India Gate Indian Restaurant: India Gate serves Indian meals with emphasis on Tandoor dishes. It is open from 12:30 pm – 11:30 pm. The decor and ambiance are typical of an Indian restaurant, aiming to provide a traditional dining experience.
- Notable Dishes: Tandoori Chicken, Saag Panner, Naan, Aloo Gobi
- Fusion Indian Restaurant; The name itself highlights that it will give you a fusion of the classic and modern trends of Indian food. It is open from 1:30 pm – 11:00 pm. It uses organic Indian spice for its bold flavours. Customers praise its renovated decor and quality food.
- Notable Dishes: Panner Butter Masala, Vegetable Korma, Garlic Naan
- Dubb Indian Restaurant: It provides Vegetarian food, Vegan options, Halal, Gluten free options. It is open from 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm. The menu features a variety of traditional Indian dishes, prepared by experienced chefs using fresh ingredients and traditional spices. The restaurant’s decor combines comfort and elegance, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
- Notable Dishes: Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, Vegetable Biryani
Get your Turkey visa with Itzeazy
It is necessary to get Turkey visa to travel and explore the country. Itzeazy is here to help you. Itzeazy is India’s no.1 visa service provider. It helps to get guaranteed Turkey visa from India in quick time.
Itzeazy provides visa consultancy and end-to-end assistance in documentation support to the clients in all scenarios to ensure a hassle-free experience for visa in India.
Turkey Visa Charges for Indians
Leave a Reply