As I get ready to head to Turkey, I’ve scoured the web and spent countless hours sifting through information. While I will have plenty to divulge both during and post-trip, I wanted to share a bit of what I’ve found so far. And what I’ve found is a world of delight for the roaming gourmand.
So much of a new place is experienced by the palate; the mouth-watering crepes of the Latin Quarter in Paris, the crisp churros of a Barcelona street stall, or the sweet and savoury crackle of Pad Thai in Bangkok. With its preponderance of street food stalls, bustling Grand Bazaar and reputation for the best cup of joy in the world, Turkey isn’t so much a little treat for the senses as one big all you can eat sensation buffet. It’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to pair their travels with cuisine. So what’s not to be missed when you jet off to this land of a thousand flavours?
Turkish Coffee
A quintessential (and UNESCO recognized!) experience, drinking coffee in Turkey is quite the ritual. Often misconceived as a variety or blend, Turkish coffee is so much more than this! It has a unique method of preparation, which requires a special, narrow pot, the cezve. Enjoy slowly, after dinner; and look out for the thick surface foam which seals in the heat as you sip – a mark of a quality brew. The Grand Bazaar is studded with coffee shops. Hunt out the fourth generation Ethem Tezçakar Coffee to blast your tastebuds with the best you can get.
Cacik
Cool as a cucumber, this cold soup of yoghurt, mint and garlic is the perfect accompaniment to greasier, spicy foods like kofte and kebab. Order it on any occasion when you simply need to take the edge off the taste overload – which can happen quite often in Turkey!
Köfte
Köfte are basically meatballs and are enjoyable anywhere, but the Turkish kofte is especially worth seeking out. Juicy, shaped lamb, typically well-seasoned, it can be served in a variety of ways. Izmir kofta, in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers and onions, or simply plain with a side of Cacik and grated carrot and cabbage salad. Or if you’re adventurous, why not make your own koftes!
Baklava
Here is something that I am very excited about! Sweet, moist pastry crammed with pistachios and drizzled with honey: authentic baklava is dense, decadent, and satisfying. In Istanbul, enjoy yours fresh and lovingly hand-sculpted from over 30 layers of pastry in Karakoy Gulluoglu, a restaurant persistently recommended as one of the best baklava shops in the city.
Turkey owes much of its food today to the Ottoman legacy, blending influences as far reaching as Central Asia and the Med. The variety and scope of these dishes is nearly endless, as will your enjoyment when visiting this delicious destination!
