While Christmas dinner traditions vary around the world, Türkiye offers a unique culinary twist on holiday feasts, blending rich flavours and time-honoured dishes with a distinct cultural flair.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas in Türkiye or looking to add something different to your holiday table, here are some delicious ideas for a festive meal with a Turkish twist.
Turkish Meze: the perfect start
In Türkiye, meze is an essential part of any celebration, and Christmas is no exception. A spread of small, flavorful dishes provides the perfect beginning to a festive meal. Chestnut hummus (chickpea dip), Ezme (spicy tomato and pepper dip), and Baba Ghanoush (smoked eggplant dip) offer fresh and tangy flavours that complement the richness of a holiday feast. Pair them with warm, soft pide or crispy lahmacun (Turkish pizza) to kick off your celebration in style.
Main Course: turkey with a twist
While turkey is a staple in many Christmas dinners around the world, Türkiye’s own version often comes with a delicious twist. For a truly Turkish holiday main course, try Fırın Tavuk (roast chicken or turkey) flavoured with a rich mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and aromatic herbs. Add a touch of sumac or paprika for a smoky depth of flavour, and slow-roast the meat until golden and tender.
Another popular dish is Kuzu tandır (slow-cooked lamb), where the lamb is marinated in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and spices, and then slow-cooked until the meat is fall-apart tender. This dish offers a luxurious alternative to the usual holiday roast and carries the unmistakable taste of Turkish cuisine.
Side Dishes: a Festive feast of flavours
When it comes to side dishes, Turkish cuisine offers plenty of options to complement your Christmas meal. Pilav (rice pilaf), often prepared with orzo, pine nuts, and currants, makes a wonderful addition to any holiday table. For a more rustic side, try Bulgur Pilavı, a hearty dish made from cracked wheat, sautéed onions, and peppers.
For vegetable lovers, Kısır, a refreshing bulgur salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs like parsley and mint, offers a light and tangy contrast to the heavier main dishes. Another popular side dish is Yaprak Sarma – grape leaves stuffed with a filling of rice, pine nuts, and spices, all wrapped tightly and steamed to perfection.
Sweet Endings: Turkish desserts for Christmas
No Christmas feast would be complete without dessert, and Türkiye is home to a wealth of sweet treats perfect for the occasion. One of the most iconic Turkish desserts is Baklava – a delicate pastry made of thin layers of dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. Serve it alongside a rich, velvety cup of Turkish coffee for a truly festive touch.
Another popular Turkish holiday dessert is Künefe, a warm, cheesy pastry soaked in syrup and often topped with pistachios. It’s rich, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress guests at your Christmas table. For a lighter finish, Lokum (Turkish delight) in a variety of flavors like rose, lemon, and pomegranate can be a sweet treat to offer alongside tea or coffee.
Festive Turkish drinks
To wash down the feast, try a traditional Ayran, a refreshing yogurt-based drink that pairs perfectly with rich, savory dishes. Alternatively, serve up a festive Şarap (Turkish wine), which has been gaining international acclaim for its rich flavours, especially the wines from the Central Anatolia region. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a warm salep (a sweet, creamy drink made from orchid roots) offers a deliciously warming treat on a cold winter’s night.
Adding a Turkish twist to your Christmas dinner brings bold flavours, unique ingredients, and a sense of tradition to the table. Whether you’re in Türkiye or hosting a holiday feast abroad, these dishes will make your celebration unforgettable, combining the best of both Christmas and Turkish culinary culture. So, gather around the table, enjoy the festive spirit, and indulge in the rich, delicious flavors of a holiday meal with a Turkish twist.
Afiyet Olsun
