Christmas Food with a Turkish Twist: A Fusion of Tradition and Flavour
While Christmas dinner traditions vary around the world, Turkey 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 Turkey or looking to add something different to your holiday table, here are some delicious ideas for a festive meal with a […]
Cooking with Çıntar: Fethiye’s autumn delicacy
As autumn arrives in Fethiye, it’s time to enjoy one of the region’s most prized seasonal delicacies: the Çıntar mushroom. Known for its rich flavour and versatility, this wild mushroom is an integral part of the local cuisine and a staple in many kitchens. Whether fried, roasted, baked, or used in soups, there’s no shortage […]
Turkish fish cakes with preserved lemon yogurt
This terrific starter from Diana Henry is wonderfully versatile. While it’s traditionally served with yogurt on the side, you could just as easily pair it with a lemon or herb mayonnaise. Add a finishing touch of finely sliced onions with sumac and parsley for extra freshness. Serves 4 Ingredients 500g fillets firm white fish, such as […]
Spinach and Feta Cheese Börek
Börek has been at the heart of Turkish kitchens for centuries, a dish that travels effortlessly from family breakfast tables to bustling street markets. Its origins stretch back through the Ottoman Empire, where layers of delicate pastry and savoury fillings became a symbol of comfort and celebration. Today, cheese and spinach börek remains one of […]
Turkish cuisine: specialities of different regions
Turkish food culture and cuisine are rich, diverse, and steeped in history. Each region of Turkey offers its own unique flavours and culinary traditions, making Turkish cuisine a vibrant and flavorful experience. From the rich olive oils of the Aegean to the spicy kebabs of the Southeast, the country’s diverse landscape is mirrored in its […]
Recipe: Yoghurt with Cucumber (Cacık)
A great dish for hot summer days, cacık (‘JAH’-juck) is a cool, refreshing blend of cucumber, yoghurt, and mint that’s a firm summer favourite. Served as a meze or alongside grilled meats, vegetables, casseroles, or spicy dishes, it’s also a perfect partner for BBQs. Made with thicker yoghurt such as süzme or Greek, it transforms […]
Fethiye’s Secret Flavour: Mercimek Yoğurtlama
Have you ever tasted Mercimek Yoğurtlama (Lentil Yogurt), one of Fethiye’s best-kept culinary secrets? While Fethiye is well known for its turquoise coastlines and lush nature, its local cuisine is just as rich and vibrant — and Mercimek Yoğurtlama is a true hidden gem that deserves a spot on your table. What is Mercimek Yoğurtlama ? […]
Turkish-style lamb flatbreads
These lamb flatbreads are inspired by lahmacun (Turkish meat pizzas). The thin base is spread with a lamb mince and veg mixture, cooked until crisp, then topped with sumac-dusted onions. It’s normally a snack, but this has main event status thanks to a thicker, puffier dough that soaks up all that delicious fat from the richly spiced lamb. Be a better cook Try to get […]
Mantı – traditional tiny Turkish dumplings
The word mantı derives from mantu, meaning dumplings. The dumplings typically consist of a spiced meat mixture, usually lamb or ground beef, in a thin dough wrapper and either boiled or steamed. Mantı is traditionally served with a garlicky yoghurt sauce and a red pepper or tomato sauce. The origin is somewhat uncertain, it is thought that the dish may have […]
Alinazik Kebab: A Turkish Classic
The translation of this kebab’s name might be “Ali-polite,” which could sound unusual if seen on an English menu at a Turkish restaurant. However, the name actually comes from the Ottoman phrase “ala nazik”, which translates to “delightful dish.” Despite its humble name, this kebab is simple yet incredibly satisfying. It’s a specialty of the […]