Istanbul is a land where cultures of the world meet. It has a European and Asian influence in its dishes. From the early influences of the Ottoman Empire to nouvelle European dishes, you can find everything in Istanbul. This scenic capital city is said to be the birthplace of some of the most renowned Middle Eastern spices and dishes, which are popular all over the globe today.
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source: robertharding.com
Like the classic Baklava. Baklavas are one such nectar sweet dessert that’ll give all the pastries shops in Paris a run for its money with its heavenly flavors.
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Its right here in turkey that the concept of using Phyllo sheets was first thought of. Then you have the famous Lahmacun. Though it’s popular as a Middle Eastern pizza, it’s not. There are many such dishes which you'll discover when you take a food walk with me to the best dishes to try when in Istanbul.
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Lahmacun is an art form that has been learned to perfection by the Turkish over centuries and is nothing like its Naples lookalike. The unusual use of Middle Eastern spices and sauces makes Lahmacun an emblem of Turkish delicacies. So without wasting any more time, come along with me on a trip to the best dishes in Istanbul which you just have to try before you bid adieu to the city.
5 Best dishes you must try at least once in Istanbul
#1. Doner Kabab:
You just cannot bid goodbye to Istanbul without trying the Doner Kabab. This delicious Kababs are made with beef, lambs as well as chicken.
- A classic dish from the Ottoman empire Doner Kababs is cooked in a rotisserie. There are many varieties of Doner kababs which you can find throughout Turkey and Istanbul.
- Dürüm is a delicious variety of kababs where the Doner is rolled in lavaş bread and served.
- Although today you can find Doner Kababs everywhere, I bet, it won’t taste anything like the ones they serve you at Bayramoglu Doner in Kavacik, Beykoz.
source:goud.ma
#2. Su Böreği:
Water Borek known as u Boregi in Turkish is one of those dishes that are really difficult to make but munch on a bite and you are in for a treat.
- A crunchy and tasty layer of baked phyllo sheets, filled with a stuffing of your choice. You can choose from meat to potatoes to lentils to leeks to even cheese.
- On a hot sunny day, a bite of this crusty extravaganza is like heaven in a bite.
- You can find many restaurants and street hops selling Su boregi, especially during Ramadan when it is made in abundance.
source: istanbulrestaurantphuket.com
#3. Pide:
Pide is simple flat bread which is made into a boat-shaped structure and baked with minced lambs and cheese.
- What results is a crusty and cheese dripping spicy Pide which is probably an emblem of delicious dishes from Turkey.
- There are a lot of places that serve good Pide but my favorite one was Lider Pide.
- This place serves this delicious dish with authentic Turkish tea which you’ll love.
source: istanbulmustdo.com
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#4. Meze:
Meze is a term for appetizers served before a meal with traditional beverages.
- When you are in Istanbul start your day with an appetizing palate of Meze.
- Choose from an array of delicacies like fava or the Muhammara and take a sip of anise-flavored arak along with it.
- The best place to have it is probably the famous Anatolia café in Sultanahmet.
source: omnivorescookbook.com
#5. Lahmacun:
Lahmacun is a popular variation to pizza, and actually its nothing like it.
- This interesting dish is thin and plain dough which is topped with minced meat, herbs, and some vegetables.
- It’s delicious, it’s spicy, it’s tangy and it’s crusty. If you are in Istanbul, even for a day, do give the traditional Lahmacun a try.
- It is indeed an artwork learned to perfection by the Usta over generations. I am especially a fan of the unusual use of quintessential Middle Eastern spices that just takes you to a dreamy Arabian wonderland with its dreamy and delectable presence.
- Though most of the Lahmacun has its own grammar of dreaminess, there is something about the ones served at Borsam Tasfirin.
- They serve it like no others as if it’s an artist’s exhibition on display.
source: willflyforfood.net
So these were the top five must-eat dishes in Istanbul. Apart from these Istanbul welcomes you to an array of tasty Middle Eastern dishes which are also definitely worth a try. It’s these delicious dishes and the relaxing and friendly ambiance of the city that leaves an indelible imprint on all its travelers.
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