10 Must-Try Turkish Delights: Discover the Tastiest Food in Antalya
Antalya is not just about stunning beaches and ancient ruins; it's also a food lover's paradise, offering a taste of the best Turkish cuisine. From succulent kebabs and fresh seafood to sweet treats like arap kadayıfı and baklava, there’s plenty to savor.
Whether you're strolling through Old Town's bazaars, dining by the sea, or enjoying a romantic evening, every meal in Antalya is a memorable experience. Unsure where to begin? Here’s a quick guide to must-try dishes in Antalya and where to find them.👇
1. Kebab
No visit to Türkiye is complete without savoring authentic kebabs, and Antalya provides many chances to enjoy this classic dish. Turkish kebabs come in various forms, from the well-known döner and skewered meats to the flavorful iskender kebab, thinly sliced lamb served atop flatbread, topped with garlic yogurt and tomato sauce. In Antalya, kebabs typically feature lamb or chicken.
2. Tahinli Piyaz
Piyaz is a light and refreshing salad consisting of white beans, onions, tomatoes, parsley, and hard-boiled eggs. While it’s enjoyed throughout Türkiye, Antalya’s version stands out thanks to the addition of a creamy tahini dressing. This special touch gives the salad a rich, tangy flavor, making it a popular choice, especially during the warm summer months in Antalya.
3. Şiş Köfte
Şiş köfte, or Turkish meatball skewers, are a popular favorite in Antalya. These flavorful meatballs, typically made from ground beef or lamb mixed with spices, onions, and occasionally breadcrumbs, are skewered and grilled over a charcoal fire, giving them a rich, smoky taste.
4. Hibeş
Hibeş is a local favorite, a smooth and creamy dip made from tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Often served as part of a meze platter, it’s an ideal dish for sharing with friends or family while enjoying a day in Antalya.
5. Fresh Seafood
Antalya's prime spot on the Turkish Riviera makes it a haven for seafood enthusiasts, with fresh catches brought in daily by local fishermen. Must-try dishes include grilled red mullet, roasted Mediterranean grouper, kalamar tava (fried calamari with garlic yogurt sauce), and midye dolma (mussels stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices).
6. Kokoreç
For those with a taste for adventure, kokoreç is a savory Turkish street food made from seasoned lamb intestines wrapped around sweetbreads and slow-roasted over a charcoal grill. After cooking, the meat is finely chopped, mixed with oregano and chili, and served in freshly baked bread.
7. Gözleme
Gözleme is a beloved street food in Antalya, consisting of a traditional Turkish flatbread filled with ingredients like spinach, cheese, potatoes, or minced meat. This savory pastry is griddled to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful inside.
8. Serpme Börek
Although gözleme is popular throughout Türkiye, serpme börek is a distinct specialty in Antalya. This tasty pastry consists of hand-rolled dough layered with savory fillings like cheese, spinach, minced meat, or potatoes. While it may resemble gözleme, the delicate, flaky layers of serpme börek give it a unique texture and flavor, making it a must-try dish in Antalya.
9. Baklava
This iconic Turkish dessert, which dates back to the Ottoman Empire, has gained global popularity for its rich sweetness and delicate texture. Baklava is made from layers of flaky phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts, typically pistachios, walnuts, or almonds, and drenched in a sweet syrup.
10. Turkish coffee
Turkish coffee, known as Türk kahvesi, is a strong, aromatic brew made by simmering finely ground coffee beans with water in a traditional copper pot called a cezve. This unfiltered coffee is rich and bold, typically served with a piece of sweet Turkish delight for a perfect pairing.
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