Turkish Appetizers

Kokoreç is a traditional dish that's also popular in other countries, especially in Greece, where it's known as kokoretsi. However, there are some differences between the Turkish and Greek versions. In Greek cuisine, people use lam... READ MORE

Kısır is a classic Turkish salad made with thin bulgur wheat, tomatoes, mint, garlic, parsley, and either lemon juice or sour pomegranate molasses. Red pepper flakes are often added to the salad to make it spicier. Lemon juice is typically used in... READ MORE

Found in various forms throughout cuisines of Southeast Europe and the Middle East, cacık is a refreshing Turkish dip made with strained or diluted yogurt mixed with finely chopped cucumbers and minced garlic. It is traditionally flavored with oli... READ MORE

Originating from Türkiye’s Aegean region, çöp şis is a kebab variety which, in modern Turkish, could be translated as trash shish or garbage shish. Despite the indecent connotationsREAD MORE

Haydari is a Turkish meze dip that is usually made with thickened yogurt, garlic, and fresh herbs such as dill, paprika, mint, and basil. The dip has a thick texture and a tangy flavor. It is recommended to serve it chilled with pita bread, vegeta... READ MORE

Çiğ köfte is the Turkish version of steak tartare, traditionally made with high-quality ground raw beef (or lamb) that is combined with tomatoes, onions, garlic, pepper, and a selection of Turkish spices. The dish is consumed as a meze... READ MORE

The cylindrical sigara böreği is a famous Turkish deep-fried pastry. These small, crispy rolls of thin dough are stuffed with a creamy mixture of cheese and parsley. They are traditionally made with sheets of thin yufka dough, a comm... READ MORE

The Turkish version of Lebanese kibbeh are stuffed meatballs called içli köfte. The exterior is made from a combination of bulgur wheat, potatoes or semolina, and spices, while the stuffing contains onions, ground lamb or beef... READ MORE

Turkish zucchini fritters are traditionally prepared with a combination of grated zucchini, flour, and eggs, while typical additions include white Turkish cheese, onions, and herbs such as parsley, dill, or mint. The fritters are usually pan-fried... READ MORE

Midye tava is a delightfully good Turkish street food that is also served as an appetizer or a snack, consisting of fried mussels on a stick. Crispy and flavorful, the mussels are first battered, then deep-fried in a big metal cauldron. Hot oil is... READ MORE

Creamy texture and mild flavor are the main attributes of labneh; a traditional Middle Eastern strained yogurt that is prepared with yogurt and salt. No strict guidelines are used to produce it; plain full-fat yogurt is mixed with salt and left to... READ MORE

Kalamar tava is a traditional dish that's usually served as a meze. The dish consists of cleaned squid that's cut into thick rings, soaked in milk, then dipped in a batter of flour, baking soda, and salt before it's fried in hot oil. The squid rin... READ MORE

Paçanga böreği is a Turkish börek variety that's especially popular in the region of Anatolia and in Istanbul, where it's regarded as a traditional Sephardic Jewish specialty of the city. It's made by stuffing yufka or ph... READ MORE

Nokul is a flavorful Turkish pastry that is visually reminiscent of a cinnamon roll. However, nokul consists of flour, salt, sugar, yeast, vegetable oil, and a flavorful poppy seed filling that is dispersed throughout the swirls. The pastry is bak... READ MORE

Şakşuka is a Turkish meze dish made with eggplants and zucchinis which are fried in olive oil, then combined with tomato sauce, garlic, and green peppers. When prepared right and served fresh, şakşuka is typically used as a side dish with a variet... READ MORE

Patlıcan dolmasi is a Turkish take on stuffed eggplants. They are often offered as a meze in many kebab places throughout the country. The dish is typically prepared with dried eggplants, when it’s known as kuru patlıcan dolmasi. The dried e... READ MORE

Acılı ezme is a flavorful Turkish dish that is traditionally served as a meze, especially in places that serve kebabs. It consists of tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, sumac, and a bit ... READ MORE

Kabak dolmasi is a traditional dish made by stuffing zucchinis with a combination of ground beef or lamb, rice, onions, and tomatoes. The dish is flavored with parsley, salt, and pepper. When served, this meze dish is traditionally accompanied by ... READ MORE

Arnavut ciğeri (lit. Albanian-style liver) is a Turkish dish that is extremely easy to prepare. It consists of fried lamb liver and onions. The dish is typically seasoned with sumac, paprika, and black pepper. It is believed that arnavut ciğeri wa... READ MORE

This internationally popular, beige-colored spread is traditionally made with mashed chickpeas, tahini sesame paste, lemon juice, and garlic. People across the world love hummus for its tangy flavor and the fact that it is filled with nut... READ MORE

This Turkish dish consists of oval-shaped patties made from a doughy mixture of boiled red lentils and bulgur. The köfte mixture is seasoned with a pinch of salt and flavored with sautéed onions, tomato paste, and a pinch of cumin. In ... READ MORE

Barbunya pilaki is a traditional dish that's often served as meze. The dish is made with a combination of borlotti beans, tomatoes, carrots, onions, parsley, and olive oil. The beans are soaked, drained, then cooked until tender, but not mushy. Th... READ MORE

Fasulye pilaki is a traditional dish that's usually served as a meze. It's made with a combination of white or cannellini beans, onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic, olive oil, parsley, and lemon juice. The beans are cooked until tender, while all t... READ MORE

The appetizer pembe sultan is a creamy and visually striking mezze. Its vibrant pink color comes from beets, which provide a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. The dish typically combines cooked beets with thick yogurt, garlic, and salt, creating a... READ MORE

Zeytin salatası is a traditional dish originating from the Hatay area. This simple salad is made by cracking indigenous green Turkish olives in a copper bowl, one by one. The salad is seasoned with olive oil and pomegranate syrup. It can be served... READ MORE

Beyin salatasi is a traditional salad originating from Türkiye. The main ingredient is an unusual one – the salad is made with lamb brain. Other ingredients include tomatoes, lemon juice, olives, parsley, and olive oil. The brains are b... READ MORE

Pane e olio is an Italian phrase meaning bread and oil, referring to a simple yet classic Italian dish that highlights the quality of its basic ingredients: bread and olive oil. Traditional Italian bread such as ciabatta, focaccia, or a rustic cou... READ MORE