What you need to know about the main food culture in Turkey!

What you need to know about the main food culture in Turkey!

What you need to know about the main food culture in Turkey!

Turkey's main food culture is based on a rich and diverse culinary heritage. Historically born from the interaction of many civilisations, Turkish cuisine is a mixture reflecting the characteristics of regions such as the Middle East, the Mediterranean, the Balkans and Central Asia. The ingredients, cooking methods and presentations used in main dishes may vary according to geographical regions and local flavours. Here are some important points you should know about the main course culture in Turkey:

1. Meat and Vegetables: Meat plays an important role in Turkish cuisine. Various types of meat such as red meat, chicken and fish are used in different dishes. Vegetables are also frequently used in main dishes and may vary according to the season. Vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, beans and courgettes are commonly used.

2. Pilaf and Bulgur: Pilaf is a basic by-product in Turkish cuisine and is frequently consumed with main dishes. Bulgur is also an important grain product used with meat dishes or in salads.

3. Kebabs: Turkish kebabs are famous worldwide. Pieces of meat or chicken cooked on the grill or in a tandoor are usually served with lavash or rice. There are various types of kebabs such as Adana kebab, döner kebab and shish kebab.

4. Olive oil dishes: Olive oil dishes have an important place in Turkish cuisine. Vegetables such as stuffed vegetables with olive oil, green beans with olive oil, aubergine with olive oil are served cold and are especially preferred in summer.

5. Soups: In Turkish cuisine, various soups are also consumed as main dishes. Varieties such as lentil soup, ezogelin soup, tarhana soup are popular and are usually served at the beginning of meals.

6. Manti and Lahmacun: Manti are pieces of dough filled with meat and served with yoghurt. Lahmacun is a type of Turkish pizza made with minced meat and vegetables on thin dough.

7. Börek: Börek is a sweet or savoury pastry made of thin dough with fillings such as cheese, minced meat or potatoes. It is cooked in the oven or on a pan and consumed as a main dish or as a snack.

Turkish cuisine emphasises hospitality and social interaction as well as delicious food. Especially on special occasions or celebrations, large tables are prepared and meals are shared with loved ones. Turkish main course culture is a cuisine recognised worldwide for its diversity and flavour.