Why to join “Dining out the Turkish Way”?

Dining out in Turkey is not just about enjoying food; it’s an immersive cultural experience that brings people together around the table, often lasting for hours. A typical Turkish dining experience starts with simple street food like simit, continues with hearty kebabs, delicious mezes (appetizers), and is often paired with the beloved Turkish spirit, raki. Here’s a guide to enjoying a Turkish meal like a local.

1. Starting with Simit: The Turkish Street Staple
A traditional Turkish meal might begin with something as humble yet iconic as simit, a sesame-crusted bread ring often referred to as a Turkish bagel. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, simit is usually enjoyed with a side of tea or cheese, and serves as a light appetizer to kick off your dining experience. It’s a common sight on Turkish streets, sold by vendors carrying baskets piled high with these golden rings.

2. The Main Event: Kebabs
After a light start, the meal often shifts to the main course, which can feature a variety of delicious Turkish kebabs. Whether it’s Adana kebab (spicy minced meat), şiş kebab (grilled meat on skewers), or döner kebab (slow-roasted meat served with rice or wrapped in flatbread), Turkish kebabs are flavorful, juicy, and satisfying. Kebabs are often accompanied by grilled vegetables, bulgur, and fluffy Turkish flatbread known as lavash.

3. The Mezze Spread: Small Dishes, Big Flavors
A Turkish meal is never complete without an array of mezes, small plates meant to be shared among friends and family. These cold and hot appetizers offer a wide range of flavors, from refreshing and tangy to savory and spicy. Popular mezes include:

Haydari: A thick yogurt dip with garlic and herbs.
Yaprak Sarma: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and currants.
Ezme: A spicy tomato and pepper salad.
Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip with olive oil.
Sigara Börek: Crispy phyllo rolls filled with cheese.
Mezes are enjoyed leisurely, often paired with raki, setting the tone for a relaxed and social dining experience.

4. Raki: The Spirit of Turkey
No Turkish feast is truly complete without raki, Turkey’s national drink and a staple at social gatherings. Often called “lion’s milk” (aslan sütü) for its cloudy white appearance when mixed with water, raki is a strong, anise-flavored spirit made from distilled grapes or figs.

Raki is traditionally served in small, narrow glasses, and it’s always diluted with cold water or ice, which transforms the clear liquid into a milky white drink. It is typically sipped slowly, accompanying the meze dishes, and is especially enjoyed alongside grilled fish, seafood, or kebabs. The anise flavor of raki pairs perfectly with the variety of savory mezes, creating a balance of flavors that elevate the entire meal.

The Ritual of Raki:
Raki is not consumed quickly or casually—it’s meant to be savored over a long meal.
The drink is often served with a toast (şerefe!), and its consumption is accompanied by lively conversation and laughter.
It fosters a sense of community and celebration, making it the ideal companion for long, leisurely meals.

5. Ending on a Sweet Note
After the main courses and raki, many meals end with a classic Turkish dessert like baklava, a rich, flaky pastry filled with nuts and drenched in syrup. Another popular option is künefe, a dessert made of crispy phyllo dough filled with melted cheese, served warm and soaked in sweet syrup. Paired with a small cup of strong Turkish coffee, this sweet conclusion offers the perfect ending to a memorable Turkish dining experience.