What Food To Try in Adana and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Adana for 2024.
National currency: Turkish Lira, symbol — ₺ (international currency code TRY).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Adana cafes and restaurants
$3.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.93
$15.4
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $13.1
$4.2
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.28
What to Try in Adana
Must-try Dishes
Adana Kebab - Grilled skewered minced meat, typically lamb or beef, mixed with spices and shaped onto a metal skewer. It's a common choice for dinner, with locals often enjoying it alongside fresh flatbreads and a side of tangy onion salad.Beyaz Peynir Tosti - White Cheese Toast - A melty sandwich made with local white cheese and crispy bread, pressed until golden brown. Popular as a hearty breakfast, this toasti is usually enjoyed with a side of ripe tomatoes and olives.
Simit - Sesame Crusted Bagel - A golden, circular bread coated in sesame seeds, offering a crunchy exterior and soft inside. Found on street corners in the morning, many locals grab a simit on their way to work, often paired with tea.
Kumpir - Stuffed Baked Potato - A large baked potato, fluffily mashed inside and stuffed with a variety of toppings from butter to sausage or even corn. It’s a go-to street food option for lunch or a quick dinner; sometimes, I go for the "everything" style to experience all the flavors.
Pide - Turkish Pizza - Flatbread topped with minced meat, cheese, and spices, baked until bubbly and fragrant. Often shared among friends during a casual dinner, it’s fun to watch the dough getting perfect in a traditional wood-fired oven.
Çılbır - Poached Eggs with Yogurt - Eggs poached to perfection and served over creamy yogurt, drizzled with melted butter and paprika. This classic breakfast dish is best enjoyed late morning when it's freshly prepared and still warm.
Dolma - Stuffed Vegetables - Grape leaves or other vegetables stuffed with a mix of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, all simmered until tender. It’s common to see locals enjoying dolma for lunch, often served with a squeeze of lemon for added zest.
Mevsim Salatası - Seasonal Salad - A fresh mix of whatever vegetables are in season, typically dressed with olive oil and lemon. This dish is a common dinner side, providing a refreshing contrast to heavier meats, especially during the hotter months.
Desserts & Drinks
Çay - چای (Turkish tea) - Strong black tea brewed in a special two-tier kettle called a "çaydanlık," served in small tulip-shaped glasses. Locals sip çay throughout the day, especially in the afternoons, often accompanied by a plate of simit (sesame bread). Ayran - Ayran (yogurt drink) - A refreshing blend of yogurt, water, and salt, served chilled in traditional clay cups. Popular on hot summer days and typically enjoyed with kebabs or lahmacun (Turkish pizza), ayran helps to balance spicy flavors beautifully.
Rakı - Rakı (anise-flavored spirit) - A potent spirit made from grapes and flavored with anise, typically diluted with water and served in wide glasses, turning a milky white. Perfect for toasting during a leisurely dinner with family, especially with meze (appetizers) while chatting long into the night.
Künefe - كنافة (cheesy dessert) - A luscious pastry made of shredded phyllo dough filled with melted cheese and drenched in syrup, served warm, often topped with crushed pistachios. A popular treat during Ramadan when friends and families come together for evening meals, though it's enjoyed any time of year.
Dondurma - دندورما (Turkish ice cream) - Creamy, stretchy ice cream made with salep (orchid tuber) and mastic, which gives it a unique chewy texture. Sold by street vendors skillfully twirling it on cones, dondurma is especially delightful in summer; just be careful not to order it without the mastic for the authentic experience!
By the way, always ask for your tea without sugar unless you want it sweetened—it's a common mix-up among visitors!
Food and Groceries in Adana
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.35 |
| Bananas | $0.88 |
| Oranges | $0.58 |
| Potatoes | $0.41 |
| Apples | $0.58 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.23 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.55 |
| Imported Beer | $2.14 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $5.97 |
| Milk 1L | $0.79 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $9.1 |
| Chicken | $3.51 |
| Cigarettes | $1.45 |
| Rice | $1.1 |
| Local Cheese | $6.03 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Eating in Adana is a lively experience that reflects the vibrant local culture and traditions. The dining scene here is distinct, shaped by everyday life and culinary influences that meld together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. From bustling food stalls to cozy family-run restaurants, the choices are abundant, catering to various preferences.
**Dining Hours**
In Adana, meal times are typically in sync with the sun. Breakfast, or "kahvaltı," tends to happen between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, featuring lighter fare. Lunch hours usually run from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, while dinner starts around 7:00 PM and can stretch into the late hours. You’ll notice that locals often enjoy evening meals particularly late, with some restaurants staying open until midnight or later. This is especially true during the warmer months when late-night eating becomes a communal affair, with families gathering long after sunset.
You might think that breakfast is a rushed affair, but not here. In fact, locals take their time, enjoying shared platters of olives, cheeses, and breads, sometimes lingering over tea well into the late morning. On the flip side, a common misconception is that dining here is overly expensive. While there are high-end spots, plenty of affordable options exist, allowing for an enjoyable experience without breaking the bank.
**Price Expectations**
Now for the costs: eating out in Adana typically ranges from about 40 to 100 TRY for budget to mid-range meals. At the lower end, you might find street food or casual eateries where locals frequent; mid-range options can run between 100 to 250 TRY with ample selections for the family. For higher-end dining—if you're feeling a bit indulgent—expect to fork out 250 TRY and up. Locations play a significant role; tourist-heavy areas usually have higher prices, while more local districts often feature better deals.
Payment methods vary, though cash is king, especially in smaller establishments. Credit cards are widely accepted in bigger restaurants and hotels, but it’s always good to check in advance. Service is generally attentive but not intrusive, with a fairly relaxed approach reminiscent of the area's easy-going vibe. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is seen as a nice gesture of appreciation.
**Local Customs**
One delightful custom here is sharing food. It’s common for tables to overflow with a variety of dishes, encouraging everyone to dig in and savor the communal experience. A dining etiquette tip to keep in mind is to wait for the host to start before you begin eating; this can be a mark of respect here. Also, don’t be surprised if you see locals enjoying a post-meal tea or coffee, often as an afterthought but very much a part of the experience.
**Budget Tips**
If you’re trying to save a bit, look for “lokantas,” which are local eateries typically offering daily specials at reasonable prices. Hidden away from tourist traps, these spots can make for an authentic experience that gives you a taste of local life. Another tip is to aim for lunch, which tends to be more affordable than the evening meals. For those dining out in popular areas, plan your visits during off-peak hours to avoid inflated prices or waiting lists.
Adana’s food culture is a reflection of its people and traditions, offering a colorful palette of culinary experiences from breakfast through to late-night feasts. The rich flavors and communal dining practices make it a warm and welcoming place for anyone eager to indulge in local cuisine. So grab a seat, share your plate, and enjoy the flavors that Adana has to offer.
**Dining Hours**
In Adana, meal times are typically in sync with the sun. Breakfast, or "kahvaltı," tends to happen between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, featuring lighter fare. Lunch hours usually run from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, while dinner starts around 7:00 PM and can stretch into the late hours. You’ll notice that locals often enjoy evening meals particularly late, with some restaurants staying open until midnight or later. This is especially true during the warmer months when late-night eating becomes a communal affair, with families gathering long after sunset.
You might think that breakfast is a rushed affair, but not here. In fact, locals take their time, enjoying shared platters of olives, cheeses, and breads, sometimes lingering over tea well into the late morning. On the flip side, a common misconception is that dining here is overly expensive. While there are high-end spots, plenty of affordable options exist, allowing for an enjoyable experience without breaking the bank.
**Price Expectations**
Now for the costs: eating out in Adana typically ranges from about 40 to 100 TRY for budget to mid-range meals. At the lower end, you might find street food or casual eateries where locals frequent; mid-range options can run between 100 to 250 TRY with ample selections for the family. For higher-end dining—if you're feeling a bit indulgent—expect to fork out 250 TRY and up. Locations play a significant role; tourist-heavy areas usually have higher prices, while more local districts often feature better deals.
Payment methods vary, though cash is king, especially in smaller establishments. Credit cards are widely accepted in bigger restaurants and hotels, but it’s always good to check in advance. Service is generally attentive but not intrusive, with a fairly relaxed approach reminiscent of the area's easy-going vibe. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is seen as a nice gesture of appreciation.
**Local Customs**
One delightful custom here is sharing food. It’s common for tables to overflow with a variety of dishes, encouraging everyone to dig in and savor the communal experience. A dining etiquette tip to keep in mind is to wait for the host to start before you begin eating; this can be a mark of respect here. Also, don’t be surprised if you see locals enjoying a post-meal tea or coffee, often as an afterthought but very much a part of the experience.
**Budget Tips**
If you’re trying to save a bit, look for “lokantas,” which are local eateries typically offering daily specials at reasonable prices. Hidden away from tourist traps, these spots can make for an authentic experience that gives you a taste of local life. Another tip is to aim for lunch, which tends to be more affordable than the evening meals. For those dining out in popular areas, plan your visits during off-peak hours to avoid inflated prices or waiting lists.
Adana’s food culture is a reflection of its people and traditions, offering a colorful palette of culinary experiences from breakfast through to late-night feasts. The rich flavors and communal dining practices make it a warm and welcoming place for anyone eager to indulge in local cuisine. So grab a seat, share your plate, and enjoy the flavors that Adana has to offer.