What Food To Try in Alanya and Food Prices

Menemen - Scrambled Eggs with Peppers - A rich blend of eggs, tomatoes, and green peppers cooked in olive oil, often served in a sizzling pan. Locals typically enjoy this hearty breakfast dish with freshly baked bread, especially on lazy weekend mornings.

Goçmen Böreği - Savory Pastry - This flaky pastry is stuffed with juicy meat, potatoes, and spices, often prepared in a large, circular shape. Street vendors serve it hot from mobile kitchens, making it a perfect on-the-go lunch or snack while exploring the city.

Kuzu Tandir - Slow-Roasted Lamb - Tender lamb slow-cooked with aromatic herbs and spices until it falls off the bone, usually accompanied by fluffy rice or bulgur. Families often savor this savory dish during special occasions for weekend dinners, bringing everyone together around the table.

Pide - Turkish Pizza - A flatbread topped with mincemeat, cheese, and assorted toppings, baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven, giving it a delightful char. Pide shops are bustling in the evenings when locals unwind after work with friends or family.

Alanya Tava - Local Specialty - This dish features fresh fish, typically deep-fried with a light batter, served with a side of tangy lemon and mixed greens. It's often enjoyed on sunny afternoons at beachside restaurants, where fresh catches are highlighted.

Biber Dolması - Stuffed Peppers - Bell peppers filled with a mixture of rice, minced meat, and herbs, then baked until soft. This dish is especially popular in summer when families gather for al fresco meals, showcasing the season's bounty.

Çılbır - Poached Eggs with Yogurt - Eggs softly poached and served over creamy yogurt, topped with melted butter and paprika for a surprising kick. Best enjoyed for brunch, this dish is often a local favorite that you shouldn’t overlook.

Tarator - Yogurt Dip with Walnut - A refreshing dip made with yogurt, garlic, and crushed walnuts, often served alongside grilled meats. It's a common addition to family meals, adding a cool contrast to hearty dishes, especially during hot summer months.

Çay - Çay (black tea) - Strong black tea brewed and served in tulip-shaped glasses, often accompanied by sugar cubes on the side. Locals enjoy sipping it throughout the day, especially during leisurely gatherings or after meals.

Fincan Kahvesi - Fincan Kahvesi (Turkish coffee) - Finely ground coffee brewed with water and sugar in a special pot called cezve, served unfiltered in small cups. You’ll find it being shared among friends, often accompanied by a sweet treat, and the process is as much about the social ritual as it is about the coffee itself.

Rakı - Rakı (anise-flavored liquor) - A strong, clear spirit flavored with anise, served with chilled water that turns it milky white. It’s a staple at celebratory meals, where it is traditionally accompanied by a platter of meze (small dishes).

Baklava - Baklava (layered pastry dessert) - A decadent pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. Perfect for sharing during special occasions like weddings, it's best enjoyed slightly warm, with a cup of strong coffee or tea.

Dondurma - Dondurma (Turkish ice cream) - A creamy, stretchy ice cream made from milk, sugar, and salep, unique for its chewy texture. Locals savor it during warm afternoons, typically sold from vendors who playfully tease customers while scooping their orders.

By the way, in Alanya, you'll go easy on ordering Rakı; a common mistake is asking for it at breakfast! Instead, save it for late evening meals when the atmosphere is just right.