Must-try Dishes
Breakfast Bowl - Kahvaltı Tabağı (traditional Turkish breakfast) - A colorful spread featuring olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, various cheeses, and fresh bread. Locals enjoy it leisurely in the morning with friends or family, often extending into a late brunch.
Grilled Meat Skewers - Şiş Kebap (juicy meat skewers) - Tender pieces of marinated lamb or chicken grilled to perfection, served with grilled vegetables. Street vendors serve this popular snack late at night, especially after a night out, and it’s easy to grab on the go.
Stuffed Eggplant - İmam Bayıldı (stuffed vegetable) - Tender eggplant filled with a savory mixture of tomatoes, onions, and spices, slowly cooked in olive oil. It's a staple for lunch, often accompanied by rice pilaf, and commonly enjoyed by families.
Seafood Pasta - Deniz Mahsullü Makarna (seafood dish) - Pasta tossed with fresh local fish and shellfish, lightly flavored with olive oil and garlic. Served in seaside restaurants, it’s a true local specialty enjoyed during family dinners, especially in the summer.
Unexpected Flavor Bomb - Mantı (Turkish dumplings) - Delightful stuffed dumplings filled with spiced ground meat, served with yogurt and spicy oil. Some restaurants offer a unique twist by adding a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds, surprising newcomers with this combination.
Seasonal Delight - Kumpir (stuffed baked potato) - A massive baked potato filled with a variety of toppings such as cheese, sausage, and vegetables, giving you a taste of Antalya's local charm. Typically, vendors sell this hearty dish during colder months, making it a cozy option for a satisfying lunch.
Slow-cooked Lamb - Kuzu Tandir (tender lamb dish) - Lamb slow-cooked until falling off the bone, served with fragrant rice and seasonal vegetables. Traditionally enjoyed during special gatherings, this dish showcases the richness of Antalya's culinary heritage and is best appreciated during family celebrations.
Desserts & Drinks
Türk Kahvesi - Turkish Coffee (rich coffee) - Finely ground coffee beans brewed with water and sugar in a special pot called a cezve, served in small cups with grounds settled at the bottom. It’s a favorite after meals, as locals often enjoy sipping it while engaging in conversation; robust and aromatic, it offers a perfect pick-me-up.
Ayran - Ayran (yogurt drink) - A refreshing blend of yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt, served chilled in traditional metal cups, often with a swirl of mint on top. Commonly consumed with meals, especially during the sweltering summer months, it pairs well with grilled meats and kebabs; it's both hydrating and energizing.
Raki - Raki (anise-flavored spirit) - An anise-flavored alcoholic drink, typically mixed with water to create a milky white concoction called "Lion's Milk." Popular during gatherings with meze (small dishes), locals prefer sipping it slowly as the sun sets; it’s customary to raise a toast while saying “Şerefe!” which means “Cheers!”
Baklava - Baklava (sweet pastry) - Layers of flaky pastry filled with finely chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup, offering a contrasting crunch with a tender bite. Traditionally served during celebrations or as a special treat with coffee; you’ll notice folks often savoring it in the late afternoon.
Dondurma - Dondurma (Turkish ice cream) - A thick and stretchy ice cream made from salep (orchid root) and milk, flavored with mastic for added chewiness. Best enjoyed on hot beach days, it’s often served with a show of skill by the vendor, twirling and teasing before you finally get your scoop; it's a delightful experience! By the way, watch out for the melted vanilla!
