What Food To Try in Bursa and Food Prices

Kahvaltı - Breakfast Plate - A variety of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh bread, often accompanied by a hard-boiled egg. Locals enjoy this spread leisurely on weekends, lingering over it with family.

Iskender Kebap - Iskender Kebab - Succulent lamb or beef, served over pita bread and drenched in rich tomato sauce, topped with yogurt. Best enjoyed during lunch, it’s a staple for gathering with friends after a long day.

Adana Kebap - Adana Kebab - Spicy minced lamb skewers, grilled over an open flame, served with flatbread and spicy salad. You’ll often find locals enjoying this at late-night outdoor grills, especially after a vibrant night out.

Osmangazi Kebab - Osman Gazi Kebab - Tender chunks of slow-cooked lamb stewed in a sauce of tomatoes and spices. This hearty dish is traditionally eaten at family dinners, symbolizing unity and sharing among loved ones.

Kumpir - Loaded Baked Potato - Large baked potatoes filled with a mix of butter and cheese, topped with various savory options like pickles and sausages. This popular street food is often enjoyed during evening strolls through the city.

Çılbır - Poached Eggs in Yogurt - Yogurt topped with poached eggs, olive oil, and a sprinkle of paprika, creating a creamy and tangy experience. It’s a delightful breakfast dish that you’ll want to enjoy fresh in the morning hours.

Mevsim Salatası - Seasonal Salad - A mix of local vegetables dressed with olive oil and lemon, reflecting the freshest flavors of the season. It’s a staple at many local meyhane (taverns) to accompany your main meals during summertime.

By the way, locals often mistake Iskender for other kebabs, so specify when ordering.

Çay - چای (black tea) - Strong, fragrant black tea served hot, brewed in a double teapot called çaydanlık. Locals enjoy it throughout the day, especially during social gatherings or as a pick-me-up during work breaks.

Şıra - شیره (fermented grape juice) - A sweet, slightly fizzy drink made from fermented grape must, typically enjoyed during fall and winter months. It's common at family gatherings, especially when sharing seasonal treats, and can be found in local markets during grape harvest time.

Rakıyı - راکی (anise-flavored spirit) - A strong alcoholic beverage distilled from raisins and flavored with anise, usually served chilled in a small glass alongside meze (appetizers). Popular for special occasions, you'll often see locals sipping it slowly to savor the complex flavors—much like a ritual!

Kumpir - كنبير (stuffed baked potato) - A large, fluffy baked potato, split open and filled with a mix of creamy butter and cheese, topped with a variety of ingredients like olives and pickles. It's a popular street food, best enjoyed on a cool evening while wandering the city.

Dondurma - دوندورما (Turkish ice cream) - A rich, elastic ice cream that you can't help but play with, made from salep (orchid root) and milk. Locals love to indulge in this treat particularly during the summer, often served on a cone after a bit of theatrical twirling by the vendor. By the way, don't be surprised if your ice cream is playfully withheld a moment longer!