30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

Jump to Recipe

Check out our delicious Turkish recipes! From breakfast to appetizers and main dishes, we've got you covered. These are healthy recipes and many of them are also vegetarian.

Turkish cuisine offers a large variety of dishes that are packed with a lot of flavor and loved by everyone. If you're looking for new and delicious recipes to try, you've got to give these recipes a try!

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (1)
Table Of Contents:
  • Is Turkish food healthy?
  • Best Turkish recipes
  • Step-by-Step Recipe
  • 30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes

If you're interested in Mediterranean dishes, you're going to love our Turkish recipes. These recipes call for wholesome ingredients and are easy to make. Like other cuisines of the Mediterranean, Turkish cuisine uses a lot of olive oil which makes it a healthy cuisine offering wonderful dishes that are not only good for you, but also are super tasty.

Is Turkish food healthy?

Turkish food is pretty much healthy since it uses a lot of olive oil and seasonal ingredients. Probiotics such as yogurt are widely used in this cuisine and vegetables are a part of every meal.

Unlike what you might have heard, Turkish cuisine offers a lot more than kebabs. There are a variety of dishes you can enjoy, many of them being naturally vegetarian or vegan.

Best Turkish recipes

Creamy Cucumber Salad With Yogurt

Creamy Cucumber Salad With Yogurt

This creamy cucumber salad is made with yogurt, which makes it lighter and healthier than salads with mayonnaise-based dressings. There's nothing difficult about this recipe: it's ready in just 10 minutes and uses common pantry samples.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (2)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (3)

Best Doner kebab

Best Doner Kebab Recipe (Beef or Lamb)

Ready to try the best doner kebab recipe? This homemade Turkish döner kebab is juicy and packed with so much flavor. With one simple technique, you can make this classic Turkish street food at home with just a few ingredients!

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (4)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (5)

Zucchini Stew

Turkish Zucchini Stew Recipe

This Turkish zucchini stew is hearty, healthy and so easy to make. It's made in one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (6)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (7)

Gozleme (Turkish Stuffed Flatbread)

Gozleme recipe (Turkish Stuffed Flatbread)

Gozleme is a delicious Turkish flatbread stuffed with different fillings such as potatoes and spinach. Watch the video to learn how to make this classic recipe.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (8)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (9)

Pide Bread (Ramazan Pidesi)

Turkish Pide Bread (Ramazan Pidesi)

Turkish pide bread is a traditional no knead flatbread that's fluffy and so easy to make. Fresh out of the oven, this bread is fluffy and perfect with some cheese.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (10)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (11)

Sumac onions (10 minutes)

Turkish Ezme Recipe

Turkish sumac onions are ready in 10 minutes and make an ideal companion to a wide variety of dishes. Crispy red onions are marinated with lemon juice, sumac and herbs - all you need to add a lot of bright flavors to any dish!

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (12)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (13)

Ezme

Turkish Ezme Recipe

Ezme is a classic Turkish sauce, condiment and appetizer that’s usually served on the side of kebabs with some fresh bread. It’s ready in 10 minutes and is so delicious thanks to tomatoes, peppers and herbs.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (14)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (15)

Mercimek Koftesi - Lentil Balls (Vegan)

Turkish Vegan Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köftesi)

Made with red lentils and bulgur, these are usually served with lettuce and herbs.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (16)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (17)

Turkish chicken stew

Chicken Stew Recipe Turkish Style

This chicken stew recipe is hearty and easy to prepare. Made with tender chicken pieces and vegetables, this is a great way to infuse some Turkish flavor into your weeknight dinner routine!

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (18)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (19)

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Turkish Style

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Turkish Style

Roasted chicken and vegetables is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Chicken is flavored with spices and roasted on a bed of vegetables with a tasty sauce all in one dish. It's a simple classic dinner that everyone loves.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (20)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (21)

White Bean Salad Recipe (Piyaz)

Turkish White Bean Salad

This Turkish white bean salad is ready in just 10 minutes. It's an easy and tasty side dish that pairs nicely with many Mediterranean flavors.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (22)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (23)

Smoky Eggplant Salad

Turkish Smoky Eggplant Salad

This Turkish eggplant salad is uniquely delicious. Charred eggplant and bell peppers are combined with tomatoes, herbs and spices for a delightful convergence of flavors. Like other Mediterranean salads, key ingredients include olive oil, lemon juice and sumac.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (24)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (25)

Turkish leeks recipe (zeytinyağlı pırasa)

Turkish Braised Leeks Recipe (Zeytinyağlı Pırasa)

This Turkish leek recipe is delicious and easy to make. Leeks are braised with olive oil and then topped with a garlicky yogurt sauce, resulting in a delicious, wholesome meal ready in no time.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (26)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (27)

Turkish ground beef stew

Ground Beef Stew, Turkish Style

This Turkish style ground beef stew is hearty and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with vegetables and spices, this stew can be served on its own or with some rice.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (28)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (29)

Lahmacun

Lahmacun Turkish Pizza Recipe

Lahmacun is thin and crispy flatbread bursting with flavor. Topped with meat, parsley, peppers, tomatoes and a mixture of delicious spices, this Turkish pizza is a must-try!

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (30)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (31)

Menemen Recipe

Menemen Turkish Eggs and Tomatoes Recipe

Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast recipe made with tomatoes and eggs. Learn how to make it at home with a few ingredients.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (32)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (33)

Amerikan salatası(Russian salad)

Ensalada Rusa (Russian salad - Olivier Salad)

Here's an easy recipe for ensalada rusa - or, as many call it, Russian salad or Olivier salad. This creamy potato salad is full of vegetables and tastes great. Follow along to learn more about this popular salad and its variations.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (34)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (35)

Easy Baked Cod Recipe Turkish Style

Turkish Baked Cod Recipe

This Turkish-style baked cod recipe is a keeper. Tender cod pieces are cooked in a delicious pepper and tomato sauce.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (36)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (37)

Rice Pilaf with Orzo Recipe

Turkish Rice Pilaf with Orzo Recipe

Turkish rice pilaf with orzo is a simple side dish you can serve with almost anything. It calls for only 4 ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (38)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (39)

Kumpir (Turkish stuffed potatoes)

Kumpir (Turkish Stuffed Baked Potatoes)

This Turkish kumpir recipe is a must-try! Kumpir is a popular street food made with creamy baked potatoes topped with a variety of delicious toppings. This recipe is a close replica of what you can find in the streets of Istanbul and you can enjoy it at home using my easy instructions.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (40)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (41)

Mercimek corbasi (Red Lentil Soup)

Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe (Mercimek Corbasi)

Turkish lentil soup is ready in 30 minutes and is so easy to make. You can make this healthy and delicious soup with just a handful of ingredients.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (42)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (43)

Sutlac (Rice pudding)

Turkish Rice Pudding Recipe (Sutlac)

If you love light and creamy desserts, this is it. Creamy and rich with a golden top, this baked rice pudding is also gluten-free. Learn how to make this tasty dessert with this tutorial and step-by-step photos.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (44)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (45)

Revani cake (Turkish semolina cake)

Revani (Turkish Semolina Cake)

Revani is a classic semolina cake that's easy and so delicious. Soaked in a light simple syrup, this cake is popular throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (46)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (47)

Simit

Turkish Simit Recipe

Turkish simit is a delicious sesame crusted bread that you can have for breakfast. Learn how to make traditional simit recipe at home with this step-by-step tutorial.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (48)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (49)

Karniyarik (Stuffed Eggplant)

Karniyarik Turkish Stuffed Eggplant

Karniyarik is a classic Turkish stuffed eggplant recipe. Delicious eggplants are stuffed with a tasty ground beef, pepper and tomatoes filling and are baked to perfection.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (50)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (51)

Cacik (Yogurt and Cucumber)

Cacik Turkish Yogurt and Cucumber

Cacik is a Turkish yogurt and cucumber dish that's ready in 15 minutes and is so easy to make. You can serve it as an appetizer or side dish.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (52)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (53)

Sigara bores (rolled pastry)

Turkish Borek Recipe (Sigara Borek)

Borek is a Turkish savory crunchy pastry filled with different fillings such as cheese or potatoes. Learn how to make Turkish borek recipe by watching our step-by-step video and tutorial. They are perfect as a midday snack or for breakfast and you can make them in advance and freeze them for later.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (54)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (55)

Bulgur Pilaf Recipe

Turkish Bulgur Pilaf Recipe

Turkish style bulgur pilaf is a classic hearty and healthy side dish dish that is very easy to make. It's a great alternative to rice and can be served with many dishes.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (56)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (57)

Almond Cookies

Turkish Almond Cookies

These Turkish almond cookies are chewy and very tasty. Learn how to make cookies with almond flour and just three additional ingredients. These cookies are gluten free and super tasty!

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (58)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (59)

BAKLAVA RECIPE

Baklava Recipe

Learn how to make baklava from scratch with my easy tutorial. This delicious dessert is made with flaky phyllo pastry, nuts and simple syrup. You can make this baklava recipe ahead of time and wow everyone!

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (60)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (61)

Gavurdagi (Tomato walnut salad)

Turkish Tomato Salad Gavurdagi

Turkish tomato salad made with fresh, plump tomatoes, cucumbers and crunchy walnuts is absolutely delicious. Flavored with pomegranate molasses and ready in 15 minutes, this is the perfect side dish.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (62)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (63)

Yayla Çorbasi (yogurt soup)

Turkish Yogurt Soup Yayla Corbasi

Turkish yogurt soup is the perfect option for a light meal. This warm yogurt soup is simple, healthy, and naturally vegetarian.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (64)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (65)

Potato Salad (Patates Salatasi)

Turkish Homemade Potato Salad (Patates Salatasi)

Learn how to make homemade potato salad Turkish style. This no mayo potato salad is flavored with fresh herbs and delicious spices.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (66)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (67)

Bulgur Salad (Kisir)

Turkish Bulgur Salad (Kisir) with Video

An easy bulgur salad recipe that's perfect for any day. Made with bulgur, olive oil and herbs, this salad in ready in less than 30 minutes!

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (68)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (69)

Cilbir (Eggs and garlicky yogurt)

Cilbir (Turkish Eggs)

Cilbir is a delicious Turkish breakfast made with poached eggs and a flavorful yogurt sauce, ideal for a hearty brunch.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (70)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (71)

Zucchini Fritters Recipe (Mucver)

Turkish Zucchini Fritters Recipe Mucver

Mucver or zucchini fritters is a classic Turkish dish that's ready in 30 minutes. This recipe calls for fresh zucchini and herbs and it's very simple to make.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (72)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (73)

TURKISH SAUTEED SPINACH RECIPE

Sauteed Spinach Recipe (Turkish Style)

This is the best way to make sauteed spinach! This Turkish style spinach recipe is ready in 30 minutes and is so flavorful. Topped with yogurt sauce and spiced butter, this sauteed spinach recipe results in a tasty appetizer or side dish.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (74)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (75)

How To Make Ayran Recipe (Yogurt Drink)

How To Make Ayran Recipe (Yogurt Drink)

Ayran or doogh is a savory yogurt drink that's made with only three ingredients. This refreshing drink is served with main dishes and is great for hydration.

Check out this recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (76)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (77)

Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

Step-by-Step Recipe

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (78)

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes

Shadi HasanzadeNemati

Check out our delicious authentic Turkish recipes! From breakfast to appetizers and main dishes, we've got you covered. These are healthy recipes and many of them are also vegetarian. If you're looking for new and delicious recipes to try, you've got to give these recipes a try!

5 from 9 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean, Turkish

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  • Refer to each recipe for a complete list of ingredients

Instructions

  • Check out each recipe for a complete list of ingredients and step by step instructions.

  • Make ahead: You can make most of these recipes ahead of time.

  • Vegetarian: Most of these Turkish recipes are vegetarian or you can easily turn them into a vegetarian meal.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal

Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!

30+ Authentic Turkish Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the number one Turkish food? ›

1. Baklava. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, baklava is one of the most iconic Turkish dishes and a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. This layered pastry is filled with nuts and covered in syrup and ground pistachios for an unforgettable Mediterranean dessert.

What is the most difficult Turkish dish? ›

Imam Bayildi is a dish made of eggplant and onion. It is considered difficult to make because the eggplant needs to be cooked just right so that it doesn't fall apart when it is mixed with the other ingredients. There are many delicious Turkish dishes, but one of the most difficult to make is definitely Iskandar.

What is Turkey's signature dish? ›

Doner kebab

This is one of the most famous dishes of Turkey, and is made of kebabs cooked on a vertical rotisserie.

What is Turkey's national dish? ›

Kuru fasulye is often served along with cacık and rice or bulgur. It is often considered the national dish of Turkey. An annual kuru fasulye festival is held in Kaymaz, Sivrihisar. Its counterpart in Greek cuisine is called fasolada.

What is the most eaten meat in Turkey? ›

Here is a breakdown of meat consumption in Turkey in 2022, per capita:
  • Chicken: 38.5 kilograms.
  • Beef: 24.5 kilograms.
  • Lamb: 10.5 kilograms.
  • Pork: 1.5 kilograms.
Nov 1, 2023

What is a favorite meal of Turkish people? ›

The international doner kebab

As we've already touched on, of all the typical Turkish dishes, the doner kebab is undoubtedly the best known and most popular dish. Its name translates as 'rotating grilled meat'. And that is the essence of this dish.

Why do Turkish not eat pork? ›

More than 90% of the Turkish population is muslim, whom are not allowed to eat pork for religious reasons. Pigmeat in Turkey is sold to ethnic minorities like Greeks, ex-patriates and tourists. In addition, pork is increasingly popular in secular high society.

What are the food taboos in Turkey? ›

The major dining “taboo “is pork, which is forbidden to Muslims. They feel that pigs are bred in absolute revolting conditions & are not worthy of consumption. Yariks a formerly nomadic Turkish people avoid all seafood except fish. The Alevi section of Islam don't eat rabbit because it menustrates.

What are the 5 ingredients that are most commonly consumed in Turkish cuisine? ›

This guide to the basic ingredients used in Turkish cuisine is a great place to start!
  • 1 Rosewater. ...
  • 2 Burghul. ...
  • 3 Tahini. ...
  • 4 Tomato paste. ...
  • 5 Yoghurt. ...
  • 6 Filo. ...
  • 7 Walnuts, almonds and pistachios. ...
  • 8 Feta.

What is in a Turkish breakfast? ›

Traditionally, Turkish breakfast consists of cheese, olives, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, jam, honey, fruit, sausage, and Turkish tea. The first meal of the day is a breakfast fit for a king. The Turkish word for breakfast, kahvaltı, means “the food you eat before coffee.”

What spice is Turkey known for? ›

Sumac (Sumak)

Sumac, with its distinct lemony flavour, is a popular spice in Türkiye. Not to be confused with North American poison sumac, Turkish sumac mainly comes in dried powder form.

What are good Turkish dishes? ›

Read more to know about the best Turkish dishes to try on your next trip to Turkey.
  • Piyaz. The Piyaz salad is one of the most famous dishes of the city of Antalya in Turkey. ...
  • Kofte: Turkish Meatballs. ...
  • Corba: The Turkish Soup. ...
  • Pide: Turkish Patty. ...
  • Manti. ...
  • Iskender Kebab: Turkish Lamb Strips. ...
  • Lahmacun: The Turkish Pizza. ...
  • Baklava.
Sep 28, 2023

What do Turkish people eat in a day? ›

In Turkey, nowadays most families enjoy 3 meals a day. Weekday breakfasts are basic and quick but weekend breakfasts where the family comes together are large and consist of many different foods. Lunches in Turkey are usually made of seasonal dishes, soup, salad, etc.

How do Turkish greet each other? ›

Turkish greetings (formal and informal)

“Selam!” – This is a standard way to say hi in Turkish. You could also say: “Merhaba!” – This is how to say hello in Turkish – and is a little more formal.

What is a fun fact about Turkish food? ›

Turkish cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and rich history. It is influenced by the Ottoman Empire and Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cuisines. Some of the most popular dishes include kebabs, baklava, borek, dolma, and Turkish delight.

What is most popular in Turkey? ›

List of Turkey Famous Places
  • Hagia Sophia. In case you wish to explore one of the intellectual places in the country, Hagia Sophia has to be on your bucket list. ...
  • Kabak Bay. ...
  • Topkapi Palace. ...
  • Mount Nemrut. ...
  • Pamukkale. ...
  • Blue Mosque. ...
  • Chora Church. ...
  • Grand Bazaar.
Oct 9, 2023

What is the popular drink in Turkey? ›

Raki is Turkey's national drink. Made with twice-distilled grapes and flavored with aniseed, the taste can be compared to Greek ouzo or sambuca. The traditional way of drinking it is in a special glass filled just under halfway with raki, and the rest with water and ice.

What was the most famous Ottoman Turkish food? ›

Pilaf is an indispensable food not only of the Ottomans, but also of the entire Turkish world. The adept Ottoman women were brewing 27 different types of pilafs in their kitchens. The wedding, betrothal and noodle pilafs are but a few that jump into the mind just to begin.

What is the Turkish famous food brand? ›

Here are some of the biggest food companies in Turkey

Some of its popular brands include Ülker, McVitie's, Godiva, and Cola Turka. Yıldız Holding: Yıldız Holding is the parent company of Ülker Group and operates in various sectors including food, beverages, and retail.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kelle Weber

Last Updated:

Views: 6167

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kelle Weber

Birthday: 2000-08-05

Address: 6796 Juan Square, Markfort, MN 58988

Phone: +8215934114615

Job: Hospitality Director

Hobby: tabletop games, Foreign language learning, Leather crafting, Horseback riding, Swimming, Knapping, Handball

Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.