{"id":272650,"date":"2026-06-26T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/?p=272650"},"modified":"2026-06-27T08:12:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-27T06:12:34","slug":"turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"Turkish Cuisine: What to Eat \u2014 From Kahvalt\u0131 to Baklava in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Do you still picture Turkish food as a tired kebab in a wrap from the corner shop? Prepare to be amazed. <strong>Turkish cuisine is a global phenomenon<\/strong> \u2013 an incredibly diverse crossroads where the influences of opulent Ottoman palaces, the sun-soaked Mediterranean, the spiced Middle East and the rugged Caucasus have mingled for centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, food isn&#8217;t just a quick way to silence hunger \u2013 it&#8217;s a <strong>ritual and a social event<\/strong>, a symbol of the famous Turkish hospitality. Travellers often come home saying, &#8220;I had no idea it would be this good.&#8221; And there&#8217;s great news for vegetarians: even though Turkish cuisine loves its meat, <strong>the choice of meat-free dishes is enormous<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide we&#8217;ll take you on a tour of Turkish flavours <strong>from the kahvalt\u0131 breakfast all the way to baklava<\/strong> \u2013 meze, flatbreads, sweets, tea and Turkish coffee. We&#8217;ll tell you what to order, <strong>what to drink and how to feast if you don&#8217;t eat meat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3f9c9086950&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3f9c9086950\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1050\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-5.jpg\" alt=\"Traditional Turkish kahvalt\u0131 breakfast\" class=\"wp-image-231880\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-5.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-5-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-5-700x459.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-5-768x504.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-5-1536x1008.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-5-696x457.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-5-1392x914.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Collab Media \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#TLDR\" >TL;DR<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#The_ritual_called_kahvalti_a_breakfast_that_lasts_all_morning\" >The ritual called kahvalt\u0131: a breakfast that lasts all morning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Kebabs_a_whole_different_league_to_your_local_takeaway\" >Kebabs: a whole different league to your local takeaway<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Street_food_meze_and_comfort_food\" >Street food, meze and comfort food<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Meyhane_and_the_culture_of_meze\" >Meyhane and the culture of meze<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Sweet_sins_sugar_pistachios_and_rose_water\" >Sweet sins: sugar, pistachios and rose water<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#What_to_drink_from_ever-present_tea_to_lions_milk\" >What to drink: from ever-present tea to lion&#8217;s milk<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Cay_the_fuel_of_the_Turkish_nation\" >\u00c7ay: the fuel of the Turkish nation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Turk_kahvesi_coffee_under_UNESCO_protection\" >T\u00fcrk kahvesi: coffee under UNESCO protection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Ayran_and_raki\" >Ayran and rak\u0131<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Tips_for_vegetarians_in_Turkey\" >Tips for vegetarians in Turkey<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Practical_tips_for_food_lovers\" >Practical tips for food lovers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Where_to_next\" >Where to next<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Frequently_asked_questions\" >Frequently asked questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#What_to_try_first_in_Turkey\" >What to try first in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Is_Turkish_cuisine_suitable_for_vegetarians\" >Is Turkish cuisine suitable for vegetarians?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#How_to_properly_drink_Turkish_coffee\" >How to properly drink Turkish coffee?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#Is_Turkish_food_spicy\" >Is Turkish food spicy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\/#How_much_does_food_cost_in_Turkey\" >How much does food cost in Turkey?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TLDR\"><\/span>TL;DR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Breakfast:<\/strong> <strong>kahvalt\u0131<\/strong> \u2013 a lazy feast of dozens of little bowls (olives, cheeses, honey, <em>kaymak<\/em>, <em>menemen<\/em> eggs) that can easily stretch over two hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Safe vegetarian bets:<\/strong> <strong>meze<\/strong>, <strong>g\u00f6zleme<\/strong> (cheese\/spinach), <strong>b\u00f6rek<\/strong>, lentil soup, stuffed vine leaves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Something sweet:<\/strong> <strong>baklava<\/strong>, hot <strong>k\u00fcnefe<\/strong>, <strong>lokum<\/strong> (Turkish delight) and stretchy <strong>dondurma<\/strong> ice cream.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What to drink:<\/strong> the ever-present <strong>tea (\u00e7ay)<\/strong> in a tulip-shaped glass, thick <strong>Turkish coffee<\/strong> (never stir it!), salty <strong>ayran<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kebabs:<\/strong> <em>Adana<\/em>, <em>\u0130skender<\/em> and co. are meaty specialities for non-vegetarians (we describe them, we don&#8217;t recommend them).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For vegetarians \u26a0\ufe0f:<\/strong> Turkey is a breeze \u2013 meze, soups, flatbreads and salads are everywhere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Money:<\/strong> thanks to the weak lira, food is cheap; leave a tip (<em>bah\u015fi\u015f<\/em>) of 5\u201310% in cash.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3f9c9086d4d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3f9c9086d4d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-6.jpg\" alt=\"Turkish breakfast with menemen eggs\" class=\"wp-image-231881\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-6.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-6-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-6-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-6-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Julien Goettelmann \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_ritual_called_kahvalti_a_breakfast_that_lasts_all_morning\"><\/span>The ritual called kahvalt\u0131: a breakfast that lasts all morning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The word <em>kahvalt\u0131<\/em> literally translates as &#8220;before coffee&#8221; \u2013 because in Turkey, coffee comes only at the very end, like a full stop after the feast. <strong>Turkish breakfast isn&#8217;t a roll eaten on the run, it&#8217;s a lazy, shared occasion<\/strong> you can happily linger over for two hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Within minutes the waiter covers your table with dozens of little dishes: green and black olives, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, walnuts, homemade jams, honey, several kinds of cheese, butter and a pile of bread crowned by the crunchy sesame ring known as <strong>simit<\/strong>. Hot dishes belong here too \u2013 it just isn&#8217;t breakfast without <strong>menemen<\/strong> (scrambled eggs cooked down with tomatoes, peppers and spices). But the real star of the morning is <strong>kaymak<\/strong>: an extremely thick cream, similar to clotted cream, which you drench generously in honey and spread on bread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you come across the term <em>serpme kahvalt\u0131<\/em>, it means a spread-out table piled high with food for the whole group. Don&#8217;t expect to finish it all \u2013 and it&#8217;s the ultimate meat-free feast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3f9c908709a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3f9c908709a\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-kebaby-uplne-jina-liga-nez-u-nas-px.jpg\" alt=\"Turkish kebabs: a whole different league\" class=\"wp-image-231833\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-kebaby-uplne-jina-liga-nez-u-nas-px.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-kebaby-uplne-jina-liga-nez-u-nas-px-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-kebaby-uplne-jina-liga-nez-u-nas-px-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-kebaby-uplne-jina-liga-nez-u-nas-px-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-kebaby-uplne-jina-liga-nez-u-nas-px-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-kebaby-uplne-jina-liga-nez-u-nas-px-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-kebaby-uplne-jina-liga-nez-u-nas-px-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Zeynep G\u00fcl Ceylan \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kebabs_a_whole_different_league_to_your_local_takeaway\"><\/span>Kebabs: a whole different league to your local takeaway<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s clear up the terms first. Turks make a strict distinction between a <strong>kebap<\/strong> (meat on a skewer or grill) and a <strong>d\u00f6ner<\/strong> (meat from a rotating vertical spit) \u2013 the word <em>d\u00f6ner<\/em> comes from the verb &#8220;to turn&#8221;. For meat eaters, the Turkish grill is an experience in itself: the spicy <strong>Adana kebap<\/strong> (hand-kneaded meat on a wide skewer with chilli flakes), its milder sibling <strong>Urfa kebap<\/strong>, the classic <strong>\u015fi\u015f kebap<\/strong> of marinated cubes over charcoal, or <strong>\u0130skender kebap<\/strong> \u2013 slices of d\u00f6ner on pide bread, smothered in tomato sauce, yoghurt and sizzling butter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We mention these dishes <strong>descriptively<\/strong> \u2013 they&#8217;re regional meat specialities that vegetarians will leave to others. The good news: Turkish cuisine <strong>isn&#8217;t primarily spicy<\/strong>, and most dishes don&#8217;t have any heat at all (Adana and the south-eastern specialities being the exception).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3f9c908740b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3f9c908740b\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-7.jpg\" alt=\"G\u00f6zleme \u2013 thin flatbread with spinach and cheese\" class=\"wp-image-231882\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-7.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-7-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-7-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-7-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Efe Burak Baydar \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Street_food_meze_and_comfort_food\"><\/span>Street food, meze and comfort food<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Turkish streets serve up brilliant quick bites for just a few lira. And a huge proportion of them are meat-free or have a meat-free version:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>G\u00f6zleme<\/strong> \u2013 hand-stretched thin flatbreads cooked on a domed griddle called a <em>sac<\/em>, filled with spinach and cheese or potato. A meat-free classic that women cook right in front of you at the markets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>B\u00f6rek<\/strong> \u2013 layers of wafer-thin stretched <em>yufka<\/em> pastry filled with cheese; a hearty breakfast snack.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pide<\/strong> \u2013 an oblong, boat-shaped bread you can order filled with <strong>cheese<\/strong> (the vegetarian version). Leave the meat and sausage variants to others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mercimek \u00e7orbas\u0131<\/strong> \u2013 a rich lentil soup, an absolute safe bet for vegetarians on the road.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mant\u0131<\/strong> \u2013 tiny pasta dumplings drenched in garlic yoghurt and minty butter; classic Turkish comfort food (traditionally filled with meat, so ask for a meat-free version).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Meat and fish street classics like <strong>lahmacun<\/strong> (a thin flatbread topped with minced meat) or <strong>bal\u0131k ekmek<\/strong> (the fish sandwich from Istanbul&#8217;s waterfront) are for meat eaters \u2013 we mention them just for completeness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3f9c9087808&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3f9c9087808\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1312\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-8.jpg\" alt=\"Turkish meze \u2013 a selection of cold starters\" class=\"wp-image-231883\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-8.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-8-300x246.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-8-700x574.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-8-768x630.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-8-1536x1260.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-8-696x571.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-8-1392x1141.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Emrah Tolu \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Meyhane_and_the_culture_of_meze\"><\/span>Meyhane and the culture of meze<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As the day winds towards evening, it&#8217;s time for <strong>meze<\/strong> \u2013 a selection of cold and hot starters that form the backbone of a traditional Turkish dinner. In the taverns known as <strong>meyhane<\/strong> you don&#8217;t pick from a menu: the waiter brings round a huge tray full of little plates and you simply point at what you fancy. <strong>For vegetarians it&#8217;s paradise<\/strong> \u2013 aubergine pur\u00e9e, hummus, the spicy tomato salad <em>ezme<\/em>, stuffed vine leaves, herby yoghurt. The meyhane is an institution, a place to eat, laugh and share late into the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3f9c9087b1e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3f9c9087b1e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-9.jpg\" alt=\"Pistachio baklava\" class=\"wp-image-231884\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-9.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-9-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-9-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-9-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Mohamed Olwy \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sweet_sins_sugar_pistachios_and_rose_water\"><\/span>Sweet sins: sugar, pistachios and rose water<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Turks adore sweet things and their desserts are world-famous. Almost all of them are vegetarian, making Turkish cuisine desserts a real highlight of any trip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Baklava<\/strong> \u2013 wafer-thin layers of pastry layered with butter and crushed nuts, soaked in syrup. Genuine pistachio baklava (a speciality of the city of Gaziantep) crunches and melts in your mouth \u2013 it has nothing in common with the dried-out stuff from the supermarket.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>K\u00fcnefe<\/strong> \u2013 a hot dessert made from fine strands of <em>kaday\u0131f<\/em> pastry filled with unsalted cheese, baked golden and drowned in syrup. Sink your fork in and the cheese stretches beautifully.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lokum (Turkish delight)<\/strong> \u2013 jelly cubes dusted in icing sugar, traditionally flavoured with rose water, today in hundreds of variations with nuts or pistachios.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dondurma<\/strong> \u2013 Turkey&#8217;s stretchy ice cream from the Mara\u015f region, thick and chewy thanks to <em>salep<\/em> and mastic. Buying it is a show in itself: vendors perform tricks with it on a long stick, teasing the cone right under your nose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>S\u00fctla\u00e7<\/strong> \u2013 a soothing rice pudding in a clay bowl, often baked until it forms a dark crust.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Don&#8217;t buy lokum and spices as souvenirs on the main tourist drags. Head to the <strong>Tahtakale<\/strong> wholesale market near the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul \u2013 wider choice, better prices and room to haggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_drink_from_ever-present_tea_to_lions_milk\"><\/span>What to drink: from ever-present tea to lion&#8217;s milk<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3f9c9087f38&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3f9c9087f38\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-10.jpg\" alt=\"Turkish tea in tulip-shaped glasses\" class=\"wp-image-231885\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-10.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-10-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-10-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-10-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-10-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-10-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: bet\u00fcl nur aky\u00fcrek \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cay_the_fuel_of_the_Turkish_nation\"><\/span>\u00c7ay: the fuel of the Turkish nation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The true ruler of Turkey is <strong>tea (\u00e7ay)<\/strong> \u2013 Turks have the highest tea consumption per head in the world. It&#8217;s drunk everywhere, all the time: it accompanies haggling at the bazaar, waiting for the ferry and business meetings alike. It&#8217;s brewed in a double teapot called a <em>\u00e7aydanl\u0131k<\/em> and served in those iconic <strong>tulip-shaped glasses<\/strong>, often with two sugar cubes, but never with milk. Offering someone tea here is a way of saying &#8220;welcome&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3f9c908826f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3f9c908826f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-11.jpg\" alt=\"Turkish coffee from a copper cezve\" class=\"wp-image-231886\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-11.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-11-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-11-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-11-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-11-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-11-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Ahmed \u061c \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Turk_kahvesi_coffee_under_UNESCO_protection\"><\/span>T\u00fcrk kahvesi: coffee under UNESCO protection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Turkish coffee is such a one-off that it&#8217;s on the UNESCO list. Finely ground coffee is slowly brewed in a copper pot called a <em>cezve<\/em> so that a thick foam forms on the surface. \u26a0\ufe0f The key mistake tourists make: <strong>don&#8217;t stir<\/strong> Turkish coffee \u2013 you&#8217;ll ruin the foam and cloud the flavour. After it arrives, wait half a minute for the grounds to settle, and <strong>don&#8217;t drink the thick &#8220;mud&#8221; at the bottom<\/strong> (it&#8217;s there to keep the coffee warm; old aunties read your fortune from it).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3f9c9088569&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3f9c9088569\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-ayran-a-rak-px.jpg\" alt=\"Ayran and rak\u0131\" class=\"wp-image-231853\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-ayran-a-rak-px.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-ayran-a-rak-px-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-ayran-a-rak-px-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-ayran-a-rak-px-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-ayran-a-rak-px-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-ayran-a-rak-px-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-ayran-a-rak-px-1392x783.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Cihan \u00c7imen \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ayran_and_raki\"><\/span>Ayran and rak\u0131<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Alongside grilled food, or simply as a refreshment, you&#8217;ll find <strong>ayran<\/strong> \u2013 a simple salty drink of whisked yoghurt, water and salt that cools you down a treat. And no long evening in a <em>meyhane<\/em> is complete without <strong>rak\u0131<\/strong>, a strong aniseed spirit. You pour a measure, top it up with water, and it turns milky white \u2013 which is why it&#8217;s called <em>aslan s\u00fct\u00fc<\/em>, <strong>lion&#8217;s milk<\/strong>. The toast is <em>\u015eerefe!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a3f9c908886b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a3f9c908886b\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-tipy-pro-vegetariany-v-turecku-px.jpg\" alt=\"Tips for vegetarians in Turkey\" class=\"wp-image-231856\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-tipy-pro-vegetariany-v-turecku-px.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-tipy-pro-vegetariany-v-turecku-px-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-tipy-pro-vegetariany-v-turecku-px-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-tipy-pro-vegetariany-v-turecku-px-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-tipy-pro-vegetariany-v-turecku-px-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-tipy-pro-vegetariany-v-turecku-px-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/turkish-food-tipy-pro-vegetariany-v-turecku-px-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Shameel mukkath \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_vegetarians_in_Turkey\"><\/span>Tips for vegetarians in Turkey<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll get by as a vegetarian in Turkey <strong>without the slightest trouble<\/strong> \u2013 the cuisine may love meat, but the range of meat-free dishes here is huge. Reliable safe bets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kahvalt\u0131<\/strong> \u2013 the whole breakfast is a meat-free feast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Meze<\/strong> \u2013 pur\u00e9es, salads, cheeses, olives, stuffed vine leaves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mercimek \u00e7orbas\u0131<\/strong> \u2013 lentil soup on almost every menu.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>G\u00f6zleme and b\u00f6rek with cheese or spinach.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pide with cheese<\/strong> and salads with sheep&#8217;s cheese.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sweets<\/strong> \u2013 baklava, k\u00fcnefe, lokum and dondurma are for everyone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The phrase &#8220;<em>etsiz var m\u0131?<\/em>&#8221; (do you have it without meat?) will open doors; waiters are used to it and happy to advise. Just watch out for hidden meat stock in some soups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_tips_for_food_lovers\"><\/span>Practical tips for food lovers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Water \u26a0\ufe0f:<\/strong> Don&#8217;t drink the tap water, even in the big cities \u2013 buy bottled (it costs next to nothing), use it for brushing your teeth too, and be wary of ice and unpeeled fruit from stalls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prices \u26a0\ufe0f:<\/strong> Thanks to the weak lira, food and street food are cheap for British wallets, but menu prices shift due to inflation \u2013 check the exchange rate before you go.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Paying:<\/strong> In restaurants you can pay by card (in lira, and decline DCC), while at stalls and bazaars you&#8217;ll need cash in lira.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tipping (<em>bah\u015fi\u015f<\/em>):<\/strong> 5\u201310% in a restaurant, more in upmarket places \u2013 always in cash, as you usually can&#8217;t add it on the card terminal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\ud83d\udca1 Accommodation and experience tip: We like to look for places to stay on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Booking.com\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/booking-com\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Booking.com<\/a>, where the cancellation terms tend to be the best. For tickets, tours and activities, it pays to compare and book through <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"GetYourGuide\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/getyourguide\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">GetYourGuide<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_next\"><\/span>Where to next<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with the main hub <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/holidays-in-turkey\/\">holiday in Turkey<\/a>, the big food-filled cities of <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/istanbul-turkey-things-to-do\/\">Istanbul<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/cappadocia-turkey-things-to-do\/\">Cappadocia<\/a>, the Aegean coast around <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/bodrum-turkey-things-see\/\">Bodrum<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/fethiye-blue-lagoon-turkey\/\">Fethiye with \u00d6l\u00fcdeniz<\/a>, plus practical advice on <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/best-time-visit-turkey\/\">when to visit Turkey<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/turkey-all-inclusive-holidays\/\">all inclusive in Turkey<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD start q=\"turecko kuchyne\" lang=\"en\" rendered=\"2026-06-27T02:20:50+00:00\" v=\"1\" -->\n<style id=\"lk-gyg-styles\">\n@import url(\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@700&family=DM+Sans:wght@300;400;500;600&display=swap\");\n\/* === LK GYG karty \u2014 CRO redesign 2026-05 (namespace .lkx-) ===\n   C\u00edl: vy\u0161\u0161\u00ed CTR (hero + v\u00fdrazn\u00fd social proof + ak\u010dn\u00ed CTA, m\u00e9n\u011b \"reklamn\u00ed\").\n   Injektuje se inline do prvn\u00edho markeru postu (refresh_cards.py --inline-css). *\/\n.lkx-module, .lkx-module *{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}\n.lkx-module{\n  font-family:'DM Sans',-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Georgia,sans-serif;\n  max-width:860px;margin:2.5rem auto;color:#1f2328;\n}\n\n\/* HEADER \u2014 lehk\u00fd editorsk\u00fd, \u017e\u00e1dn\u00fd bannerov\u00fd blok; nadpis + popisek pod n\u00edm *\/\n.lkx-head{margin-bottom:16px}\n.lkx-head-main{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px}\n.lkx-head-accent{width:26px;height:3px;border-radius:2px;background:#c39f76;flex-shrink:0}\n.lkx-head-title{font-family:'Playfair Display',Georgia,serif;font-size:21px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a1a;line-height:1.25}\n.lkx-head-meta{display:block;font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.3px;color:#9aa0a6;margin-top:4px;margin-left:36px}\n\n\/* HERO *\/\n.lkx-hero{display:grid;grid-template-columns:300px 1fr;background:#fff;border:1px solid #ece7df;border-radius:14px;overflow:hidden;text-decoration:none!important;color:inherit;box-shadow:0 6px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.06);transition:box-shadow .2s,transform .2s;margin-bottom:14px}\n.lkx-hero:hover{box-shadow:0 12px 30px rgba(0,0,0,.12);transform:translateY(-2px)}\n.lkx-hero-img{position:relative;min-height:230px;background-size:cover;background-position:center;background-color:#eee}\n.lkx-hero-body{padding:22px 24px;display:flex;flex-direction:column}\n.lkx-pick{position:absolute;top:12px;left:12px;background:#1a1a1a;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;padding:5px 11px;border-radius:20px}\n\n\/* TITLE *\/\n.lkx-title{font-size:19px;font-weight:700;color:#161616;line-height:1.3}\n.lkx-title-sm{font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.35;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-line-clamp:2;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;overflow:hidden}\n\n\/* SOCIAL PROOF \u2014 v\u00fdrazn\u011b, naho\u0159e *\/\n.lkx-proof{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;margin-top:12px;font-size:15px;color:#3a3a3a}\n.lkx-proof b{font-size:16px;color:#161616}\n.lkx-stars{color:#f5a623;letter-spacing:1px}\n.lkx-proof-sm{font-size:12.5px;margin-top:8px;gap:5px}\n.lkx-proof-sm b{font-size:13px}\n.lkx-proof-new{color:#3685fc;font-weight:600}\n\n\/* PRICE \u2014 n\u00edzk\u00e1 kotva *\/\n.lkx-price{font-size:14px;color:#6b7280}\n.lkx-price b{font-size:20px;color:#161616;font-weight:700}\n.lkx-price-sm b{font-size:15px}\n\n\/* CTA \u2014 tepl\u00e9 ak\u010dn\u00ed tla\u010d\u00edtko *\/\n.lkx-cta{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;text-decoration:none!important;font-weight:700;color:#fff!important;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#f6743f,#e8552a);border-radius:10px;box-shadow:0 6px 16px rgba(232,85,42,.32);transition:box-shadow .2s}\n.lkx-cta-hero{font-size:15px;padding:13px 22px}\n.lkx-hero:hover .lkx-cta-hero{box-shadow:0 8px 22px rgba(232,85,42,.45)}\n.lkx-cta-sm{font-size:12.5px;padding:9px 14px;width:100%;margin-top:2px}\n.lkx-hero-bottom{margin-top:auto;padding-top:18px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:14px;flex-wrap:wrap}\n\n\/* BADGE \u2014 jeden v\u00fdrazn\u00fd na fotce *\/\n.lkx-badge{position:absolute;top:12px;right:12px;font-size:10.5px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.3px;padding:5px 10px;border-radius:16px;color:#fff}\n.lkx-badge.badge-urgency{background:rgba(214,40,40,.92)}\n.lkx-badge.badge-new{background:rgba(54,133,252,.92)}\n.lkx-badge.badge-top{background:rgba(195,159,118,.95)}\n.lkx-badge.badge-info{background:rgba(40,40,40,.78)}\n\n\/* SECONDARY GRID *\/\n.lkx-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px}\n.lkx-card{background:#fff;border:1px solid #ece7df;border-radius:14px;overflow:hidden;text-decoration:none!important;color:inherit;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,.05);display:flex;flex-direction:column;transition:box-shadow .2s,transform .2s}\n.lkx-card:hover{box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.1);transform:translateY(-2px)}\n.lkx-card-img{position:relative;aspect-ratio:16\/10;background-size:cover;background-position:center;background-color:#eee}\n.lkx-card-body{padding:14px 16px 16px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:7px;flex:1}\n.lkx-card-bottom{margin-top:auto;padding-top:10px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:8px}\n\n\/* DISCLOSURE \u2014 drobn\u00e1, kv\u016fli d\u016fv\u011b\u0159e\/z\u00e1konu *\/\n.lkx-disclosure{font-size:11px;color:#a7adb3;text-align:center;margin-top:14px;line-height:1.6}\n.lkx-disclosure a{color:#c39f76;text-decoration:none}\n\n@media(max-width:680px){\n  .lkx-hero{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n  .lkx-hero-img{min-height:180px}\n  .lkx-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n  .lkx-head-meta{margin-left:0;width:100%}\n  .lkx-head-title{font-size:19px}\n}\n\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"lkx-module\" data-query=\"turecko kuchyne\">\n  <div class=\"lkx-head\">\n    <div class=\"lkx-head-main\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-head-accent\"><\/span>\n      <span class=\"lkx-head-title\">Experiences &amp; tickets<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"lkx-head-meta\">traveler-rated \u00b7 <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"GetYourGuide\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/getyourguide\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span>\n  <\/div><a class=\"lkx-hero\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/central-anatolia-l161\/cappadocia-evening-cooking-class-with-hotel-transfer-t428144\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=turkish-cuisine-what-to-eat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">\n    <div class=\"lkx-hero-img\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/62f1f08b1dc4c.jpeg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Cappadocia: Evening Cooking Class with Hotel Transfer\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-pick\">\u2605 Our pick<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lkx-hero-body\">\n      <div class=\"lkx-title\">Cappadocia: Evening Cooking Class with Hotel Transfer<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-proof\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n      <b>4.7<\/b> \u00b7 6 reviews\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-hero-bottom\"><div class=\"lkx-price\">from <b>\u20ac114<\/b><\/div><span class=\"lkx-cta lkx-cta-hero\">I want this experience \u2192<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/a><div class=\"lkx-disclosure\">\ud83d\udd17 These are affiliate links \u2014 they don&#39;t change your price and help us create content. \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/s\/?q=turecko+kuchyne&amp;partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">All experiences \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD end -->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781010692000\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_try_first_in_Turkey\"><\/span>What to try first in Turkey?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Start with a traditional <strong>kahvalt\u0131<\/strong> breakfast (dozens of little bowls with olives, cheeses, honey, kaymak, and menemen eggs) and in the evening have <strong>meze<\/strong> at <em>meyhane<\/em> taverns. For street food, try <strong>g\u00f6zleme<\/strong> and <strong>b\u00f6rek<\/strong>, and for sweets <strong>baklava<\/strong> and hot <strong>k\u00fcnefe<\/strong>. And of course Turkish <strong>tea<\/strong> and thick <strong>Turkish coffee<\/strong> to go with it.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781010692001\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Turkish_cuisine_suitable_for_vegetarians\"><\/span>Is Turkish cuisine suitable for vegetarians?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, absolutely. Even though Turks love meat, there are plenty of meat-free dishes: the entire kahvalt\u0131 breakfast, the <strong>meze<\/strong> culture (pur\u00e9es, salads, cheeses, stuffed vine leaves), <strong>lentil soup<\/strong>, <strong>g\u00f6zleme<\/strong> and <strong>b\u00f6rek<\/strong> with cheese or spinach, pide with cheese, and all the sweets. Just ask &#8220;<em>etsiz var m\u0131?<\/em>&#8221; (without meat?) and watch out for hidden meat broth.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781010692002\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_properly_drink_Turkish_coffee\"><\/span>How to properly drink Turkish coffee?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Turkish coffee <strong>should not be stirred<\/strong> \u2013 you would destroy the carefully created foam. After it&#8217;s brought to you, wait about 30 seconds for the coffee grounds to settle to the bottom, and drink slowly. <strong>Don&#8217;t drink<\/strong> the thick &#8220;sludge&#8221; at the bottom of the cup; it&#8217;s always served with a glass of water and a piece of Turkish delight.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781010692003\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Turkish_food_spicy\"><\/span>Is Turkish food spicy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>&#8220;`html<br \/>\nMostly not. Turkish cuisine is bold and spiced, but <strong>not primarily spicy-hot<\/strong>. The exception is the piquant <strong>Adana kebap<\/strong> and some specialties from the southeast of the country. Most dishes, including meze and flatbreads, aren&#8217;t hot at all.<br \/>\n&#8220;`<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1781010692004\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_food_cost_in_Turkey\"><\/span>How much does food cost in Turkey?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Thanks to the long-term weak lira, food is <strong>very affordable<\/strong> for Czechs \u2013 street g\u00f6zleme or simit costs a few crowns, a full kahvalt\u0131 breakfast at a local caf\u00e9 is around \u20ac7\u201314. Prices change due to inflation, so check the exchange rate before your trip. Tips are given in cash, 5\u201310%.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Turkish cuisine is so much more than kebabs. We&#8217;ll guide you from the long kahvalt\u0131 breakfast through meze, g\u00f6zleme and baklava to Turkish tea and coffee \u2013 plus plenty of tips on how to feast as a vegetarian.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":231884,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Turkish Cuisine: What to Eat, From Kahvalt\u0131 to Baklava","rank_math_description":"Discover Turkish cuisine: from the kahvalt\u0131 breakfast to baklava, meze, street food, tea and coffee. Plus the best vegetarian picks. Read our full food guide!","rank_math_focus_keyword":"turkish cuisine","rank_math_seo_score":""},"categories":[332,320,550],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-272650","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-asia","8":"category-travel","9":"category-turkey"},"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/mix-9.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lucie Kone\u010dn\u00e1","author_link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/author\/lucie-konecna\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/272650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=272650"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/272650\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":273436,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/272650\/revisions\/273436"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/231884"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=272650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=272650"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=272650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}