Turkish cuisine is known for its rich meze culture, which consists of a variety of small dishes served as appetizers. Meze often includes items like stuffed grape leaves, hummus, eggplant dishes, and a wide array of salads. ¹⁾

Kebabs are an iconic part of Turkish cuisine. They come in various forms, such as shish kebab (grilled meat skewers), döner kebab (rotating spit of seasoned meat), and köfte (grilled or fried meatballs). ²⁾

Baklava is a famous Turkish dessert made with layers of filo pastry, chopped nuts, and sweet syrup or honey. It is known for its delicate and flaky texture. ³⁾

Turkish tea, or çay, is an integral part of Turkish culture. It is typically served in small tulip-shaped glasses and is enjoyed throughout the day, often accompanied by lively conversations. ⁴⁾

Turkish breakfast, known as kahvaltı, is a hearty and varied meal. It usually includes an assortment of bread, cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams, honey, eggs, and traditional pastries like simit (sesame-covered bread rings). ⁵⁾

Manti is a traditional Turkish dumpling dish. It consists of small pasta pockets filled with ground meat, typically served with a yogurt and garlic sauce, melted butter, and sprinkled with spices. ⁶⁾

Lahmacun is a popular street food in Turkey. It is a thin, round flatbread topped with minced meat (usually lamb or beef), vegetables, herbs, and spices. It is often rolled up and eaten as a wrap. ⁷⁾

Turkish Delight, known as lokum, is a sweet treat made from starch, sugar, and flavorings like rosewater or citrus. It comes in various colors and flavors, often coated in powdered sugar. ⁸⁾

Pide is a type of Turkish flatbread similar to pizza. It has a boat-like shape and is topped with various ingredients like cheese, meat, vegetables, and herbs. ⁹⁾

Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish made with sautéed tomatoes, peppers, onions, and eggs. It is often flavored with spices and enjoyed with bread. ¹⁰⁾

Şiş Tavuk, or chicken shish kebab, is a popular Turkish dish. It consists of marinated chunks of chicken skewered and grilled to perfection, usually served with rice or bread. ¹¹⁾

Çiğ Köfte is a traditional raw meatball dish made from ground raw beef or lamb mixed with bulgur, spices, and herbs. Nowadays, it is often prepared without raw meat, using cracked wheat or vegetables instead. ¹²⁾

Ayran is a traditional Turkish yogurt-based beverage. It is made by diluting yogurt with water and adding a pinch of salt. It is a refreshing drink often enjoyed alongside meals. ¹³⁾

Şekerpare is a popular Turkish dessert made from soft and buttery semolina-based cookies. They are typically soaked in a sweet syrup and garnished with nuts. ¹⁴⁾

Dolma refers to a variety of stuffed vegetable dishes in Turkish cuisine. It typically involves filling vegetables like grape leaves, bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant with a mixture of rice, minced meat, herbs, and spices. Dolma is often served as an appetizer or a main course. ¹⁵⁾

Turkish coffee is a traditional method of brewing coffee that originated in Turkey. It is made by grinding coffee beans into a fine powder and then simmering it in a special pot called a cezve. The coffee is served in small cups and is often accompanied by a glass of water and a sweet treat. ¹⁶⁾