Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Şanlıurfa, Şanlıurfa, Turkey

Şanlıurfa, Turkey, Şanlıurfa, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Şanlıurfa, Şanlıurfa, Turkey

1. Gözleme

A traditional Turkish pastry filled with cheese or ground meat, cooked on a concave, round metal plate. Try it at Gözleme Hüseyin Usta.
  • Unique Ingredients: Uses fresh and local cheese or meat.
  • Cooking Method: Cooked on a hot, round metal plate.
  • Versatility: Available with various fillings such as cheese, ground meat, or spinach.

2. Köfte

A popular Turkish meatball dish made from ground meat and spices. Don't miss the Köfte at Gülüstan Köfte Salonu.
  • Spice Blend: Uses a unique blend of local spices.
  • Preparation Technique: Meatballs are grilled or fried.
  • Versatile Dish: Served with yogurt, rice, or flatbread.

3. Döner Kebab

A popular street food made from thinly sliced meat cooked on a vertical spit. The best Döner can be found at Urfa Dönerci.
  • Cooking Method: Meat is cooked slowly on a vertical spit.
  • Versatile: Served in wraps, plates, or as a standalone dish.
  • Authentic Experience: Enjoy the dish as it was traditionally prepared.

4. Bimarli İçecek

A refreshing drink made from the leaves of a local plant called Bımarlık. Try it at Karaköy Fish Market.
  • Local Plant: Made with fresh bimarli plant leaves.
  • Refreshment: A cooling drink for the hot weather of Sanlıurfa.
  • Traditional Preparation: Prepared according to traditional methods.

5. Balık Ekmek

A simple yet delicious dish consisting of grilled fish served on a piece of flatbread. Head to Balıkçı Karaköy for the best Balık Ekmek.
  • Fresh Fish: Fish is freshly caught and grilled.
  • Traditional Presentation: Served on a piece of flatbread.
  • Affordable: Offers a delicious, affordable meal.

6. Gözleme Zeytanyagi

A savory version of Gözleme filled with olives and herbs. Find it at Karaköy Fish Market.
  • Unique Filling: Filled with olives, herbs, and cheese.
  • Traditional Preparation: Prepared according to traditional methods.
  • Versatile: Can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.

7. Helva

A sweet dessert made from sesame seeds and sugar. Visit Helva Bey's Shop for the best Helva in Sanlıurfa.
  • Local Ingredients: Made with locally sourced sesame seeds.
  • Traditional Preparation: Prepared according to ancient recipes.
  • Versatile: Available in various flavors such as pistachio, cinnamon, or rose water.

8. Karagöz Salatası

A traditional Turkish salad made with walnuts, chickpeas, and pomegranate seeds. Try it at Gülüstan Köfte Salonu.
  • Unique Combinations: Combines flavors of walnuts, chickpeas, and pomegranate seeds.
  • Healthy Option: A nutritious and tasty salad option.
  • Traditional Preparation: Prepared according to traditional methods.

9. Koçer Kebabı

A type of kebab made from thinly sliced lamb intestines. Give it a try at Urfa Dönerci.
  • Unique Ingredient: Made with lamb intestines.
  • Preparation Technique: Slices of meat are layered, rather than ground.
  • Authentic Experience: Enjoy a unique twist on the traditional Turkish Kebab.

10. Hünkar Beğendi

A popular dish made with pureed eggplant served underneath a layer of melted yogurt and topped with ground meat sauce. Don't miss it at Gülüstan Köfte Salonu.
  • Unique Combination: Combines flavors of eggplant, yogurt, and ground meat.
  • Versatile: Can be served as a main course or a side dish.
  • Traditional Preparation: Prepared according to traditional methods.

11. Lahmacun

A thin-crust Turkish pizza topped with a spiced minced meat filling. Try it at Gözleme Hüseyin Usta.
  • Unique Crust: Thin, crispy crust.
  • Spiced Meat Filling: Spiced minced meat topping.
  • Versatile: Can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.

12. Tavuklu Gözleme

A savory version of Gözleme filled with chicken, onions, and spices. Find it at Karaköy Fish Market.
  • Unique Filling: Filled with chicken, onions, and spices.
  • Traditional Preparation: Prepared according to traditional methods.
  • Versatile: Can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.

13. Sütlaç

A creamy rice pudding sweetened with sugar and flavored with cinnamon. Visit Helva Bey's Shop for the best Sütlaç in Sanlıurfa.
  • Local Ingredients: Made with locally sourced milk and rice.
  • Traditional Preparation: Prepared according to ancient recipes.
  • Versatile: Available in various flavors such as rose water or pistachio.

14. Kıyma Şiş

Grilled meat skewers made with minced meat. Try it at Urfa Dönerci.
  • Unique Preparation: Meat is minced and then formed into skewers.
  • Versatile: Served with various sides such as salad, rice, or bread.
  • Authentic Experience: Enjoy a traditional Turkish dish.

15. Karaköy Fırınca Kadayıfı

A sweet dish made from shredded dough cooked in syrup. Find it at Karaköy Fish Market.
  • Unique Preparation: Shredded dough is cooked in syrup.
  • Traditional Dessert: A traditional Turkish dessert.
  • Versatile: Served with various toppings such as ice cream or nuts.