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

1. Inegöl Kebabı

A traditional dish from Inegöl, Balıkesir. Made with minced meat and spices wrapped in thin dough, cooked on a rotating skewer.

Authentic Flavor: Uses traditional recipes passed down for generations.
Unique Cooking Method: Cooked on a rotating skewer, giving it a distinct texture and taste.
Regional Specialty: A dish that represents the culinary heritage of Balıkesir region.

Famous spicy shrimps from Balıkesir, served with a zesty garlic sauce.

Spiciness Level: Can be adjusted to suit different taste preferences.
Fresh Ingredients: Uses locally sourced, fresh shrimps.
Traditional Preparation: Prepared using a traditional recipe passed down through generations.

A slow-cooked white bean dish from Sığacık, Balıkesir. Simmered with onions, tomatoes, and garlic.

Slow Cooking: Cooked slowly for several hours to develop rich flavors.
Regional Ingredients: Uses locally sourced white beans and fresh vegetables.
Comfort Food: Perfect for a warm, hearty meal on a cool day.

Meatballs made with Gediz River fish and rice, served in a flavorful tomato sauce.

Local Sourcing: Made with fresh fish from the Gediz River.
Unique Ingredient: Uses fish as a main ingredient, making it different from regular meatballs.
Rich Flavor: The combination of fish and rice creates a rich, unique flavor.

Grilled chicken skewers seasoned with local herbs and spices.

Local Herbs: Seasoned with herbs grown in the Balıkesir region.
Grilling Technique: Cooked over charcoal, giving it a smoky flavor.
Versatile Side Dishes: Can be served with various sides such as rice, bulgur, or salad.

A type of Turkish flatbread from Balıkesir, typically topped with cheese and various ingredients.

Local Cheese: Topped with locally made, creamy Balıkesir cheese.
Versatile Toppings: Offers various topping options, such as spinach, mushrooms, or ground meat.
Thin and Crispy Crust: Has a thin crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

A sweet, thick syrup made from grapes or pomegranates.

Local Fruits: Made with locally sourced grapes or pomegranates.
Traditional Preparation: Prepared using a traditional recipe passed down through generations.
Versatile Uses: Used as a dessert topping, in drinks, or as a flavoring for various dishes.

Meatballs made with ground beef and quince paste.

Unique Ingredient: Uses quince paste as a unique ingredient.
Balanced Flavor: The sweetness of the quince paste balances the savory flavor of the meat.
Regional Specialty: A dish that represents the culinary heritage of Balıkesir region.

Roasted chicken served with a garlic and herb sauce.

Local Herbs: Served with a garlic and herb sauce made from local herbs.
Cooking Technique: The chicken is roasted, giving it a crispy skin and juicy meat.
Comfort Food: Perfect for a warm, comforting meal.

A pizza-like dish made with thin dough and various toppings.

Local Cheese: Topped with locally made, creamy Balıkesir cheese.
Versatile Toppings: Offers various topping options, such as spinach, mushrooms, or ground meat.
Thin and Crispy Crust: Has a thin crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

A savory crepe filled with various ingredients.

Versatile Fillings: Offers various filling options, such as cheese, spinach, or ground meat.
Thin and Delicate Crepe: Has a thin and delicate crepe that is easy to fold and eat.
Quick Meal Option: Perfect for a quick, on-the-go meal.

Meatballs made with yogurt and served in a flavorful tomato sauce.

Unique Ingredient: Uses yogurt as an ingredient, giving it a unique texture.
Rich Flavor: The combination of meat and yogurt creates a rich, unique flavor.
Regional Specialty: A dish that represents the culinary heritage of Balıkesir region.

White beans cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with various herbs and spices.

Slow Cooking: Cooked slowly for several hours to develop rich flavors.
Regional Ingredients: Uses locally sourced white beans and fresh vegetables.
Comfort Food: Perfect for a warm, hearty meal on a cool day.

A chicken soup made with vegetables and noodles.

A Turkish-style kebab made with thinly sliced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie.

Versatile Filling Options: Offers various filling options, such as chicken, lamb, or beef.
Crunchy and Soft Texture: Has a crunchy exterior from the grill and a soft interior.
Quick Meal Option: Perfect for a quick, on-the-go meal.