Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
1. Köfte (Meatballs)
Delicious meatballs made with a blend of ground beef, onions, and spices, served with rice or bread. A must-try in Ankara's traditional eateries.
- Authentic Flavor: Taste the original recipe that has been passed down for generations.
- Variety of Köfte Types: Experience different types like Söğüksöz (raw-ground), Tava (grilled), and Lahmacun-Köfte (minced on a thin crust).
- Paired with Local Salad: Enjoy the tangy, refreshing taste of Ankara's signature salad, called 'Hercik Otlu Salatası', that complements your Köfte.
2. Döner Kebap
Thin slices of tender lamb or chicken cooked on a vertical spit, served in a flatbread with salad and sauce. A popular street food found throughout Ankara.
- Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for a quick, affordable lunch or dinner on the go.
- Customization: Choose your preferred meat and level of spiciness.
- Historical Roots: Trace the dish's origins back to the Ottoman Empire.
3. Manti (Ravioli-like Dish)
Small, dumpling-shaped pasta filled with ground meat and yogurt sauce. A hearty dish that is a staple in Ankara's restaurants.
- Rich Flavor: Experience the perfect balance between tender pasta, flavorful meat, and tangy yogurt sauce.
- Family-Style Serving: Share this dish with loved ones as a symbol of hospitality.
- Regional Variations: Discover the differences in Manti preparation across Anatolia.
4. İnekçi Çorbası (Oxtail Soup)
A traditional soup made with oxtails, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. A comforting dish to warm you up on a cold Ankara day.
- Slow-Cooked Flavor: Enjoy the rich, tender texture of oxtails that have been slow-cooked to perfection.
- Nutritious Meal: Replenish your energy after a day of exploring Ankara's attractions.
- Seasonal Availability: Optimize your visit by trying this dish during the cooler months.
5. Börek (Pastry Roll)
Flaky layers of phyllo dough filled with cheese, spinach, or meat. A popular breakfast option in Ankara's bakeries.
- Variety of Fillings: Taste the unique flavors of various Börek fillings.
- Portable Snack: Grab a quick, portable breakfast for your early morning adventures in Ankara.
- Crispy Texture: Savor the delightful crunch of each Börek layer.
6. Kadayıf (Shredded Pastry Dessert)
A sweet, syrupy dessert made with shredded phyllo dough and nuts. A perfect ending to a meal in Ankara's dessert shops.
- Sweet Delight: Indulge in the rich, sticky sweetness of Kadayıf.
- Traditional Preparation: Watch as skilled artisans carefully prepare this dessert by hand.
- Variety of Nut Toppings: Choose your favorite nut toppings, such as pistachio or walnut.
7. Tavuk Göğsü (Chicken Pudding)
A thick, creamy dessert made from chicken breast cooked with milk and sugar. A unique Ankara treat found in sweet shops.
- Creamy Texture: Savor the velvety texture of Tavuk Göğsü.
- Sweet and Savory Combination: Experience the unexpected mix of sweetness and subtle savory notes.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the dish's origins and significance in Ottoman cuisine.
8. Salep (Orchid Tuber Drink)
A warm, frothy drink made from powdered orchid tubers. A popular and comforting beverage in Ankara's cafes.
- Warming Beverage: Enjoy a hot Salep on a chilly Ankara day.
- Unique Ingredient: Experience the distinct, mildly sweet flavor of orchid tubers.
- Variety of Toppings: Customize your Salep with popular toppings like cinnamon or chopped nuts.
9. Simit (Bagel-like Bread)
A circular, sesame-coated bread with a crispy exterior and soft interior. A popular street snack in Ankara.
- Portable Snack: Grab a Simit for a quick, easy breakfast on the go.
- Crispy Texture: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of each bite.
- Inexpensive and Delicious: Satisfy your hunger without breaking the bank.
10. Yogurtlu Sobeyazi (Yogurt Salad)
A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and yogurt. A staple in Ankara's meyhanes (taverns).
- Cool and Refreshing: Relish the cool, tangy flavor of Yogurtlu Sobeyazi on a hot Ankara day.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pair this salad with various dishes for a well-rounded meal.
- Healthy Option: Enjoy a light, nutritious side dish without compromising on flavor.
11. Şömbe (Melon-like Fruit)
A sweet, juicy fruit native to Anatolia. A refreshing dessert or snack in Ankara's markets.
- Refreshing and Hydrating: Stay hydrated and cooled down with this juicy fruit.
- Rare Fruit Species: Discover this unique, locally-grown fruit.
- Seasonal Availability: Plan your visit during the fruiting season for a taste of fresh Şömbe.
12. Ayran (Yogurt Drink)
A traditional Turkish yogurt drink made by mixing yogurt with water and salt. A popular refreshment in Ankara.
- Cooling Beverage: Stay refreshed on hot Ankara days with a cooling glass of Ayran.
- Easy to Make: Learn how to prepare this simple, refreshing drink at home.
- Traditional Side Drink: Pair Ayran with various dishes for a truly authentic Ankara experience.
13. Kahve (Turkish Coffee)
A strong, thick coffee prepared by boiling finely-ground coffee beans in a special pot called 'cezve'. A traditional drink enjoyed throughout Ankara.
- Strong Flavor: Taste the robust, intense flavor of Turkish Coffee.
- Coffee Fortune Telling: Discover the ancient tradition of reading coffee grounds for a glimpse into your future.
- Social Gathering Spot: Visit local cafes to enjoy Turkish Coffee while socializing with locals and fellow travelers.
14. Şeftali Çorbası (Lamb's Head Soup)
A hearty soup made from the head of a lamb, cooked with vegetables and aromatic herbs. A comforting dish in Ankara's traditional restaurants.
- Rich Flavor: Savor the depth of flavor from the lamb's head in this soup.
- Nutritious Meal: Replenish your energy after a day of exploring Ankara's attractions.
- Cultural Significance: Understand the historical and cultural importance of this dish in Turkish cuisine.
15. Kebap Tava (Grilled Meat Platter)
A sharing platter filled with various types of kebabs like Adana, Şiş, and Köfte. A popular dish in Ankara's restaurants for group dining.
- Variety of Kebabs: Taste the unique flavors and textures of various kebabs.
- Social Gathering Food: Enjoy this dish with friends and family as a symbol of hospitality.
- Spicy Options: Customize your kebap tava with various levels of spiciness to suit your preference.