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

All Topics about Diyarbakır All Cities in Turkey

1. Köfte Tava (Surucuk Köfte), Suruç Kebapçısı

Spicy minced meat dish served on a sizzling iron plate. The unique spice blend sets it apart from other köftes.

Authentic Experience: Eating in a traditional, family-run kebapçı (kebab house)
Spiciness Level: A wide range of spiciness levels to cater to different tastes
Popularity among Locals: Known as one of Diyarbakır's most iconic dishes

Traditional Turkish pide (flatbread) topped with meat and cheese, served in a cozy eatery.

Fresh Ingredients: Freshly made dough and locally sourced ingredients
Warm Atmosphere: A family-friendly, inviting ambiance with a history dating back to the 1960s
Variety of Toppings: Customizable options for pide toppings to cater to individual tastes

Delicate layers of phyllo pastry filled with pistachios and drenched in honey syrup, sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Unique Touch: The addition of sesame seeds gives the baklava a distinctive flavor
Traditional Setting: A historic teahouse established in the early 20th century
High-Quality Pastry: Crispy, flaky phyllo pastry and rich, sweet honey syrup

Bulgur wheat salad seasoned with garlic, red pepper paste, and parsley, served with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.

Flavorful Twist: The combination of bulgur wheat, red pepper paste, and garlic gives the salad a unique flavor
Home-Cooked Feel: Prepared as if being made in a local's home kitchen
Healthy Option: A refreshing, low-calorie dish that's perfect for a light meal

Spicy smoked sausage made from minced beef and lamb. The dürük is typically served grilled or as a sandwich.

Meatless köfte made from bulgur wheat and vegetables, served with a tangy yogurt sauce.

Vegetarian Option: A delicious vegetarian alternative to traditional meat dishes
Traditional Setting: Eating in a home-style restaurant with a charming, old-world atmosphere
Tangy Sauce: The yogurt sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the flavorful köftes

Delicate rice dish flavored with saffron and garnished with almonds, pistachios, and raisins.

Aromatic Flavor: The unique aroma of saffron gives the dish a distinctive taste
Rich Ingredients: Almonds, pistachios, and raisins add an extra layer of flavor and texture
Authentic Setting: Experiencing the dish in a restaurant dedicated to sarımberaat

Soured milk served with bread, a popular breakfast or snack in Diyarbakır.

Local Breakfast Tradition: A traditional morning meal enjoyed by locals for generations
Fresh Taste: The tangy, slightly sour taste of the kuruf
Simple Pairing: Accompanied by fresh, soft bread for dipping

Minced liver and onion mixture formed into small balls or patties, often served with garlic yogurt.

Offal Specialty: An exotic dish made from organ meats, popular among locals
Spicy Flavor: The combination of spices and onions gives the dish a unique flavor
Vibrant Restaurant: Dining in a colorful, lively restaurant with a mix of traditional and modern elements

Flaky, layered pastry filled with cheese and herbs, often served for breakfast or as a snack.

Light and Flaky Pastry: Delicate, flaky pastry layers that melt in your mouth
Fresh Cheese: Made with fresh local cheese for a rich, creamy filling
Traditional Setting: Enjoying the dish at a family-run börekçiler (börek shop)

Thin crepes filled with a variety of ingredients like cheese, potatoes, and spinach.

Versatile Ingredients: A wide range of fillings to cater to different tastes
Homemade Feel: Prepared in front of you, as if being made at home
Quick and Easy Snack: An ideal option for a quick bite while exploring the city

Soft, boiled dough served with various toppings such as clotted cream and jam.

Traditional Snack: A traditional treat enjoyed by locals for centuries
Soft Texture: The soft, doughy texture of nane is a delight to eat
Variety of Toppings: A wide range of toppings to cater to different tastes and preferences

Pickled vegetables like cabbage and carrots stuffed with a spicy rice mixture.

Unique Pickling Technique: The pickling process gives the dish a unique flavor and texture
Spicy Rice Stuffing: A blend of spices, rice, and herbs gives the dish its distinctive taste
Authentic Experience: Tasting the dish at a long-established salgamçı (pickler) shop

A large, hand-formed köfte made from minced meat and spices, served in a hearty soup.

Hearty Soup: Warming soup perfect for a cold day
Large Size: A generous portion to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites
Rustic Setting: Dining in a traditional, rustic restaurant in Kocaköyü village

Grilled meatballs seasoned with various spices, served on a bed of rice or bulgur.

Grilled Flavor: The smoky flavor from the grill enhances the taste of the meatballs
Spicy Seasoning: A unique blend of spices gives the dish a distinct flavor profile
Authentic Experience: Eating at a specialized şiş köftecisi (grilled meatball restaurant)