
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.