Şalgam - A common local drink with a very unique taste! It's basically a cold, sour, fermented carrot juice, sometimes served with an optional spicy brine. Definitely an acquired taste, but great if you're feeling bloated or want something refreshing.

Rakı - A strong anise-flavored spirit, similar to Greek ouzo, often served with seafood, especially in coastal towns like İzmir or Bodrum. The classic way to enjoy it is with water and ice, which turns it a milky white. Yeni Rakı is the original and most popular brand.

Ayran - A cold, salty yogurt drink. A Turkish favorite, especially on hot days.

Bodrum Mandalina Gazozu (Bodrum Mandarin Soda) - Bodrum mandalina gazozu is a fizzy, citrusy soda made from the region’s famous mandarins. Sweet, citrusy, and local!

Türk Kahvesi (Turkish Coffee) - A rich, unfiltered coffee with a strong flavor. Turkish coffee is traditionally enjoyed after meals with a little sweet treat.

Çay (Turkish Tea) - Strong and black, Turkish tea is brewed in a two-tiered pot and served in small tulip-shaped glasses. It is typically enjoyed throughout the day, at breakfast, and after dinner.

Food

Lahmacun - Think of it like Turkish pizza: thin dough topped with spiced ground lamb and herbs, then served with lemon, raw onion, parsley, and tomatoes. Roll it up and enjoy, it’s seriously delicious.

Kebap - Whether it's Adana, döner, or İnegöl, kebabs are a staple and you really can't go wrong. Try a few styles and find your favorite!

Mercimek Köfte - A vegan-friendly favorite made from bulgur, pepper paste, onion, and parsley, shaped into finger-sized dumplings. Served cold with lemon and lettuce. It is light, refreshing, and addictive. (It was originally made with raw meat, but not anymore).

Kabak Çiçeği Dolması - Stuffed squash blossoms usually filled with herbed rice. A beautiful mezze dish served at room temperature. This is Lydia’s favorite ❤️.

Atom - Garlicky yogurt topped with spicy oil. It is simple, fiery, and perfect with bread if you love a little heat.

Mantı - Tiny lamb-stuffed dumplings (think Turkish ravioli), topped with garlicky yogurt, oregano, and melted butter with red pepper. Bodrum is famous for them! You can get them boiled or crispy.

Gözleme - A stuffed flatbread made fresh on a griddle usually filled with cheese, spinach, meat or potatoes. Great as a quick breakfast or snack.

Sucuk - A spicy, garlicky sausage often served with breakfast with eggs or alone or melted into grilled cheese sandwiches. Rich, flavorful, and one of Berk and Lydia’s favorites.

Pastırma - Cured beef covered in a bold spice rub, think Turkish pastrami meets jamón ibérico. Locals joke that the spice makes you smelly, but it’s worth it!

Simit - The iconic Turkish sesame-covered bread ring that is kind of like a cross between a bagel and Jerusalem bagel.

Muhammara - A rich, smoky spread made from roasted red peppers and walnuts. Fantastic on bread or as part of a mezze spread. If you really love it, ask Lydia for her recipe that uses ingredients you can find in the US.

Midye Dolma - Stuffed mussels filled with herbed rice, eaten with a squeeze of lemon. They’re popular late-night snacks, especially after a few drinks. Just make sure to buy them from a reputable shop to avoid any food regrets.

Poğaça - Soft, savory pastries filled with cheese, meat, or potatoes. Bonus points if you find ones made with einkorn flour, they’re extra good.

Erik Meyvesi (Plum) - Erik meyvesi refers to tart green plums, a beloved Turkish snack especially in spring. They are crisp, sour, and some times eaten with a sprinkle of salt.

Çöp Şiş - Directly translates to ‘Trash Meat’, Çöp şiş are mini meat skewers using sort of ‘extra’ pieces of meat that are grilled to perfection.

Kol böreği (Arm Borek) - A savory, hand-rolled flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat, kol böreği is often served warm as a snack or light meal.

Dondurma (Ice Cream) - You’ll find flavors here that you won’t see anywhere else. Try the maraş ice cream, it is chewy, stretchy, and often sliced with a knife.

Künefe  - A warm, gooey dessert made with shredded phyllo dough (kadayıf), filled with melty cheese, and soaked in sweet syrup, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

Lokum (Turkish Delight) - Lokum is a fried, sugar-dusted sweet often flavored with rose, lemon, or pistachio—an iconic treat that’s perfect with tea or as a souvenir. Try the halva ones!

Lokma - Lokma are bite-sized fried dough balls soaked in syrup—crispy, fluffy, and dangerously easy to eat by the handful.