Eat Like a Local: Essential Turkish Food Vocabulary

More Than Just Kebabs

While döner kebab is famous worldwide, Turkish cuisine is incredibly diverse, featuring rich stews, fresh vegetables, and mouth-watering desserts.

Breakfast (Kahvaltı)

Turkish breakfast is legendary. It's not just a meal; it's an event.

• Peynir - Cheese (essential!)
• Zeytin - Olives
• Yumurta - Eggs
• Menemen - A delicious dish of scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers.
• Çay - Tea (always served in small tulip-shaped glasses).

Street Food Favorites

If you are walking the streets of Istanbul, look out for these:

• Simit - A sesame-crusted bread ring (often called the Turkish bagel).
• Lahmacun - Thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat and herbs.
• Kestane - Roasted chestnuts (popular in winter).

Want to master restaurant conversations? Practice ordering in our Food & Dining Deck.