The origin of famous Turkish foods is an indispensable topic at international “food nights” where there is at least one Turk present… For example, if there is döner on the table, a Turk, a Greek, and an Arab will each claim that this dish originally belongs to their own culture (not even citing Germans who recently joined the race!). The …
Although nowadays when we think of fish, the Black Sea comes to mind first, in fact, Istanbul has historically been the most important city in terms of both the variety of fish and the taste of fish. Except for the last 40 years, the abundance of fish in Istanbul has even made its way into history books. Istanbul has not …
Safranbolu is a typical and preserved Ottoman town in the northwestern part of Turkey. With its cobbled streets, narrow passes and centuries-old houses, the town is a popular destination for tourists in Karabük. It had been on the trade route between Black Sea and big cities like Constantinople in 17th. Century. Accumulating enough wealth, local traders built beautiful mansions, not …
The food culture of a city actually includes both food and beverage. That’s why the more varied and complex settlement pockets there are in a city, the more ethnic varieties in food and beverages that one can find there. Istanbul has many different street foods a visitor can try and feel the culture.
The Edirne Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, which is held every July, attracts the whole world. In recent years, tourists from many countries have flocked to Turkey to watch this festival. Kırkpınar Wrestling, which is described as oily wrestling, is both a sporting and cultural activity that takes place on a meadow by lubricated wrestlers who show very intense effort. Historical …
Dairy products in Turkish Cuisine continue to decorate not only the tables of our country but the tables of the whole world. The discussions on butter are continuous. Milk, the source of healing, is considered as the cornerstone of growth which is indispensable for Turks from Central Asia. There are many different products obtained from milk to increase the body’s …
Safranbolu is a typical and preserved Ottoman town in the northwestern part of Turkey. With its cobbled streets, narrow passes and centuries-old houses, the town is a popular destination for tourists in Karabük. It had been on the trade route between Black Sea and big cities like Constantinople in 17th. Century. Accumulating enough wealth, local traders built beautiful mansions, not …
The food culture of a city actually includes both food and beverage. That’s why the more varied and complex settlement pockets there are in a city, the more ethnic varieties in food and beverages that one can find there. Istanbul has many different street foods a visitor can try and feel the culture.
The Michelin Guide 2026 for Türkiye was officially unveiled in December 2025, marking a significant moment for the country’s gastronomic scene. The announcement brought a broader geographic coverage, new starred restaurants, and greater international attention to local cuisine. Key Figures from the 2026 Selection Total restaurants listed: 171 Restaurants with Michelin Stars: 17 Two Michelin Stars: 2 One Michelin Star: …
Börek, a savory pastry shaped with thin layers of dough filled with cheese, minced meat, spinach, or potatoes, has not only delighted palates for centuries but also served as a cultural bridge connecting civilizations. As ordinary as a street simit and as regal as a palace dish, börek has a far deeper and richer past than commonly assumed. From the …