Food & Drink

A Simple Expat Guide to Buying Food Products in Türkiye

There are plenty of food options available to you in Turkey, whether you prefer to shop at traditional markets or modern supermarkets. Read on.

Explore the Rich History and Variety of Turkish Beers

Discover the history and variety of beers in Turkey, from ancient times to modern craft breweries. Learn about popular Turkish beers.

Adana Kebab: A Flavorful Turkish Delight

Adana kebab is a succulent, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion, made from ground lamb or beef, mixed with spices and herbs, and grilled on a skewer.

Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Making Turkish Lentil Soup is a comforting way to bring a taste of tradition and friendship into the home. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, this flavorful soup is sure to be a hit. Enjoy it with friends, family, or just for yourself, and share a moment of healing, comfort, and pleasure. For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients: Yield: 4 servings ¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 Tbsp. sweet paprika 2 medium yellow onions, coarsely chopped (2 cu

Sweet Temptation: Istanbul's Beloved 'Brothel Dessert'

A Guide to Turkish Beer

Everyone you meet will likely utter one word when one thinks of beer in Turkey: Efes. Named after the ancient city of Ephesus and brewed in Izmir, the brand owns 84% of the market, which makes it the most popular beer brand in Turkey. Although there are nowhere near as many beer brands in Turkey, say compared to Germany or Belgium, and local creations are few and far between, many European brands are licensed to be brewed in Turkey. The most popular and known is Türk Tuborg by Carlsberg Group.

The Best Turkish Snack Foods You Have to Try

When one thinks of snacks in Turkish cuisine, meze, which is the equivalent of Spanish tapas, is what first comes to mind for many. Served appetizers or starters, both hot and cold, mezes are a staple at almost every restaurant. However, many other snacky dishes in Turkey are sold by street vendors, markets, or restaurants. Here is our selection of the 10 best and unique Turkish snacks: Midye dolma If you like mussels fried or marinated in sauce, you should give this one a try. The name dolm

Turkish Supermarkets and Farmers Markets

Grocery Shopping in Turkey Most Turks prefer doing their weekly grocery shopping at local bazaars, as they offer the freshest and most comprehensive range of produce — fish, yufka, cheese, olives, spices, and more. Many families However, this may be hard for working couples and households or those who do not have a close bazaar to their home. Instead, many people go to supermarkets in shopping malls for a one-stop shop. Shopping for food in Turkish supermarkets is like shopping at any other s

The Best Restaurants, Bars and more in Istanbul

Stumped on where to eat what in Istanbul? Need some inspiration for cool bars and restaurants to discover? Looking for the best neighborhood market? Keep on reading to find out. Istanbul’s Unique Dining Experiences In a city as vast and vibrant as Istanbul, it may feel like there is always something new to discover, and dining is no exception. Although this list could go on and on, here are a few of the most exciting and unique experiences we would recommend you try out. * Dine at the Maiden

10 Hidden Cocktail Bars in Istanbul

Istanbul — it is the biggest, most exciting, and vibrant city in Turkey and one of the largest metropolises in the world. Whether it is your forever home, or you will just be passing through, sometimes you may want to discover places that are not inundated by hordes of crowds or tourists. When you crave something a little off the beaten track and yet undiscovered by the masses, these little hidden gems will come to your rescue. The number 1 type of bar you must experience in Istanbul is a roof

A Complete Guide to Turkish Cuisine

When one talks about Turkish cuisine, not many know how vast and varied it is, especially when you start to get into regional delicacies. Turkish cuisine owes its richness to Ottoman, Mediterranean, Balkan, and Middle Eastern influences. This means you will see a lot of fish dishes, plenty of olive oil, as well as a lot of meat dishes seasoned with spices such as cumin, sumac, and the famed black-hued pepper flakes "isot". * Regional differences in Turkish cuisine From Iskender kebab and İn

Foodies’ Guide: Turkish Cuisine, Specialties, and Desserts

Foodies’ Guide Turkey's name is always uttered among the top 10 choices regarding the world's wealthiest cuisines — and rightfully so. Having been the home to countless civilizations over millennia, from the Hittites and Byzantines to the Ottomans and Central Asian Turks, Turkish cuisine is as varied and colorful as it gets. From olive-oil-based dishes called "zeytinyağlılar" and an endless array of mezes to decorate rakı tables to juicy and spicy kebabs that can knock your socks off, every re