Good Eats: Enjoying the Turkish Dining Experience

Turkish Cuisine is considered as one of the best around the globe. The country's geography had made it possible for the Turks to whip up a myriad of delightful dishes for the whole world to enjoy. In fact, due to its location, Turkey is able to produce all the food it needs without having to depend on imports. But before you set out for some good eats, learn some essential facts that would complement your Turkish dining experience.

The Basic Ingredients

Turkish food, in essence, is based on grains and vegetables. In fact, freshly baked bread is a staple food in every household. Of all the vegetables, the eggplant is the much-loved variety. Nonetheless, Turks also consume a considerable amount of tomatoes, zucchinis, peppers, onions, and potatoes. Vegetables that are in season are also well liked because of their characteristic freshness and abundance. Olive oil is also used liberal quantities.

Dill, parsley, cinnamon, garlic, mint, and lemony sumac are the most common seasonings used in Turkish cooking. In addition, the preferred condiment is yogurt.

Lamb is the meat of choice in Turkish cuisine. Other varieties exist, though, but lamb still remains the most popular. Seafood also occupies a big part on the menu, mainly because of its abundant supply in the region. Unlike other cuisines, Turkish cooking aims to bring out the true flavor of the main ingredients. It does not attempt to cover or disguise the genuine taste of the food by using sauces or other additives.

Popular Food Items On The Menu

Pide-It is a flatbread sold in almost every store in Turkey. It can either be served plain or with meat filling. It is also known as the Turkish version of pizza.

Pilaf-It is typically made of rice, but some variations include cracked wheat and vermicelli. Though it can be a meal in its own, it can sometimes appear as a garnish for meat dishes.

Borek-In essence, it is a thinly rolled pastry. It has many variants, and it is stuffed with different flavorful fillings. The preferred stuffings include minced meat, cheese, potatoes, and spinach. It can be served fried, grilled, boiled, or baked.