Located in south-eastern Turkey, Gaziantep is famous for its rich culinary heritage and delicious traditional dishes. The city is often referred to as the culinary capital of Turkey, and for good reason. Its dishes are characterised by bold flavours, generous use of spices and an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
Here are the most popular and traditional dishes you must try in Gaziantep:
Baklava: Let's start with the most famous dessert in Gaziantep - baklava. This classic Turkish dessert is made with thin layers of dough, chopped pistachios (usually pistachios) and sweet syrup. Baklava in Gaziantep is considered the best in the country and it is easy to see why. The dough is thin, crispy and not too sweet, while the pistachios add a nice crunch and nutty flavour.
Lahmacun: Lahmacun is a type of Turkish pizza made with a thin and crispy dough base and a savoury topping of minced meat, tomatoes, peppers, onions and spices. It is usually served with fresh parsley, lemon wedges and pickled vegetables. In Gaziantep, lahmacun is a popular choice among street food and is perfect as a quick and tasty snack.
Antep katmeri: Antep katmeri is a dessert made like baklava but using thicker, crispier dough and less syrup. It is usually filled with a mixture of pistachios, cream and sugar and is often consumed for breakfast or as a dessert.
Künefe: Another dessert you should definitely try in Gaziantep is künefe. This dessert is a dessert made of shredded wire kadayıf dough, soft cheese and sherbet. It is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and absolutely delicious. It is usually topped with a scoop of ice cream.
Kebab: Your visit to Gaziantep is not complete without trying the famous kebabs. Whether you prefer meat, chicken or vegetables, Gaziantep has a kebab for everyone. The most popular varieties include Adana kebab (spicy minced meat on a skewer), shish kebab (grilled pieces of meat) and beyti kebab (grilled meat wrapped in lavash bread).
Çiğ köfte: Çiğ köfte is a type of Turkish appetiser made from a mixture of raw ground beef or lamb, bulgur wheat, tomato paste and various spices. It is usually served with lettuce leaves and lemon wedges and is a popular snack or starter in Gaziantep.
Turnip juice: Finally, if you are looking for an innovative and refreshing drink in Gaziantep, try turnip juice. It is a purple-coloured juice made from fermented radishes, carrots and beets, and is usually served with Aleppo pepper sprinkled on top. It may sound unusual, but it is surprisingly tasty and refreshing.
All in all, Gaziantep is a food lover's paradise and these dishes are just a small sample of the delicious food the city has to offer. Come hungry to discover all the culinary delights of this beautiful city!
