January 2024 - ChefTurko

An aerial shot of a bustling marina with rows of yachts and boats moored in clear blue waters. The marina is surrounded by a dense array of red-roofed buildings, indicating a lively coastal town. Streets weave through the town, and a prominent open space with trees can be seen near the waterfront. The backdrop features a landscape of gentle hills and scattered structures under a soft, hazy sky.

Seferihisar, Turkey: Local Guide to Sığacık, Teos & Beaches

in Turkish Cuisine on January 29, 2024 October 5, 2026

Seferihisar is not a place I discovered on a holiday. I was born and raised here and lived in the town until I was 18. I later moved to Aydın for university, but I never…

Turkish Pide, often described as Turkish pizza, is shown on a wooden paddle board. The pide is boat-shaped with a golden-brown crust, and the filling is vibrant with tomatoes, green peppers, and minced meat, creating a mosaic of reds and greens. Fresh lemon wedges, parsley, and whole eggs with runny yolks are arranged around the pide, ready to complement its flavors.

Turkish Pide: Exploring the Soul of Traditional Turkish Cuisine

in Turkish Cuisine on January 27, 2024 September 13, 2026

Turkish cuisine, known for its rich flavors and diverse dishes, offers an array of traditional foods that have been savored for centuries. Among these, Turkish pide, or “pita” as it’s locally known, stands out as…

A traditional Turkish lentil soup served in a metal bowl with decorative handles, placed on a cork coaster. Fresh ingredients including lettuce leaves in a wooden bowl and whole garlic bulbs in a small ceramic bowl are arranged around the soup, suggesting freshness and homemade quality. Wooden spoons rest on the table, completing the rustic and inviting setting.

Turkish Soups: How Soup Fits Into Everyday Life in Turkey

in Soup on January 24, 2024 September 28, 2026

Turkish soups are not only cold-weather dishes in my family. Soup has always had a place at the beginning of dinner, although what we cook changes with the season. I grew up in Seferihisar, İzmir,…

Turkish Kokoreç is depicted in the midst of being prepared. A large, spit-roasted intestine is being expertly sliced on a wooden cutting board, revealing a filling of chopped offal and vegetables. The chef's hands are visible, using a large knife to carve the dish. The scene is set outdoors, likely at a street food stall, with a casual and authentic atmosphere.

Kokorec: What It Is, What It Tastes Like & İzmir vs Istanbul

in Turkish Cuisine on January 23, 2024 October 4, 2026

Kokoreç (often written “kokorec” in English) is one of the Turkish street foods I know from years of actually eating it, not from a one-off tasting. I first tried it in Aydın around 2011 or…

Izmir cuisine collage with local foods and historic architecture

Izmir Cuisine: A Local Guide to Food in Izmir and Seferihisar

in Turkish Cuisine on January 21, 2024 September 28, 2026

Izmir cuisine means something different to me than a simple list of dishes to try on holiday. I grew up around Seferihisar, so many of these foods belong to ordinary memories: warm boyoz from the…

A vibrant and colorful Mediterranean platter on a rustic blue background, featuring an array of flavors with stuffed bell peppers, a mix of green and kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and figs. Accompanied by a fresh tabbouleh salad, creamy hummus, beetroot dip, and golden turmeric spread, the dish is garnished with pomegranate seeds and served with warm pita bread, showcasing the diversity of Mediterranean cuisine.

Mediterranean Cuisine in Turkey: Foods, Ingredients & Regional Dishes

in Turkish Cuisine on January 21, 2024 September 12, 2026

Mediterranean cuisine in Turkey is not a single fixed collection of dishes. Instead, it includes diverse food traditions shaped by local agriculture, climate, history, and the culinary identities of different regions. Along Turkey’s southern Mediterranean…

A variety of Turkish baklava displayed on a black slate plate. In the foreground, several small, bite-sized pieces are sprinkled with finely chopped green pistachios. Behind them is a larger piece of baklava, with its flaky golden-brown phyllo pastry layers visibly filled with a green pistachio mixture. A few whole pistachio nuts are scattered around for decoration.

Turkish Baklava: A magnificent work of Turkish culinary heritage

in Dessert on January 19, 2024 September 16, 2026

Baklava: The Legacy of Turkish Culinary Culture Baklava is like going on a delicious journey through the complex layers of history. A sweet proof of cultural exchange and culinary evolution. Baklava originates from the imperial…

A traditional Turkish dessert known as Aşure, or Noah's Pudding, is presented in a rustic wooden bowl set on an ornate silver tray. The dessert is colorful, with white beans, chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, and grains creating a textured appearance. Surrounding the bowl are garnishes including cinnamon sticks, whole walnuts, nutmeg, and fresh green leaves, contributing to the dish's festive look.

Turkish Desserts: The Sweet Journey of A Delicious Tale

in Dessert on January 19, 2024 September 13, 2026

Turkish cuisine, a grand tapestry of tastes and textures, tells a sweet story through its desserts. This tale, as rich and layered as the famous Turkish Baklava, unfolds in the opulent kitchens of the Ottoman…

Assorted Turkish meze served on a plate at a seaside restaurant

Turkish Appetizers: How Meze Really Works in Turkey

in Appetizer on January 19, 2024 October 11, 2026

When people search for Turkish appetizers, they often find very long lists of dishes. That can be useful, but it does not fully explain how meze actually works at a Turkish table. I grew up…

Turkish Güllaç, a dessert often served during Ramadan, is displayed on a dark plate against a rustic backdrop. The dessert is white and milky, with layers of thin, translucent pastry soaked in sweetened milk, garnished with ground pistachio and a single red cherry on top. Traditional Turkish tea and silverware are arranged in the background, suggesting a cultural or festive occasion.

Güllaç: A Turkish Ramadan Dessert From My Childhood

in Dessert on January 19, 2024 September 29, 2026

Güllaç is one of the desserts I associate most strongly with Ramadan. My mother did not make it throughout the year, but when Ramadan arrived, güllaç was one of the desserts that could appear in…

A traditional Turkish kebab platter featuring an assortment of grilled meats and vegetables. Skewers of meat are lined up next to roasted tomatoes, green chili peppers, and eggplants, all resting on a decorative silver tray. A side of rice speckled with pine nuts and currants accompanies the kebabs, and traditional flatbreads are placed alongside. The array of colors and charred textures invites a feast of flavors.

Turkish Kebab: The Pearl of Turkish Cuisine

in Red Meat on January 17, 2024 September 13, 2026

When we think of Turkish kebabs, the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey comes to mind, and in this region, Gaziantep’s culinary culture is especially prominent. In this blog post, we will touch on everything you’ve…