February 2024 - ChefTurko

A wider shot of Afyon sucuk displayed for sale, highlighting the abundance of the twisted, richly-colored sausages and the characteristic loops, offering a glimpse into the traditional presentation and selling method in a Turkish market setting.

Sucuk (Turkish Sausage): What It Is and How Turks Eat It

in Red Meat Turkish Cuisine on February 28, 2024 October 2, 2026

Sucuk is the strongly seasoned fermented sausage that most people in Turkey simply know by its Turkish name. English speakers often call it Turkish sausage, and you may also see spellings such as sujuk outside…

A culinary scene of chocolate-making ingredients, with a bowl of melted dark chocolate, a whisk, a block of white chocolate, cocoa powder, and a dusting of cocoa on a dark countertop, ready for baking or confectionery preparation.

Turkish Chocolate: History, Traditions & Brands in Turkey

Turkish chocolate does not describe an ancient native cacao tradition. Cacao grows in tropical regions, while chocolate became part of Ottoman and later Turkish food culture through international trade, changing tastes, and modern confectionery production….

This wide-angle shot features an assortment of Turkish delights artfully placed on an elongated, emerald green ceramic platter. The delights exhibit a variety of rich colors, from deep burgundy to cream and vibrant green, and are adorned with toppings like crushed pistachios, saffron threads, and delicate rose petals, adding an opulent and exotic touch.

Turkish Delight: The Enchanting Journey of a Timeless Sweet

in Dessert Turkish Cuisine on February 25, 2024 October 11, 2026

The Debut of Turkish Delight on the Historical Stage Before diving into the story of its emergence, it’s essential to discuss the origin of its name. The term “Turkish Delight” draws from the Arabic “rahat-ul…

A long platter holds an arrangement of grilled eggplants and green peppers on top, with a layer of chopped tomatoes spread underneath, showcasing a traditionally served Tokat Kebab.

Tokat Kebab: What It Is, Ingredients and How It’s Made

in Red Meat Turkish Cuisine on February 24, 2024 October 2, 2026

Tokat kebab is a regional Turkish kebab made with chunks of lamb, tail fat and vegetables cooked together in a distinctive vertical oven. Unlike kebabs built mainly around minced meat, Tokat kebab treats the meat,…

An overhead shot of a traditional Turkish feast spread across a table. The meal includes a variety of dishes such as roasted chicken over rice, meatballs, stuffed vegetables, salads, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), and a bowl of yogurt. The table setting is completed with flatbreads, a glass of red wine, and small bowls of condiments.

Ottoman Cuisine: Palace to Streets, Fascinating Stories

in Turkish Cuisine on February 24, 2024 September 13, 2026

The Ottoman Empire, existing from 1299 to 1922, was a grand empire that ruled vast territories throughout history. This great empire unified a variety of cultures, languages, and cuisines. It left a deep imprint on…

An array of Turkish pastries on display behind a glass counter, featuring a variety of cookies, rolls, and baklava, all beckoning with their sugary coatings and rich, nutty toppings.

Turkish Pastries: Börek, Poğaça, Boyoz and More

in Bakery Turkish Cuisine on February 23, 2024 October 1, 2026

Turkish pastries are difficult to fit into one neat English category. In Turkey, I would not normally think of börek, poğaça, boyoz, gözleme and baklava as identical types of food, even though English-language food guides…

A kitchen scene with various fresh white cheese varieties displayed on a wooden cutting board. There is a large bowl of crumbled cheese, a milk jar, a glass of milk, a round ball of mozzarella-like cheese, a wheel of cheese with a piece cut out, and a plate of small mozzarella balls. The white countertop provides a clean background, emphasizing the purity of the products.

Turkish Cheese: A Journey of Flavors

in Turkish Cuisine on February 21, 2024 October 11, 2026

Turkey boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, reflected in its culinary traditions. Among these, cheese plays an indispensable role in Turkish tables, drawing attention with its variety and the unique characteristics of each type….

A frothy, golden beer in a classic mug sits on a rustic wooden table, with wheat stalks and hops beside it and a wooden barrel in the background. The setting is warm and inviting with a blurred, amber-toned backdrop.

Beer in Turkey: Local Beer Culture, My Picks & Food Pairings

in Drink Turkish Cuisine on February 18, 2024 October 6, 2026

Beer in Turkey is much more than choosing between Efes and Tuborg. If you spend time in an Aegean coastal town, you begin to notice the smaller details: the beers people order on hot afternoons,…

A vibrant, wide top-view image showcasing a variety of fresh foods that make up components of a balanced diet. Included are vegetables such as tomatoes and carrots, fruits like apples and lemons, proteins in the form of raw beef steaks and chicken, dairy products including milk and butter, and grains such as pasta, rice, and wheat. The arrangement is rich in color and variety, indicating a healthy and diverse selection of food groups.

Turkish Cuisine: Traditional Foods, Regional Dishes and Recipes

in Turkish Cuisine on February 17, 2024 September 16, 2026

Turkish cuisine is much more than a collection of well-known dishes such as kebabs, baklava, döner, and meze. It is a broad culinary tradition shaped by the geography of Türkiye, regional agriculture, seasonal ingredients, local…

An outdoor setting featuring three glass jars on a white surface filled with fresh cucumbers ready for pickling, with one jar being sealed by a hand. The jars are set against a backdrop of green grapevine leaves, conveying the theme of garden-to-table food preparation.

Turkish Pickles: A Tradition from Past to Present

in Appetizer Turkish Cuisine on February 17, 2024 October 11, 2026

Turkish pickles are a familiar part of everyday food culture in Turkey, but for me they are also closely connected with family and the seasons. My mother still makes several kinds of pickles every year….

Turkish Tea: The Heart of Hospitality and Symbol of Unity

in Drink Turkish Cuisine on February 16, 2024 September 13, 2026

Turkish tea, or “çay,” is far more than a mere refreshment in Turkey; it’s a potent symbol of hospitality, a bond that unites people, and a cherished tradition deeply woven into the fabric of daily…

A lavish Turkish breakfast spread on a wooden table, featuring a variety of dishes. At the center, there's a plate with assorted cheeses and fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and greens. To the right, a skillet of sunny-side-up eggs sizzles, next to a loaf of sesame-coated bread and a dish of menemen, a Turkish egg and tomato dish. On the left, there's a large, rustic loaf of whole-grain bread, bowls of honey and jams, and slices of simit. Accompaniments include bowls of olives, a pot of tea, cups of Turkish tea, and other small dishes with spreads and toppings, completing the traditional kahvaltı experience.

Turkish Breakfast: A Local Guide to Traditional Turkish Breakfast

in Breakfast Turkish Cuisine on February 16, 2024 September 28, 2026

Turkish breakfast, or kahvaltı, does not mean the same table every morning. In my family in Seferihisar, İzmir, weekday breakfast was practical and familiar, while weekends and breakfasts with guests could become much larger. What…