Food for thought: Turkish Cuisine

Nope, nothing philosophical here. Actually, I was just trying to add a bit of spice to my Turkey trip... I told you before that trying Turkish cuisine was one of our priorities, so we didn't hold back at all... And in the end, my poor, delicate stomach got upset. Yes, the whole journey and at the airport... constant runs to the toilet. Anyway, I shouldn't have any regrets... So... it's all good.

This is just a light post… I didn’t want to make you think too much...

These are Turkish dry fruits. From the shop where we bought lokum (a kind of Turkish sweets) for friends, the guy offered us these. I ended up eating the most because he wasn’t bargaining, so consider whatever I ate in dry fruits as our savings. I'm as cheap as they come, and also, no regrets ;))

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Here comes "Kebab Tava". It's a platter of various Turkish kebabs served over a base of bread, with a mix of grilled vegetables and spices, including burnt chilies. It was served with a side of tomato sauce and yogurt. Forget to capture it though!

_{kebab tava}

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This is THE FAMOUS Turkish tea, or "çay," is a quintessential part of Turkish culture. It is typically brewed from black tea leaves and is known for its strong, rich flavor and deep amber color.

_{Turkish tea}

Erm, didn't like it much though. Although the husband made us all drink it after the heavy kebab meal... To help in digestion. Maybe it worked. Nopes, I was definitely feeling the heaviness of meal later in night...

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_Baklava

Baklava is a sweet pastry made from layers of thin phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts, or almonds. After baking, it is soaked in a sugary syrup or honey, giving it a sweet and sticky texture. It is typically cut into shapes like squares or diamonds and is known for its crisp, flaky layers and rich, nutty flavor.

No, we didn't buy it or ate it. Thanks God! Too much sugar...

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How could I forget to mention Turkish breads? We enjoyed them at breakfast every day, including pide (flatbread often topped with various ingredients), lavaş (thin, soft flatbread used as a wrap), and simit (sesame-coated circular bread), all included in our menu.

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Okay, what the heck... since we're talking about bread, let me show you a complete Turkish breakfast. The highlight of the day was the healthiest breakfast ever. It included a wide array of salads, dips, olives, and yes, some fried items. But do they hurt??? There were so many cheeses to choose from and a delicate variety of sausages. Have a good look :))

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The following two images flaunt Kadayif and kunefe. These are traditional Turkish desserts featuring shredded pastry.

_{Kadayif is made from finely shredded dough that is layered with a sweet filling of nuts, such as walnuts or pistachios, and then baked until crisp. It's typically soaked in a sugar syrup, giving it a sweet, sticky texture.}

_{Kunefe is a dessert made from layers of shredded phyllo dough filled with a mixture of melted cheese, often from a special variety like "Kadayif cheese". It's baked until crispy and golden, then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup, resulting in a warm, gooey, and sweet treat. Both desserts showcase the rich, indulgent flavors of Turkish sweets.}

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It’s gotten a bit too sweet… Now I’ll head towards the showstopper with a drink in hand… Yes, Iskender Kebab. (No, there ain't any drink: just plain water)

"Iskender Kebab". It consists of thinly sliced döner meat served on a bed of pita bread, often accompanied by grilled or burnt chili peppers, tomato sauce, and a drizzle of melted butter, along with yogurt on the side.

It was a beauty in sight:

_{Iskander kebab}

İSKENDER Tarihi Ahşap Dükkan/ Kebabçı Mehmet in Bursa is renowned for its Iskender Kebab, a specialty dish featuring thinly sliced döner meat served over a bed of pita bread with tomato sauce, melted butter, and yogurt. The restaurant is celebrated for its traditional approach and high-quality ingredients, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Turkish dining experience. Located in Bursa, a city known for its rich culinary history, Kebabçı Mehmet stands out for its dedication.

How could he have melted butter poured on it? Well, I skipped it... and didn’t regret it.

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That’s all for now. I might add more pictures to this category in future blogs as some of the delicacies deserve separate recognition and the current post can't accommodate them all :)))