What to Eat in Antalya

Antalya, located on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, is not only a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches and historical sites but also for its delicious cuisine. The city is known for its fresh seafood, traditional Turkish dishes, and international cuisine. In this article, we will explore the must-try foods in Antalya and where to find them.

Meze

Meze is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers in Turkish cuisine. It is a great way to try a variety of flavors in one meal. In Antalya, you can find a wide range of meze dishes, including stuffed grape leaves, hummus, eggplant salad, and fried calamari. One of the best places to try meze is at Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant, which offers a modern twist on traditional Turkish meze dishes.

Pide

Pide is a type of Turkish flatbread that is similar to pizza. It is typically topped with cheese, meat, and vegetables. In Antalya, you can find pide at many local restaurants, but one of the best places to try it is at Pideci Hoca, a popular restaurant that has been serving pide for over 30 years.

Lahmacun

Lahmacun is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs. It is often served with a squeeze of lemon juice and rolled up like a wrap. You can find lahmacun at many local restaurants in Antalya, but one of the best places to try it is at Hacı Dayı, a small restaurant that has been serving lahmacun for over 50 years.

Kebab

Kebab is a popular Turkish dish made with grilled or roasted meat. In Antalya, you can find a variety of kebab dishes, including Adana kebab, which is made with spicy minced meat, and shish kebab, which is made with marinated chunks of meat. One of the best places to try kebab in Antalya is at Tike Kebap, a popular restaurant that serves a variety of kebab dishes.

Fish

Antalya is located on the Mediterranean coast, which means that fresh seafood is abundant. You can find a variety of fish dishes at local restaurants, including grilled sea bass, fried calamari, and shrimp casserole. One of the best places to try fish in Antalya is at Balıkçı Sabahattin, a seafood restaurant that has been serving fresh fish for over 30 years.

Baklava

Baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup. It is a popular dessert in Turkish cuisine and is often served with a cup of Turkish coffee. In Antalya, you can find baklava at many local bakeries, but one of the best places to try it is at Güllüoğlu Baklava, a famous bakery that has been making baklava for over 150 years.

Turkish Delight

Turkish delight, also known as lokum, is a sweet confection made with starch, sugar, and flavorings such as rose water or lemon. It is a popular treat in Turkish cuisine and is often served with a cup of tea. In Antalya, you can find Turkish delight at many local shops, but one of the best places to try it is at Hacı Bekir, a famous sweet shop that has been making Turkish delight for over 200 years.

Gözleme

Gözleme is a traditional Turkish pastry made with phyllo dough and filled with cheese, spinach, or meat. It is often cooked on a griddle and served hot. In Antalya, you can find gözleme at many local restaurants, but one of the best places to try it is at Gözleme Evi, a small restaurant that specializes in gözleme.

Menemen

Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It is often served with bread and a cup of tea. In Antalya, you can find menemen at many local restaurants, but one of the best places to try it is at Kahve Dünyası, a popular café that serves a variety of breakfast dishes.

Turkish Tea

Turkish tea, also known as çay, is a black tea that is brewed in a special teapot called a çaydanlık. It is a popular drink in Turkish culture and is often served with breakfast or after meals. In Antalya, you can find Turkish tea at many local cafes and restaurants

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Antalya for food lovers?

The best time to visit Antalya for food lovers is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. This is also the time when many local food festivals take place, such as the Antalya International Food and Wine Festival.

What is the traditional Turkish breakfast?

The traditional Turkish breakfast, also known as kahvaltı, typically includes bread, cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and boiled eggs. It is often served with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee.

What is the best seafood restaurant in Antalya?

Balıkçı Sabahattin is considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Antalya. It has a beautiful location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and serves a variety of fresh fish dishes.

What is the best place to try baklava in Antalya?

Güllüoğlu Baklava is considered one of the best places to try baklava in Antalya. It has been making baklava for over 150 years and has won numerous awards for its delicious desserts.

What is the best way to try a variety of Turkish dishes?

The best way to try a variety of Turkish dishes is to order meze, a selection of small dishes served as appetizers. This allows you to try a variety of flavors in one meal.

What is the best time to visit Antalya?

The best time to visit Antalya is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be very hot and crowded, while the winter months can be rainy and cold.

What is the traditional Turkish dessert?

The traditional Turkish dessert is baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup. Other popular Turkish desserts include Turkish delight, künefe, and şekerpare.

What is the best place to try Turkish tea in Antalya?

Mado is considered one of the best places to try Turkish tea in Antalya. It is a popular café that serves a variety of Turkish desserts and drinks.

What is the best way to get around Antalya?

The best way to get around Antalya is by using the local buses or taxis. There is also a tram system that runs along the coast and connects the city center with the suburbs.

What is the best way to experience Turkish culture in Antalya?

The best way to experience Turkish culture in Antalya is to visit the local bazaars, such as the Antalya Bazaar or the Kaleiçi Bazaar. These markets offer a variety of traditional Turkish goods, such as spices, textiles, and ceramics.