10 Popular Turkish Dishes You Can Make at Home

These 10 popular Turkish dishes are a wonderful way to start if you're excited to cook these popular foods at home effortlessly. These recipes use simple steps and ingredients that are easy to find, making the process enjoyable rather than stressful. Take your time, savor each step, and create delicious food that’s perfect to share with others. It’s all about keeping things simple and having fun in the kitchen, so you’ll want to make these meals again and again.

Lamb Shish Kebab

Lamb Shish Kebab (or Shish Kabob) is a very popular Turkish / Middle Eastern dish typically served in restaurants or takeaway kebab shops. This simple recipe explains how to make your homemade version of these lamb kebabs from scratch with a few ingredients.

To learn more: Lamb Shish Kebab

Iskender Kebab

Iskender Kebab (or Kebap) is undoubtedly one of Turkey's most iconic dishes. It is made with tender slices of döner kebab meat served over flatbread and topped with a delicious tomato sauce, grilled vegetables, sizzling butter, and creamy yogurt.

To learn more: Iskender Kebab

Lahmacun

Homemade Turkish Lahmacun is a super-thin, crispy flatbread topped with ground beef or lamb mixed with vegetables, herbs, and spices. You can find this popular street / fast food everywhere in Turkey, in restaurants, cafes, and fast-food shops.

To learn more: Turkish Lahmacun

Kuzu Tandir Kebab

Kuzu Tandır Kebab is a delicious slow-cooked Turkish Roasted Lamb dish traditionally cooked in a clay "tandır oven" for long hours, until fork tender. 

With this simple recipe, you can easily make this special lamb dish at home with only a few ingredients and 10 minutes of preparation.

To learn more: Kuzu Tandır Kebab - Turkish Roasted Lamb 

Tantuni

Tantuni is an iconic Turkish street food made with lightly seasoned small cubes of beef stir-fried in a special pan. 

This traditional dish is typically served wrapped in lavash bread together with chopped onions, tomatoes, sumac, and parsley. 

To learn more: Tantuni

Adana Kebab

Adana Kebab (a.k.a Adana Kebap or Adana Kofte) is a delicious hand-minced meat kebab mounted on a skewer and then grilled over charcoal. This delicious spicy ground lamb kebab is a staple of Turkish street food and can be found on menus around the world.

To learn more: Adana Kebab (Adana Kofte)

Su Boregi

Su Boregi which means "Water Borek" is one of the most loved boreks in Turkey, and is by far the best of all Turkish Pastries. 

We love these delicious savory treats, and we eat them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack any time of the day.

To learn more: Su Boregi - Water Borek

Imam Bayildi

Imam Bayildi is one of the most iconic dishes in Turkish cuisine, known for its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This traditional dish features aubergines stuffed with a savory mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic, all simmered in generous amounts of olive oil.

To learn more: Imam Bayildi (Turkish Stuffed Eggplant)

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Yaprak Sarma (or Yaprak dolma - Yalanci Dolma) is an authentic vegetarian Turkish dish made from grape leaves stuffed with aromatic rice, fresh Mediterranean herbs, and spices. It's a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings.

To learn more: Yaprak Sarma - Stuffed Grape Leaves

Pistachio Baklava

My super-easy Turkish Pistachio Baklava (Fıstıklı Baklava in Turkish) recipe is perfect for you if you want to learn how to make your own homemade version. Baklava is a very popular Turkish sweet dating back to the Ottoman Empire, featuring flaky filo pastry layers, nuts, and syrup.

To learn more: Turkish Pistachio Baklava Recipe

Gozleme - Turkish Pancakes

Gozleme, also known as Turkish Pancakes, is a delicious savory Turkish flatbread filled with a variety of ingredients like mince, cheese, spinach, or potatoes. 

If you've ever traveled to Turkey or even just walked around a Turkish neighborhood, you've probably come across gozleme.

To learn more: Gozleme (Turkish Pancakes)