Turkey Culinary, Wine, Food & Tasting Tours

Discover Turkey’s cooking class and wine testing tours

UNESCO-listed Gastronomy Cities to visit Turkey Culinary Tours

1. UNESCO has listed Gaziantep, Hatay, Afyon, and Kayseri as Gastronomy Cities. These cities boast rich and diverse dishes that have gained international acclaim. Take a step forward to explore these culinary gems through Turkey Culinary Tours. While numerous cities vie for the title of offering the best traditional dishes, the diversity of variations is truly remarkable.
   
   

   10 Best Foodie Travel Destinations in Turkey 

   1. Gaziantep

   Gaziantep, a 6,000-year-old settlement nestled along the Silk Road, owes its rich cultural tapestry to ancient roots. Often hailed as the "capital of gastronomy," Gaziantep's culinary heritage boasts around 500 original dishes, with 35 of them earning the prestigious 2015 "Local Gastronomy and Tourism" Award from the European Destinations of Outstanding Project (EDEN). Recognized by UNESCO in 2015 and added to the Creative Cities Network List, Gaziantep has become a notable contributor to world cuisine literature. The city's culinary prowess is epitomized by its signature dish, Baklava, the first Turkish product registered on the European Commission’s List of Protected Designations of Origin and the Protected Geographical Indication. Today, Baklava stands as one of the most indulged desserts in Turkey, enjoyed by both locals and travelers alike. Therefore, a visit to Turkey or Gaziantep would be incomplete without savoring the exquisite taste of Baklava.

   10 Best Gaziantep dishes for foodie travelers 

   1. Baklava
   2. Beyran: meat and rice soup
   3. Lahmacun: known as Turkish pizza
   4. Licorice Sherbet
   5. Siveydiz: yoghurt, fresh garlic, chickpeas, and lamb
   6. Firik Pilaf : firik is wheat burnt in the embers
   7. Lolaz: pilaf with bulgur and cowpea
   8. Sugar Dumpling: pistachio pie
   9. Katmer: baklava-like dessert
   10. Chickpea Wrap 

         2. Hatay

Hatay is a city that has hosted 13 of the 23 civilizations established in the world. Its cuisine reflects a typical Mediterranean culinary style, emphasizing the use of fresh vegetables, olive oil, legumes, and grains. Hatay boasts over 650 dishes unique to its cuisine, prepared with a diverse array of grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, local herbs, and spices. In recognition of its rich gastronomic heritage, Hatay was declared a Gastronomy City in 2017 as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.  

10 best Hatay dishes for foodie travelers

1. Hatay Cheeses and Salted Yogurt: A variety of cheeses specific to Hatay.
2. Haytalı: Pudding made with rose water and ice cream.
3. Kunefe: Shredded wheat combined with local unsalted Künefe cheese, served in a copper sini, and drizzled with sherbet.
4. Oruk: Stuffed meatballs.
5. Zahter Salad: Fresh zahter (a blend of powdered thyme) mixed with parsley, onion, pomegranate syrup, olive oil, and various spices.
6. Tepsi Kebab/ Paper Kebab: Hatay-style kebab.
7. Pepper Bread: Bread baked with a special sauce made from spices, peppers, tomato paste, and onion.
8. Kombe: A type of local cookie.
9. Hummus: Mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
10. Sihil Mahsi: Fried courgettes stuffed with minced meat and chickpeas.

       3. Konya

Located at the heart of Anatolia, Konya is a significant settlement with a history dating back to ancient times. Serving as Mevlana's final resting place, it safeguards his spiritual legacy, making it one of the most visited cities in Turkey. Beyond its historical importance, Konya is renowned for its rich local cuisine, characterized by thousands of years of culinary tradition. The city's gastronomic delicacies not only highlight its deep-rooted history but also capture attention with distinctive cooking techniques and presentation styles.

10 best Konya dishes for foodie travelers

1. Meat Bread: Resembling a lengthy pizza, it features meat, onion, fresh tomato, and pepper.
2. Oven Kebab: Meat baked with roasted peppers and tomatoes served on warm, soft pita.
3. Okra Soup: A dish cherished at weddings and special events for centuries.
4. Wedding Pilaf with Meat
5. Tirit: Meat on bread that is cooked and fried, served with garlic yogurt and onions.
6. Konya Cheese Candy
7. Cebic: Whole lamb is cooked.
8. Mevlana Pastry: Triangular pastry with cheese or minced meat.
9. Konya Donut: Prepared with flour, milk, and mahaleb.
10. Sac Arası: A sherbet dessert.

      4. Afyon

Since 2019, Afyon has been included in the UNESCO "Creative Cities Network" in the field of gastronomy, thanks to its delectable cuisine. The region's expansive and fertile farming areas, coupled with animal husbandry, contribute to the uniqueness of its ingredients. Afyon stands out as one of the best foodie travel destinations in Turkey, offering an amazing culinary experience. During your Afyon culinary tour, you can explore the UNESCO site, including the Grand Mosque, Phrygian Valleys, and unique Phrygian rock-cut monuments such as Aslantas, Yilantas, Maltas, Kapikaya I, and Kapikaya II. Additionally, the Ayazini region and thermal springs offer captivating sights to complement your experience.

10 best Afyon dishes for foodie travelers

1. Sausage, also known as Afyon sausage.
2. Afyon Kebab: Diced meat and yogurt served on local pita.
3. Potato Bread: Bread cooked with potatoes.
4. Tandır: Boneless beef shank cooked with onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
5. Afyon Cream
6. Ekmek Kadayifi: Cake with sherbet.
7. Turkish Delight: The best Turkish delights can be found in Afyon.
8. Poppy Pastries: Pastries with poppy seeds.
9. Cullama Meatball: Meatballs fried with sauce.
10. Zurbiye: Onions cooked with meat and chickpeas.

        5. Kayseri

As the capital of ravioli in Turkey, Kayseri is also included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network List since 2021. The cuisine of Kayseri is predominantly characterized by pastry and meat products, gaining fame for delicacies such as mantı, katmer, yaglama, pancake, and water pastry (Su boregi). The renown of Kayseri ravioli, served with garlic yogurt and sumac, has transcended across Anatolia. Bacon and sausage stand out as top items to shop for during your visit to Kayseri.

10 best Kayseri dishes for foodie travelers

1. Kayseri Bacon
2. Ravioli
3. Aside: A kind of halva
4. Bayram Stew: Mutton meat sautéed and stewed with onions, chickpeas, and tomatoes.
5. Bulamac Soup: Made with flour, oil, and yogurt.
6. Circassian Ravioli: Dough cut into triangles instead of the classic mantı shape, then filled with sautéed potatoes.
7. Tray Ravioli: Dough cut into squares stacked on a tray with oil.
8. Oil Ravioli: Fried instead of boiled.
9. Nevzine Dessert: A kind of halva flavored with grape molasses.
10. Helise: A local dish cooked with wheat and red meat.

       6. Cappadocia

Cappadocia stands out not only as a hub for numerous top-notch attractions but also for its locally produced wines and cuisine. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network recognized the Nevsehir/Cappadocia province in 2023, designating it the City of Gastronomy. From clay pot-cooked meat dishes to stuffed zucchini blossoms, the region's food scene boasts a variety of traditional and regional recipes that delight foodie travelers.

10 best Cappadocia dishes for foodie travelers

1. Clay Pot Kebab: Meat, vegetables, and lentils are cooked in a sealed clay pot.
2. Apricot Stew: Apricots and meats cooked in an earthen pot.
3. Zerdeli Pilaf: Rice cooked with grape molasses, chickpeas, peeled almonds, and raisins.
4. Koripopareni: Chicken, yufka, and crushed walnuts.
5. Poc Soup: Meaty part of the tail of veal or cattle served with bay leaf, onion, and garlic.
6. Tuvalak: Chicken breast with bulgur, spices, and tomato paste.
7. Stuffed Quince: Quince stuffed with rice, meat, and onion baked in grape molasses water.
8. Evelek Stuffed (Endemic Plant Stuffed).
9. Peravi: Also called “tik tik ravioli,” a kind of ravioli.
10. Braised Figs: Dried figs cooked with cinnamon, butter, grape molasses, and cream

       7. Trabzon

10 best Trabzon dishes for foodie travelers

1. Pilaf with anchovies
2. Corn bread
3. Fried anchovies
4. Vakfikebir Bread
5. Kuymak: Corn flour, butter, and string cheese
6. Pickle Roast
7. Trabzon Pita
8. Nettle Soup
9. Black Cabbage Rolls
10. Guliya: Black cabbage cooked with beans, tomato paste, and rice

    8. Tokat

Tokat bears the influence of both Black Sea and Central Anatolian cultures, having been a host to various civilizations since its founding. This diverse historical backdrop has significantly shaped the culinary culture of the city. The richness of Tokat cuisine is further amplified by the fertile soils of the region. The renowned Tokat leaf, a product of the city, where a myriad of items ranging from dry pulses to bakery products and sesame fruits are cultivated, is widely utilized in various culinary applications.

10 best Tokat dishes for foodie travelers

1. Tokat Kebab

2. Turhal Yogurtmaci: pastry with poppy seeds and/or walnuts

3. Kome: local dessert prepared with walnut and grape

4. Bakla Dolması: bulgur, onion and various spices into Narince grape leaves

5. Bat: Lentil, onion, parsley, dill, tomato paste and spices

6. Lily Jam

7. Syrah tarhana

8. Niksar Pita

9. Poppy pasrt

10. Fried beans

Special cooking classes&Tour Packages 

Turkish dishes like Baklava, Cigkofte, and Manti require expertise to cook, implying that relying solely on recipes may not yield satisfactory results. If you're a cuisine enthusiast eager to expand your recipe book with new and authentic dishes and delight your dinner guests, consider joining cooking classes in Turkey to enhance your cooking skills. It's recommended to review the itineraries of these cooking tours, especially for gourmet travelers seeking unique culinary experiences.

1. Taste Ottoman Palace Cuisine; 

The Taste of Ottoman Palace Cuisine tour offers an unforgettable experience where you'll have the opportunity to sit at a table and savor dishes from the hands of skilled chefs, reminiscent of those enjoyed by Ottoman Sultans. The menu is diverse, featuring recipes that have stood the test of centuries. Indulge in delicacies such as Almond Soup, Hummus, homemade Spinach Piruhi (ravioli), Muhammad bin Mahmud Sirvani Cheese Pie, the signature Main Course Goose Kebab dating back to the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Keskek, Baklava, and a selection of refreshing drinks. After this tour, you'll feel like you've dined just like the Ottoman Sultans in Turkey.

2. Cigkofte from Locals in Istanbul

Turkish Cigkofte is a beloved dish enjoyed by almost everybody in Turkey. Its origins trace back to King Nemrut's decree to gather all the wood in the square to burn Ibrahim, while banning fire in his city. Unaware of the king's order, a hunter returned home with a deer. Unable to light a fire to cook the deer, he improvised by crushing the meat and mixing it with bulgur, black pepper, and salt, kneading it into a paste. While the Turkish cig kofte recipe is associated with Adiyaman, variations of it are also prepared in Urfa, Diyarbakir, and beyond. Renowned as one of the best-known Turkish dishes, preparing it requires patience and eexpertise; hence, book a tour.

3. Baklava Tour - Gaziantep City & Cooking Tour

The word 'Baklava' can be traced back to written works predating 1500, making it one of the oldest recipes known. However, the version of Baklava we enjoy today was perfected in the Topkapı Palace. While Baklava is prepared in various regions across Turkey, Gaziantep Baklava chefs are particularly renowned, with Gaziantep Baklava being recognized on the European Commission’s List of Protected Designation of Origin and the Protected Geographical Indication. Additionally, you can explore the Baklava Museum in Antep to delve deeper into its rich history. See also 4 Days Gaziantep City & Cooking Tour itinerary. 

4. Cappadocia City & Cooking Tour

No tour to Turkey should be considered complete without a visit to Cappadocia. Renowned for its fairy chimneys, underground cities, cave houses, churches, and hot air balloon flights, Cappadocia stands out as one of the country's top destinations. Moreover, it offers the perfect setting to learn the art of cooking local dish testi kebab. Cappadocian cuisine, drawing inspiration from Turkish, Anatolian, and Hittite culinary traditions, is definitely worth trying.

5. Turkish syle Breakfast tours

Traditional Turkish Breakfast is something that Turkish people take great pride in. Each region in Turkey boasts its own unique breakfast recipes, featuring staples like cheese, olives, and eggs. Tea is a must-have accompaniment for every Turkish breakfast, and there are countless breakfast cafes and restaurants specializing in regional breakfasts, both in Istanbul and throughout the country. Spending at least two hours at the breakfast table, indulging in a variety of dishes, is truly an amazing experience in Turkey. Consider booking a Traditional Turkish Breakfast Tour to partake in best Turkish breakfast Istanbul. 

Best Turkey Wine routes and cities;

In addition to its ancient sites, natural wonders, and pristine beaches, Turkey's fertile lands make it possible to cultivate a diverse range of agricultural products. The presence of olive trees older than 500 years, along with various fruit and vegetable fields, enables eco-tourism, harvest tours, and wine tours. Turkey features three main vineyard routes: Marmara, Aegean, and Central and Black Sea regions, each home to centuries-old grape fields.

From local grape varieties like Papazkarası, Kalecik Karası, and Adakarası to foreign ones such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Gamay, Merlot, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Shiraz, and Viognier, a wide variety of grapes are harvested annually in Turkey.

Turkey Wine Tasting Routes-Marmara Region

Homer mentions a sweet black wine, similar to honey, produced in the Thrace region in the Iliad. Kirklareli, Tekirdag, Sarkoy, and Gelibolu are home to the most famous wineries along this route. 

Kirklareli; You can visit Longoz Forests National Park and Dupnisa Cave in Kiyikoy and Vize village while enjoying tastings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sangiovese, Pinot Gris, Okuzgozu, and Narince vines at Arcadia Vineyards. Additionally, you can indulge in special wines made from melon, blueberry, apple, peach, and grape varieties here. Also check 4 Days Edirne & Kirklareli City Tour itinerary. 

Tekirdag; "In Tekirdag, you can explore Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Gamay, Kalecik Karası, Merlot, Papazkarası, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Shiraz, and Viognier vines at Chateau Kalpak and Barbare Vineyard wineries. Additionally, the attractions of Edirne are included in the 4-Day Edirne & Tekirdag City Tour. Also, experience the recently favored attractions Ucmakdere paragliding and village breakfast.

Gallipoli: The final place of the Thrace Wine Route leads to the historic Gallipoli Peninsula. In Gallipoli, wonderful wines are produced from local varieties such as Karasakiz and Kinali Yapincak, as well as foreign varieties including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Grenache. Additionally, you can visit Anzac Cove and the WW1 battlefields, the ancient city of Troy, and museums in the area. Diving in the Saroz Gulf, reminiscent of Jacques Cousteau's explorations, offers a captivating alternative. See also 5 Days Gallipoli - Cooking Tour –Turkish Bath Tour. 

Turkey Wine Tasting Routes-Aegean Region

The Aegean Region Vineyard Route includes Bozcaada, Urla, and Cal, a town in Denizli Province. Similar to the Marmara vineyard route, the Aegean vineyard route promises unique wine houses to visit.

Bozcaada: Situated in the Aegean Sea, Bozcaada is a popular destination for travelers in the region. Renowned for its stunning beaches such as Ova Cove, Habbele Beach, and Tuzburnu Cove, it is also famous for its centuries-old vineyards. Four endemic grape varieties are harvested here: Kuntra and Karalahna for red wine, and Cavus and Vasilaki for white wine. Also indigenous grape varieties Kuntra, Karalahna, and Vasilaki are wort to try. While visiting Bozcaada, don't miss to visit the Bozcaada Museum, Ayazma Monastery, Church of Mother Mary, Polente Lighthouse, and vine tasting tours.

Urla: Urla stands out for its ancient settlements, weaving culture, olive oil workshops, wineries, and perfume making. A blend of foreign and indigenous grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Nero d'Avola, Bornova Misketi, Sultaniye, and Bogazkere, are used by Urla's wineries to preserve their legacy of producing wine. Furthermore, in the ancient Klazomenai in Urla, the oldest olive oil workshop in the world was found. The Urla Wine Route offers delightful, high-quality, and award-winning wines, along with the chance to enjoy peaceful vineyard walks and explore top-notch wine production facilities in boutique establishments.

Cal-Denizli; The vineyards in Cal contribute to 4% of Turkey's total vineyard area. Local varieties such as Cal Karasi and Sultaniye, as well as Kalecik Karasi, Okuzgozu, Syrah, and Chardonnay, are harvested in Cal. Cal Karasi is especially renowned for its unique taste in Turkey. During your visit to Cal, you can also trek in Kisik Canyon, explore the underground Pamukkale in Kaklik Cave, paraglide from Cokelez Mountain, visit Laodikeia, and explore the Pamukkale travertines.

Sirince Village; For decades, Sirince has been one of the most visited places in Turkey due to its original city texture and amazing atmosphere. In addition to locally produced red and white wines, Sirince is also known for its fruit wines such as black mulberry, melon, pineapple, strawberry, pomegranate, blackberry, blueberry, and peach. Every year, dozens of travelers visit this picturesque village to taste a variety of wines during their visits. Book the Daily Ephesus & Sirince Tour from Kusadasi and enjoy tasting the local wines.

10 best street food in Istanbul

Istanbul, as one of Turkey's tourism hubs, entices gourmet travelers with its variety of street foods spanning two continents. Exploring Istanbul for its local street foods is as amazing as dining in first-class restaurants, as you'll encounter a plethora of dishes from all over Turkey. Additionally, through street food tours in Istanbul, you'll discover small shops with lines of people waiting outside for empty tables.

1. Nohutlu Pilaf- Classical rice pilaf is cooked with diced chicken meat and chickpeas, and served with pickles and ketchup. Unkapani is the best place to tr it. 

2. Islak Hamburger- It's a classic hamburger made with bread soaked in a special sauce. Tray it in Taksim on Kadikoy. 

3. Kokorec- Lamb or goat intestines are wrapped around seasoned offal such as sweetbreads, hearts, lungs, or kidneys, and usually grilled.

4. Durum- A wrap's filling may consist of cold sliced meat, poultry, or fish, along with shredded lettuce, diced tomato and else. 

5. Stuffed mussels- contain herbed and spiced rice.

6. Fish Durum- Recently popular street food: a spicy wrap filled with grilled fish and onions.

7. Irmik Helvasi: Semolina cooked with sugar, oil (margarine or butter), and optionally with additional ingredients such as pine nuts, water, milk.

8. Kurufasulye pilaf: White beans are cooked with olive oil, onion, tomato paste, and served with pilaf. The restaurants around Süleymaniye Mosque are popular. 

9. Boza: is a fermented beverage made from various grains, including maize (corn) and wheat. Vefa district is the best place to taste Boza especially in winter.

10. Kumpir: It is made by mashing baked large potatoes and adding various toppings. Ortakoy is the popular place to eat Kumpir.

Bonus: Kanlica Yogurt: It is a popular dish for centuries, produced from cow's milk grazed around the district, and it is consumed with honey, jam, or treacle.