Traveling to Turkey? Don’t Miss These 5 Delicious Local Snacks!

Tasting local cuisine is one of the best ways to understand the culture, habits, and character of the people in the places you visit. Every local specialty tells a story and holds cultural values that define a region’s identity. Turkey is no exception.

Did you know that this country, which bridges Asia and Europe, has a variety of must-try snacks? Let’s explore some of Turkey’s most popular treats!

Baklava 

If you have a sweet tooth, Baklava, a Turkish delicacy loved around the world, is a must-try. Baklava is made from thin layers of filo pastry filled with finely chopped nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts, drizzled with spiced syrup or honey, and baked until golden brown.

The taste? Simply irresistible, crisp and flaky on the outside, yet soft and rich on the inside, enhanced by melted butter and sweet syrup. Historically, Baklava is believed to have gained popularity during the Ottoman Empire, particularly in the kitchens of Topkapi Palace after the conquest of Constantinople. However, some sources suggest that Baklava has existed since the mid-15th century, around the year 1473.

Tulumba Tatlısı 

Another sweet treat you shouldn’t miss while in Turkey is Tulumba Tatlısı. This dessert is one of the country’s most popular street foods, widely sold in tourist areas and traditional markets. Tulumba Tatlısı is made from a mixture of semolina and starch flour, shaped into small logs, then deep-fried until golden.

Once cooked, the pastries are soaked in lemon-flavored syrup, creating a perfect balance: crispy on the outside, soft and slightly chewy on the inside. Historically, Tulumba Tatlısı is believed to have originated from the kitchens of the Ottoman Palace before spreading across the Balkans and the Middle East. 

Also Read: Five Days in Turkey? What a Fun Trip That’ll Be!

Köfte 

If Indonesia has meatballs, Turkey has Köfte. Köfte is a round-shaped meat dish that looks a bit like meatballs at first glance. Though it may look similar to meatballs, Köfte is served differently, usually grilled or fried instead of being served in broth like the Indonesian version. This snack is often enjoyed with bread, salad, rice, or special Turkish sauces that elevate its rich flavors.

Köfte is made from ground lamb or beef mixed with onions, spices, and seasonings, then shaped into balls or ovals before cooking. Historically, Köfte can be traced back to ancient Arabic recipes, which influenced the development of this dish across various countries, including Turkey, through the Ottoman Empire’s culinary legacy.

Turkish Delight 

Turkish delight, or Lokum in its native language, is a bite-sized confection made from a mixture of starch and sugar, giving it a chewy, jelly-like texture. It comes in various flavors such as lemon, bergamot orange, mint, date, hazelnut, and pistachio, often dusted with powdered sugar or shredded coconut on the outside. 

Turkish delight has been known since the 18th century, during the Ottoman era. Its popularity soared after a confectioner named Bekir Effendi introduced his own recipe of Turkish delight to the world. Over time, European travelers in the 19th century helped spread the fame of Turkish delight internationally. 

Also Read: Visiting Turkey? Don’t Miss the Grand Bazaar!

Tavuk Göğsü

Chocolate desserts are common, but have you ever tried a dessert made from chicken? Sounds unusual, right? Yet this unique creation exists in Turkey as a sweet dish called Tavuk Göğsü. At first glance, it looks similar to Indonesian milk pudding, but its main ingredient sets it apart. 

Tavuk Göğsü is made by processing chicken breast into a smooth paste. It’s then combined with milk, sugar, and rice flour, creating a soft texture. Historically, this dessert dates back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was often served as a luxurious treat for the sultans.

These are some of Turkey’s must-try traditional snacks when you visit the country. To make sure your journey stays worry-minim, protect your trip with Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia, which covers you from departure until you safely return home. 

With the right travel protection, your adventure in Turkey will be even more enjoyable and completely stress-minim. Happy travels!