For travelers looking to explore the unique flavors of Cappadocia cuisine while eating out in Cappadocia, there is no shortage of exciting dishes to sample. Cappadocia offers variety of dining opportunities to its visitors from traditional tastes of central Anatolia such as lamb dinner (testi kebab) served at the popular cave restaurants in very authentic ambiance to Turkish, International, Mediterranean & Indian cuisine.
Cappadocia has managed to be honored not only by its magnificent postcard-like fairy tale land but also by its local dishes. In this epicurean hub, you can find countless deliciously harmonized culinary cultures blended in the most beautiful way possible.
Suppose you’re a first-time visitor looking for culinary comparisons and wondering where to eat. In that case, we must confess that Cappadocia has a unique food style and many restaurants. The eateries that have been around for many decades and new ones are ready to display their endless array of local cuisines with a sit-down or takeaway meal experience.
Mouthwatering plates of food are awaiting you right in Cappadocia, regardless of the season!
Traditional Tastes
While numerous restaurants offer international cuisine, we recommend sampling some dishes from Central Anatolian cuisine, a modern showcase of traditional skill.
Traditional favorites like manti, a type of dumpling filled with spiced beef or lamb, is served with a drizzle of garlic yoghurt sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Another popular dish, karniyarik—or “stuffed eggplant”—is bursting with local ingredients such as ground beef, onion, tomato and dried zestandere.
In addition to meat-based dishes, visitors can try a variety of lighter fare that are prepared using fresh vegetables and herbs. In addition to its kebabs, taste the dishes that have not infiltrated the city life, such as stuffed quince, kombe, and sizgit.
From stuffed tomatoes to roasted mushrooms in olive oil and thyme or cottage cheese with honey spoon sweets—there’s something enjoyable for everyone in this vibrant culinary destination.
Whether it’s sampling regional specialties or exploring the wide array of freshly-baked breads topped with regional spices–a gastronomic tour through Cappadocia is sure to leave lasting memories of delicious food.
Travelers may also eat fish and mezes at the popular restaurants set on the banks of the Red River (Kizilirmak). The dessert named “Asede”, roasted flour and butter, mixed with sugar and egg and cooked with water or milk on low fire, is a popular traditional dessert in Cappadocia.
Must-Taste Food
You can taste the cuisine of central Anatolia with many restaurants, local bazaars, the cutest cafes, and more dotted around the city. But you must know a few things about it before learning to love it. You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. Whether you fancy traditional Turkish cuisine or wine, you will find something according to your appetite!
So much so that some are still being made today as traditional Cappadocia dishes. As the center of agricultural wealth, Cappadocia is famous for its food rich with grains, legumes, and meat cooked in jugs and pots. In central Anatolia, most local flavors are slow-cooked (simmered)!
Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try unique eats!
Testi Kebab
The traditional lamb dish named“testi kebab”which means“pottery kebab”is the most renown dish in the Cappadocia region. This lamb dish is made with lamb and vegetables like aubergine and potato that are put inside a pot (pot’s mouth is closed with dough) and than cooked about 2 hrs.
The Cappadocia’s rich culture is seen in its delicious slow-cooked testi kebab, the most famous food of Cappadocia, accompanied by vegetables in Avanos pots. It usually takes 2 hours to prepare this yummy testi kebab, which has an excellent presentation. Once the pot is placed on the table, the waiter breaks it and serves it. Remember to experience this dish once you’re there.
Urgup meatballs
The Urgup meatballs are made with potatoes, which is a bit different from the meatballs you may have eaten until now, don’t forget to taste this delicacy!
Kayseri ravioli (manti)
There are loads of great eateries where you can taste the famous tiny ravioli (Kayseri mantis)—one of the local cuisines you must try. You surely won’t be disappointed!
Aside Dessert
Aside Dessert is among the famous and most practical tastes of Göreme, and it is originally from Kayseri.
This light dessert is prepared with flour, butter, and molasses, in pudding texture and consistency. Don’t forget to add this dessert to your food bucket list, and eat as much as you want, as it has no sugar!
Wanna learn more about the Local Dishes and Flavors of Cappadocia?
Dried Fruits
We recommend you taste and buy from the variety of different types of dried fruits such as pear, mulberry, strawberry, pineapple, pepino and kiwi that are all create a riot of colors and attract guests. You are able to find them at the tourist zones, especially in Uchisar and Ortahisar towns.
Restaurants
Majority of the touristic restaurants in Cappadocia are cave restaurants designed to be carved into the rocks. We recommend you to have a dinner in these restaurants that reflect the authentic structure of the region.
Find out the best Cappadocia restaurants
Wineries and Wines
Explore Cappadocia’s wines, too, and don’t fly back home without trying the classic local Turasan wines. The local winemakers are waiting for you in the heart of Cappadocia to share with you the secrets of the regional wines with a fantastic wine tasting day out.
Want to know the tidbits about “How is wine tested?” and learn more about its quality with confidence? Then, you’re on the right page! Doing it in the magical Cappadocia area, blended with culture, history, art, and many more perks, will give you unforgettable memories you will carry all your life.
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Gourmet Tour & Cooking Class for a Day
Through Gourmet Tour & Cooking Class for a Day in Cappadocia, you’ll feel the incredible balance between the fabulous traditional food and the fascinating history of Cappadocia, heading back to your hotel after a unique and unforgettable experience.
This food tour is an authentic opportunity to find out why Cappadocia is so unique in the hearts of its visitors. Like other cities in Turkey, Cappadocia has its ethnic cuisines with exotic flavors. Cappadocia’s kitchen is based on the cuisine prepared in Central Anatolian of Turkey, with legumes, vegetables, and red meat, which will stay on your palate for a long time.
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