Find out gastronomy and the local cuisine in Cappadocia for foodies, as well as best things to do in Cappadocia for Food Lovers. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to taste the local delicacies watching the gorgeous scene with fairy chimneys? We’ve curated some of the city’s famous restaurants and venues, where skillful chefs offer the most special Central Anatolian delicacies and tastes, from testi kebab to Turkish ravioli, many local wines, and more! Scroll through to find out more about the local cuisine in the list we’ve put together for you.
Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most influential epicenters and cultural assets, welcoming millions of people from all walks of life to its delicately crafted Turkish cuisine. It made a name for itself thanks to its natural beauty with a deep-rooted history dating back all the way back to the Paleolithic Age. Believe it or not, the region was formed almost 60 million years ago when the volcanoes became active, erupting lava and ashes depositing a soft tuff layer between Erciyes and Hasan Mountains.
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.
Things to Do in Cappadocia for Food Lovers
Local foods tell a lot about a country’s culture and lifestyle. Central Anatolia preserved its tastes for centuries, handing them down for many generations. Cappadocia couldn’t be any prouder, as it once housed different civilizations on its land, including the Hittites, Assyrians, Phrygians, Romans, Byzantines, and more. 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.
Mouthwatering plates of food are awaiting you right in Cappadocia, regardless of the season!
Dine at one of the Top Restaurants in Cappadocia
In central Anatolia, most local flavors are slow-cooked (simmered)! There are plenty of options in Cappadocia, integrating different eating and drinking cultures from every corner of Anatolia, capturing the diversity of the city’s offerings that suit every budget, thereby making you fall in love with Cappadocia cuisine from your very first bite. Among the remarkable delicacies of the region, testi kebab, dried beans (kuru fasulye), tandoori, Aside dessert, stuffed onions, and stuffed zucchini flowers top the list.
Remember that Nevşehir’s recipes made with pumpkin seeds, meatballs, apricots, cheese, chewing gum, and grapes are the most famous; therefore, don’t return home without tasting them.
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.
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Find out the best Cappadocia restaurants
Discover the Art of Wine Tasting in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is popular not only with its magnificent must-see spots, delicious local foods, but also its tasty wines. Archeologists found traces in the Cappadocian the underground cities and caves, proving that wines were made in the old cultures, too. You can find many wineries or wine houses across Nevsehir.
In that respect, wine tours are indispensable tours appreciated by foreign and local tourists. When tasting this delicacy in the authentic wineries with exotic atmosphere, keep in mind to taste different wines prepared from the city’s different grapes.
Explore the Cappadocia wines! Imagine you’ve been exploring the magnificent Cappadocia for many hours, and now you want to add a fascinating historical breeze to your day with a different activity.
At this point, we advise you to go ahead and book a wine tour in Turasan and Kocabag wine factories (wine cellars) and witness how wine is made. After all, who doesn’t want to enjoy the quality wine best suits their palates and budgets?
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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Unlock the Secrets of Anatolian Cuisine with a 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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Sample & Buy Dried Fruits from the street stands
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.