Welcome. If you’ve ever walked past a Turkish restaurant and been captivated by the rich aromas of grilled meats and fresh spices but felt a little unsure about what to order, this guide is for you. Turkish cuisine is a beautiful, diverse, and incredibly delicious world to explore, and it’s much more than just kebabs. It’s a tapestry of flavours stretching from the Aegean to the Mediterranean, full of warm hospitality and dishes made to be shared.
At Mama Fatma, we’ve brought the authentic taste of Turkey to our community in Mississauga and London. We believe that everyone should have the chance to experience these wonderful turkish foods. So, consider us your friendly guides on this culinary journey, right here in Toronto, Ontario.
Which Dishes To Try First
When you’re a first-time visitor, it can be helpful to start with a few iconic dishes that are widely loved. They are the perfect introduction to the core flavors and cooking styles of Turkish food.
Pide: Often called “Turkish Pizza,” pide is a perfect starting point. It’s a long, boat-shaped flatbread with a light, airy dough. The beauty of pide lies in its toppings. For your first try, go for the classic Kıymalı Pide, which is topped with a savory ground meat mixture. It’s a rustic, delicious, and deeply satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick, flavorful meal. The crispy crust and the juicy, spiced meat topping will immediately show you why Turkish food pide is so beloved.
Lahmacun: If you love thin-crust pizza, you’ll fall head over heels for lahmacun. It’s a thin, round, crispy dough topped with a minced meat, onion, and spice mixture. You eat it by squeezing a bit of fresh lemon over the top, rolling it up, and taking a delicious, crunchy bite. It’s a street food staple and a must-try for anyone new to Turkish food lahmacun.
Döner: You’ve probably seen a huge cone of rotating meat on a vertical spit—that’s döner. Our halal Turkish food doner is a masterpiece of slow-cooked, seasoned meat. For your first taste, you can have it served in a wrap with fresh vegetables and a yogurt sauce, or on a plate with rice and salad. It’s savory, tender, and incredibly satisfying.
Kebabs: This is a broad category, but don’t be intimidated! Start with a simple Chicken Shish Kebab, which features marinated cubes of tender chicken grilled to perfection. Or, if you enjoy a little spice, try an Adana Kebab, made from a spicy minced lamb mixture formed on a skewer. Both are fantastic introductions to the art of Turkish grilling.
Don’t wait to discover your new favorite meal! Come and try these classics for yourself.
Understanding The Turkish Menu
A Turkish meal is often a communal affair, made up of different courses meant to be shared. Understanding the basic structure of a menu can make your dining experience much more enjoyable.
A typical Turkish menu is divided into:
Mezes: A wide variety of cold and hot appetizers.
Soups: A warming and essential part of the meal.
Main Courses: The heart of the meal, featuring grilled meats, stews, and other delicious dishes.
Pideler & Lahmacun: A category all on their own!
Desserts: Sweet, flavorful endings to your meal.
When you sit down at Mama Fatma, you’ll notice this structure. We encourage you to try a few different starters and share them. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of everything and truly immerse yourself in the Turkish food traditions. You might even discover that Turkish food breakfast ideas, like a simple cheese and vegetable platter, can be a great way to start your day.
Explore our menu! Find the perfect dishes to share with your friends and family.
Best Starters For Beginners
The meze table is a feast for the eyes and the palate. For first-timers, here are a few simple but delicious starters that are sure to please.
Hummus: This is a classic for a reason. Our hummus is made with a perfect blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon, creating a silky-smooth and incredibly flavorful dip. It’s a safe and delicious bet that everyone will love.
Sigara Borek: These “cigar pastries” are a delight. They are thin, crispy phyllo rolls filled with a savory mixture of cheese and parsley. They are fried to a perfect golden-brown and are the ideal warm, savory finger food.
Ezogelin Soup: This is a comforting and hearty red lentil soup with a bit of a kick from Turkish pepper paste. It’s a great way to warm up and get a taste of a traditional Turkish flavor.
Haydari: This creamy, garlicky yogurt dip with mint is the perfect companion to grilled meats. It’s cool, refreshing, and adds a zesty tang to your meal.
Don’t just read about it, taste the tradition. Our mezes are the perfect way to start your feast.
Desserts Everyone Should Taste
No meal is complete without a sweet ending, and Turkish food desserts are legendary. They are rich, flavorful, and often made with nuts and honey.
Baklava: This is the king of Turkish desserts. Our Turkish food baklava is a masterpiece of dozens of flaky phyllo layers, filled with premium pistachios, and soaked in a light, sweet syrup. It’s a perfect balance of crispy, nutty, and sweet.
Künefe: If you’re looking for a truly unique and impressive dessert, try Künefe. It’s a warm, gooey dessert made from shredded phyllo dough that is layered with a special, unsalted cheese and then soaked in hot syrup. It’s a showstopper that needs to be eaten immediately to appreciate its wonderful mix of crispy pastry and warm, melted cheese.
Sütlaç: For something a bit lighter and creamier, Sütlaç (Turkish Rice Pudding) is a classic. It’s baked to have a delicious caramelized top and is a comforting, gentle way to end a meal.
Finish your meal with a perfect sweet ending. Our dessert menu is waiting for you!
Mama Fatma Recommendations For New Guests
We know that even with a guide, a menu can be overwhelming. So, here are a few of our curated recommendations for first-time visitors, designed to give you a perfect introduction to Turkish food.
The Solo Explorer: Start with our famous Lentil Soup, then move on to a Chicken Shish Kebab served with a side of rice and fresh salad. For dessert, a piece of our classic Baklava.
The Adventurous Diner: Begin with our Hummus and Sigara Borek to share. For the main course, try our Adana Kebab. And for a truly authentic experience, finish with a warm Künefe.
The Group Feast: A Mama Fatma Family Platter is the perfect way to try a little bit of everything. It comes with a variety of our best kebabs, pide, and sides. You can add a platter of mixed mezes to the table for everyone to share. Don’t forget to order our homemade Ayran to go with your grilled meats! You can also try Manti Turkish food as a unique and delicious main course to share.
We’ve created our restaurant to be a welcoming and friendly place where you can explore the rich flavors of Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dining experience, we have something for everyone.
Ready for a delicious adventure? Visit our restaurants in Mississauga. We are your local Turkish food shop near me and your guide to authentic Turkish foods. We can’t wait to welcome you!
