Turkey, straddling two continents, is a land rich in history, culture, and culinary traditions. The country’s diverse regions offer a myriad of flavors and dishes that reflect centuries of cultural exchange and innovation. In this blog, we will explore some of the most famous Turkish dishes and their city origins, showcasing the vibrant culinary landscape of Turkey.

Beyti Kebab: Origin and History

Historical Context

Beyti Kebab is a beloved dish originating from Istanbul, named after Beyti Güler, the founder of the renowned Beyti Restaurant in Istanbul. The dish features ground lamb or beef mixed with spices, grilled on skewers, and then wrapped in a thin layer of lavash bread before being sliced into bite-sized pieces. It is typically served with a side of yogurt and tomato sauce.

The origin of Beyti Kebab dates back to the 1960s when Beyti Güler was inspired by traditional Turkish meat preparation methods. His innovation and creativity led to the creation of this unique kebab, which quickly became a favorite in Istanbul and beyond. The kebab’s popularity is a testament to Istanbul’s culinary creativity and the city’s rich gastronomic history.

To make Beyti Kebab, you’ll need:

  • 500g ground lamb
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lavash bread
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  1. Mix the ground lamb with garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Form the mixture into logs around skewers.
  3. Grill the skewers until the meat is cooked through.
  4. Wrap the cooked meat in lavash bread and slice into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Serve with yogurt and tomato sauce on the side.

Hünkarbeğendi: A Dish Fit for Royalty

Royal Origins

Hünkarbeğendi, which translates to “the sultan liked it,” is a luxurious dish with roots in the Ottoman Empire. This dish consists of tender lamb stew served over a rich, creamy eggplant purée. The combination of succulent lamb and smoky eggplant creates a dish that is both hearty and sophisticated.

The dish is said to have been created for Sultan Murad IV in the 17th century. Its royal origins reflect the opulence and sophistication of Ottoman cuisine, which was known for its 

To prepare Hünkarbeğendi, you will need:

  • 500g lamb chunks
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 large eggplants
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Roast the eggplants until soft, then peel and mash them.
  2. In a pot, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.
  3. Add the lamb chunks and cook until browned.
  4. Add the tomatoes and let simmer until the lamb is tender.
  5. In another pot, melt the butter, add the flour, and cook for a minute.
  6. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  7. Mix in the mashed eggplants and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve the lamb stew over the creamy eggplant purée.

Iskender Kebab: The Pride of Bursa

Bursa’s Signature Dish

Iskender Kebab hails from the city of Bursa and is one of the most famous dishes in Turkish cuisine. Named after its creator, İskender Efendi, this kebab features thinly sliced döner meat served over pieces of pita bread, topped with tomato sauce and melted butter, and accompanied by yogurt.

Iskender Kebab embodies the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Bursa, a city known for its contributions to Turkish gastronomy. The dish’s unique combination of ingredients and preparation methods makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

For Iskender Kebab, you’ll need:

  • 500g döner meat, thinly sliced
  • 4 pieces of pita bread
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 100g butter, melted
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  1. Heat the döner meat in a pan until warm.
  2. Cut the pita bread into small pieces and place them on a serving plate.
  3. Arrange the döner meat over the pita pieces.
  4. Drizzle with tomato sauce and melted butter.
  5. Serve with a side of yogurt.

Adana Kebab: Spicy Delight from Adana

A Fiery Legacy

Adana Kebab is a spicy, grilled kebab made from minced lamb and originating from the city of Adana in southern Turkey. This dish is known for its fiery flavor, which comes from the liberal use of chili peppers. Adana Kebab is typically served with grilled vegetables and flatbread, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

The bold and spicy flavors of Adana Kebab reflect the culinary traditions of the region, offering a taste experience that is both intense and deeply satisfying.

To make Adana Kebab, you’ll need:

  • 500g minced lamb
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Mix the minced lamb with garlic, chili peppers, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Form the mixture onto skewers.
  3. Grill the skewers until the meat is cooked through.
  4. Serve with grilled vegetables and flatbread.

Shashlik: Turkish Twist on a Russian Classic

Cross-Cultural Influence

Shashlik, originally a Russian dish, has been adapted and embraced in Turkey. It consists of marinated meat skewers that are grilled over an open flame, often served with a variety of vegetables. The Turkish version of Shashlik highlights the cultural exchanges between Turkey and its neighbors, offering a unique twist on a classic dish.

For Turkish Shashlik, you’ll need:

  • 500g lamb or beef chunks
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, quartered
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Marinate the lamb or beef chunks with onions, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Thread the meat onto skewers along with bell peppers and tomatoes.
  3. Grill the skewers until the meat is cooked to your liking.
  4. Serve with a side of rice or bulgur.

Ali Nazik: Gaziantep’s Culinary Gem

A Taste of Gaziantep

Ali Nazik is a specialty from Gaziantep, a city renowned for its culinary heritage. This dish features a smoky eggplant purée topped with sautéed ground lamb and served with a side of yogurt. The combination of smoky, savory, and creamy elements makes Ali Nazik a delightful and unique dish.

To make Ali Nazik, you’ll need:

  • 4 large eggplants
  • 500g ground lamb
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  1. Roast the eggplants until soft, then peel and mash them.
  2. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
  3. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned.
  4. Add the tomatoes and let simmer until the lamb is cooked through.
  5. Mix the mashed eggplants with yogurt and garlic.
  6. Serve the sautéed lamb over the eggplant purée.

Kuşleme: A Taste of Antalya

Culinary Treasure of Antalya

Kuşleme is a lesser-known but delightful dish from Antalya, featuring tender pieces of lamb marinated and grilled to perfection. This dish is a testament to the high quality of meat and the simple yet effective seasoning used in Turkish cuisine.

To prepare Kuşleme, you’ll need:

  • 500g lamb chunks
  • Olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (optional)
  1. Marinate the lamb chunks in olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if desired.
  2. Grill the meat until tender and cooked to your liking.
  3. Serve with a side of rice or bulgur.

You Can Come to Mama Fatma to Eat These Wonderful Foods in Canada

A Slice of Turkey in Canada

If you’re craving these exquisite Turkish dishes but find yourself in Canada, look no further than Mama Fatma’s, located in Toronto, Ontario. Here, you can experience the authentic flavors of Turkey, prepared with the same care and tradition as in their cities of origin.

Mama Fatma’s brings the best of Turkish cuisine to Canada, offering dishes like Beyti Kebab, Hünkarbeğendi, Iskender Kebab, Adana Kebab, Shashlik, Ali Nazik, and Kuşleme. Each dish is made using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable dining experience.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Turkish food or a curious newcomer, Mama Fatma’s is the perfect place to indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Turkey. Visit us in Toronto, Ontario, and let our flavors transport you to the bustling streets and vibrant markets of Turkey.