Travel is as much about taste as it is about sightseeing. Turkish cuisine is a rich melting pot of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Balkan flavors. If you are planning a trip to Turkey, get ready for a gastronomic adventure. Forget what you know about “fast food”—here, eating is a ritual. Here are the top 5 culinary experiences you cannot miss.

1. The “Turkish Breakfast” (Serpme Kahvaltı) In Turkey, breakfast is not just a meal; it’s an event. Imagine a table covered with endless small plates: black and green olives, variety of cheeses, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, honey with clotted cream (kaymak), spicy sausage (sucuk) and eggs, all accompanied by unlimited Turkish tea. It is the best way to start your day.

2. İskender Kebap While there are many types of kebabs, the İskender is the king. Originated in Bursa, this dish consists of thinly sliced döner meat served over pieces of pita bread, topped with a rich tomato sauce and sizzling melted butter, and served with a side of creamy yogurt. It is a flavor explosion.

3. Baklava No meal in Turkey is complete without something sweet. Baklava is made of layers of paper-thin phyllo dough, filled with chopped pistachios or walnuts, and sweetened with syrup. The sound of the “crunch” when you take a bite is just as satisfying as the taste.

4. Meze Platter Mezes are small appetizers served before the main course, usually accompanied by Raki (the national anise-flavored drink). From grilled eggplant puree and stuffed vine leaves (sarma) to spicy tomato dip (ezme) and yogurt with herbs, mezes are perfect for sharing and long conversations.

5. Turkish Coffee & Turkish Delight End your meal with a cup of strong, unfiltered Turkish coffee. It is traditionally served with a glass of water and a piece of Turkish Delight (Lokum). Don’t forget to have someone read your fortune from the coffee grounds left in the cup!

The flavors of Turkey are waiting for you. Whether you are dining in a luxury restaurant in Istanbul or a local eatery in Cappadocia, the food will be a highlight of your trip. Bon Appétit (Afiyet Olsun)!