Turkish Food Questions
Mar 24th, 2010, 05:16 PM
#21
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I think we are particular about our coffee, we like it strong, and drink only Dunkin Donuts brand here in the USA (which we make ourselves at home).
We stayed at Dersaadet Hotel in Sultahnamet and their morning (American, not Turkish) coffee was NOT Nescafe or instant of any sort. It was strong and delicious. Their whole breakfast was fabulous.
If you enjoy yoghurt and are vegetarian, we had a cold mezze that had cooked eggplant cubes in garlic-y yoghurt which was very delicious. The red pepper cold mezze is very simple and very delicious as well. I ate both of these at Hamdi restaurant (not Hamdi Cafe), which is near the Spice Market and overlooks the Marmara Sea (Balcony eating area on the 3rd floor, take the elevator up).
We stayed at Dersaadet Hotel in Sultahnamet and their morning (American, not Turkish) coffee was NOT Nescafe or instant of any sort. It was strong and delicious. Their whole breakfast was fabulous.
If you enjoy yoghurt and are vegetarian, we had a cold mezze that had cooked eggplant cubes in garlic-y yoghurt which was very delicious. The red pepper cold mezze is very simple and very delicious as well. I ate both of these at Hamdi restaurant (not Hamdi Cafe), which is near the Spice Market and overlooks the Marmara Sea (Balcony eating area on the 3rd floor, take the elevator up).
Mar 24th, 2010, 05:19 PM
#22
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"If you want really good dessert in Istanbul (the tiramisu is to die for) head to Ozsut on the Istiklal Caddesi."
Wish I'd known about this before I went as I happened to have eaten at this very place. I love love love tiramisu. However, we had a layer cake with coffee cream filling which was very good. Their Turkish coffee was much better than that which we had at two other places during our stay.
Wish I'd known about this before I went as I happened to have eaten at this very place. I love love love tiramisu. However, we had a layer cake with coffee cream filling which was very good. Their Turkish coffee was much better than that which we had at two other places during our stay.
Mar 24th, 2010, 05:35 PM
#23
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I can't believe no one has brought up Iskender Kebap, which is one of the most famous dishes in Turkey. Lamb meat basted in tomato sauce on top of slices of pide slathered in an incredible yogurt sauce.
In my mind, Turkish cuisine was one of the best I've ever eaten in all of my travels. Always something new to discover.
Coffee is widely available. The choices in cafes are often either Nescafe or Turkish coffee. I personally love Turkish coffee, although I realize it can be an acquired taste. I ask for it az sekarli (less sugar), because those Turks really seem to like things sweet (I never liked the lokum at all).
Have fun, I'm jealous.
In my mind, Turkish cuisine was one of the best I've ever eaten in all of my travels. Always something new to discover.
Coffee is widely available. The choices in cafes are often either Nescafe or Turkish coffee. I personally love Turkish coffee, although I realize it can be an acquired taste. I ask for it az sekarli (less sugar), because those Turks really seem to like things sweet (I never liked the lokum at all).
Have fun, I'm jealous.
Mar 24th, 2010, 07:35 PM
#24
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Thank you all again for the advice.
Sorry Woyzeck, we intend to have to have fun.
The coffee questions are for my wife. She is quite happy to hear it will be available at breakfast. It seems no matter how adventurous an eater someone may be, they are inflexible about breakfast. As noted earlier there is a very good Turkish restaurant near us. We will soon see how authentic it is.
We will also post an itinerary soon for you guys to poke holes in. Usually when we travel we know something about something. I know very little about Turkey except for the well know historical references and the best known sights.
We are quite excited about the trip. My wife is a watercolorist and I am photographer, so we stay longer in places, to do these things.
Thank you all again.
Sorry Woyzeck, we intend to have to have fun.
The coffee questions are for my wife. She is quite happy to hear it will be available at breakfast. It seems no matter how adventurous an eater someone may be, they are inflexible about breakfast. As noted earlier there is a very good Turkish restaurant near us. We will soon see how authentic it is.
We will also post an itinerary soon for you guys to poke holes in. Usually when we travel we know something about something. I know very little about Turkey except for the well know historical references and the best known sights.
We are quite excited about the trip. My wife is a watercolorist and I am photographer, so we stay longer in places, to do these things.
Thank you all again.
Mar 24th, 2010, 08:13 PM
#25
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You will both be in your element in Turkey - without a doubt.
It is such a diverse and beautiful country and hopefully your itinerary will cover at least 3 of the different regions of natural and man-made beauty, though there are many more (we'll help you). I had over 600 pics after I edited them down and I was there for just 2 weeks and in 3 regions. I definitely plan to return.
It is such a diverse and beautiful country and hopefully your itinerary will cover at least 3 of the different regions of natural and man-made beauty, though there are many more (we'll help you). I had over 600 pics after I edited them down and I was there for just 2 weeks and in 3 regions. I definitely plan to return.
Mar 26th, 2010, 06:16 AM
#26
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If you go to Eastern Turkey, to the Van - Dogubayazit region, try ayran ashi, a soup made of yogurt and herbs. Lots of other regional dishes there that you wouldn't find in other parts of the country. The area, the landscapes is quite amazing, too, so definitely worth checking it out. Another region with distinct cuisine is Antakya. In Istanbul, check out the Ciya restaurant in Kadikoy - they have quite a selection of dishes (mainly form the South-East) other than the usual kebabs.
