Top 10 Turkish Breakfast Dishes
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Turkish cuisine offers a variety of delicious breakfast options. From Yumurtalı Pide to Ramazan Pidesi and Mercimek Çorbası, there are plenty of tasty dishes for you to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for something light and flavorful or a hearty meal to start your day, Turkish breakfast dishes have what you want. So why not give them a try and experience the wonderful flavors of Turkish cuisine?
1. Kuymak
Have you ever heard of the Turkish breakfast dish called Kuymak? I had the pleasure of experiencing this delicious meal during my travels in Turkey, and trust me, it’s worth trying!
It’s a cheesy, gooey masterpiece that’s typically served hot and made with local cheese and cornmeal. While it’s considered a breakfast dish, don’t let that stop you from indulging at any mealtime. The best part? Kuymak is often served in a communal dish, making it a perfect conversation piece and easy to share with friends.
Whether you’re a cheese lover or just looking to try something new, Kuymak is a must-try when experiencing Turkish cuisine. So, next time you find yourself in Turkey, make sure to add it to your breakfast bucket list — or, better yet, try making some at home!
2. Katmer
I adore Turkish cuisine and one of my absolute favorite breakfast dishes is Katmer. A flaky and delicious pastry, Katmer hails from the southeastern Turkish city of Gaziantep.
The crispy, buttery layers of the pastry are filled with a sweet and nutty mixture of ground pistachios and sugar along with kaymak, Turkey’s answer to clotted cream made from water buffalo milk. The end result is an indulgent and mouth-watering treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of strong Turkish coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Katmer is traditionally served at breakfast time because pistachios boost the energy and reduce morning fatigue, but really, it’s a dish that you could enjoy any time of day. If you ever find yourself in Turkey, make sure to try Katmer — you won’t be disappointed!
3. Börek
Have you ever tried Börek? It’s a delicious flakey pastry that’s filled with your choice of savory (feta cheese, spinach, meat, peppers, tomatoes, and/or potatoes) or sweet ingredients (custard, sweetened yogurt, cinnamon, and/or powdered sugar) and wrapped in a super thin sheet of dough – called yufka – made from just flour, water, and salt. Think of yufka as heartier than phyllo, but thinner than a tortilla. The hand-made yufka is brushed with butter before baking, making it even more mouth-watering.
What I find most amazing is that it can be found in bakeries all over Turkey early in the morning, so I was always able to start my day with a warm and hearty breakfast. The combination of the pastry’s soft texture and the flavorful filling is truly unbeatable. Are you traveling to Turkey soon? Don’t leave without trying Börek! Trust me, it will change your outlook on breakfast forever.
4. Gözleme
When I first traveled to Turkey, I was immediately drawn to the smells emanating from the Gözleme stalls lining the streets. These delicious stuffed flatbreads are a staple of Turkish breakfast, but they can be enjoyed anytime throughout the day.
The flatbreads are made with flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and yogurt (which prevents it from being too brittle) and stuffed with various fillings such as spinach and feta cheese or minced meat and onions. The dough is then hand-rolled and cooked on a hot griddle until crispy.
I loved the sound of the sizzle as the fingers of dough hit the hot grill and the anticipation of biting into the hot, steamy pockets of melted cheese and spinach. Gözleme is a true Turkish delicacy and a must-try for any food lover visiting Turkey.
5. Bal Kaymak
Are you a fan of Turkish delights? Then let’s talk about Bal Kaymak, a popular breakfast side dish served alongside tea and other traditional breakfast dishes in Turkey that will satisfy your sweet tooth. This delicious dish consists of freshly baked bread, creamy rich kaymak (remember the Turkish “clotted cream”?), and pure honey.
Bal Kaymak is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy addition to their breakfast that is both filling and nutritious. Whether you’re in Turkey or at home, give Bal Kaymak a try and experience a little bit of Turkish culture at your breakfast table.
6. Menemen
Have you ever had Turkish Menemen for breakfast? If not, I highly recommend it! This dish is a staple in Turkey and it’s not hard to see why.
Menemen is a flavorful combination of eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices all cooked together in one pan. This delicious Turkish dish has many versions, and you can find it with garlic, cheese, spinach, sausage pieces, or onions. The end result is a delicious, hearty breakfast that will keep you full for hours. It’s typically served with bread which is used to scoop up the Menemen rather than using a spoon!
The best part? Menemen is incredibly easy to make. All you need are a few fresh ingredients, a stove, and a pan. It’s no wonder that this dish has become a beloved breakfast item across Turkey! So why not give it a try? Whip up a batch of Menemen and experience the delicious taste of Turkish cuisine in your own home!
7. Yumurtalı Pide
So when I discovered this Turkish breakfast dish, it became my go-to breakfast option for a season. Yumurtalı Pide is essentially a traditional Turkish pizza, topped with cheese, tomatoes, peppers, and a perfectly cooked egg in the middle (perfectly cooked because it is added near the end of the baking time). The bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the combination of flavors is simply delicious.
In Turkey, this dish is especially popular as a breakfast food, and I can see why. It’s filling, flavorful, and a great way to start your day. If you’re planning on visiting Turkey or just looking for a new breakfast idea, I highly recommend giving Yumurtalı Pide a try. Trust me, your taste buds won’t be disappointed!
8. Ramazan Pidesi
If there’s one thing I love about Turkish cuisine, it’s their delicious breakfasts. And one dish that always makes my mouth water is Ramazan Pidesi. This traditional bread, named after the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, is a staple on breakfast tables throughout Turkey.
It’s made with a soft dough, scored on top to make a pattern, and then sprinkled with sesame seeds and nigella seeds before being baked in a stone oven until it’s golden brown. The result is a warm, fluffy bread with a slightly crispy exterior that’s just heavenly.
I enjoy eating my Ramazan Pidesi with a dollop of butter or some honeycomb spread. It’s the perfect way to start my day and sets me up for whatever adventures are ahead.
9. Mercimek Çorbası
As a lover of Turkish cuisine, one of my favorite dishes has got to be Mercimek Çorbası! This scrumptious soup, made with red lentils, is a staple in Turkey and is perfect for starting your day off with a hearty breakfast. The lentils make this dish not only delicious but also filling, making sure you won’t be hungry before lunchtime.
As someone who enjoys cooking, I have tried making Mercimek Çorbası at home, and let me tell you, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare. The combination of red lentils, chicken stock, onions, carrots, cumin, and paprika give it a perfect balance of flavor. One of my favorite ways to enjoy this soup is to add a dollop of yogurt on top to make it even creamier.
If you’re looking for a tasty and comforting meal, Mercimek Çorbası is definitely worth trying even at home!
10. Boyoz
Have you tried Boyoz? This delicious Turkish pastry has a fascinating history — it was actually brought to the country by Sephardic Jewish immigrants from Spain way back in the late 15th century. And today, it’s still prepared exactly as it was then, using the original recipe, exclusively in Izmir.
What goes into making this treat? Just flour, sunflower oil, and tahini — simple, but oh so tasty! Did you know that adding tahini to Boyoz not only makes it healthier but it also gives the dough a beautiful layered texture? Boyoz is a delicious pastry packed with tasty fillings such as cheese, meat, olives, artichokes, and/or spinach.
In Turkey, it’s a breakfast staple and is often served with hard-boiled eggs dusted with black pepper and a refreshing glass of Turkish tea. Try it out and give your taste buds a true Turkish delight!
Wrapping It Up
There you have it — 10 of the best Turkish breakfast dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and keep your tummy full until lunchtime. From traditional recipes like Yumurtalı Pide to more modern options like Boyoz, there’s something for everyone in Turkey’s vast culinary landscape.
I hope this article has given you an insight into some of the amazing breakfast dishes that Turkey has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Fire up the stove and get cooking — and start the day off with a delicious Turkish breakfast!
Afiyet olsun!
