Ankara, the capital city of Türkiye, has always been an essential part of the country, both cultural and political. However, there is one side to this specific city that every resident agrees on: the variety of the local food. Ankara tava, Entekke pastry, İnceğiz soup, Beypazarı stew, and more… Reading this blog post, you can learn the details of the Ankara food, and try hard to avoid slavering!
Ankara Tava (Lamb with Rice)
Traditional dishes of Ankara are topped by Ankara Tava, one of the most renowned meals of Ankara cuisine. This local delicacy, known for its appealing appearance and delicious taste, is prepared with lamb meat. Featuring diced meat, rice, and a special mix of spices, this dish is often chosen for weddings and special occasions. Typically baked in stone ovens, Ankara Tava is celebrated as a beloved oven-cooked delight. Served with yogurt, this regional specialty wins over hearts with its unique flavor. It is a must-try traditional dish of Ankara for anyone visiting the city. You can experience the taste of Ankara Tava in restaurants located around Ulus and Hamamönü.
Beypazarı Stew
As one of the most-preferred food in Ankara, Beypazarı stew is originated from Ankara’s Beypazarı district. Among famous dishes of Ankara, Beypazarı stew is prepared by slow-cooking in an earthen pot. As one of the special flavors of Turkish cuisine, Beypazarı stew is made by combining diced meat, rice, tomatoes, and peppers with unique spices specific to the dish. The use of fresh and local ingredients is common in this dish, and the key to its rich taste lies in its long cooking process. Drawing its full flavor from the earthen pot and slow cooking over low heat, Beypazarı stew is one of the dishes you must try while in Ankara. If you’re visiting during the winter, this hearty dish is especially worth experiencing. The Historical Stone School in Beypazarı is among the places where you can savor this delicacy.
İnceğiz Soup
İnceğiz soup, a famous food in Ankara Turkey, takes its name from the village of İnceğiz in the city. This local delicacy is prepared with chickpeas, wheat, spices, and meat broth. Both hearty and nutritious, this soup is among the favorites of winter dishes. As part of traditional Ankara cuisine, İnceğiz soup is served with melted butter and red pepper flakes over it. If you’re looking for a place to try İnceğiz soup during your visit to Ankara, Beyköz Restaurant offers the opportunity to experience this flavor along with a rich selection of menu options.
Entekke Pastry
If you’re wondering what to eat in Ankara, you definitely should try Entekke pastry. A beloved delicacy of Ankara, Entekke pastry is similar to a kind of fried pie, but it has a unique taste specific to Ankara. With its minced meat filling and specially prepared dough, it truly delights the taste buds. This type of pastry is commonly preferred for breakfast and as a snack and is loved by many people. The distinct flavor of the minced meat and the softness of the dough are essential characteristics of this pastry. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Entekke Böreği is definitely one of the must-try dishes in Ankara. You can experience this flavor in restaurants located in Hamamönü.
Tamtak Tirit (Brewis)
Another of the best food to try in Ankara is Tamtak Tirit. Considered one of Ankara’s special dishes, Tamtak Tirit is a hidden gem of traditional cuisine. Although it is similar to the traditional “tirit” dish, the name “tirit” actually refers to the method of preparation. The dish is made by soaking bread in lamb or chicken broth, then layering it with meat. Tamtak Tirit in Ankara is exclusively made with bone-in lamb meat. This irresistible flavor is one of those dishes that once tasted, you can never forget.
If experiencing different flavors and exploring new places is your passion, you can also check out our article, named Antalya’s Traditional Dishes and Recommended Restaurants.
