Located between the Marmara and Aegean Regions, with coastlines on both the Marmara and Aegean Seas, Balıkesir is a diverse and attractive destination for both coastal and inland tourism. Mount Ida, Ayvalık and Cunda islands, one-of-the-bests-in-Türkiye olive oil production, and thermal tourism are among this beautiful city’s key symbols. All aside, people all over the world come to Balıkesir for its delicious local food. We reveal to you our culinary highlights and what to eat in Balıkesir.
Local Food in Balıkesir
As mentioned above, Balıkesir is famous for many assets one of which is local food. Balıkesir mantı, Höşmerim, Saçaklı, Tirit, Papalina, Bigadiç stew are the ones we’ll examine in a closer look. If you’re ready, let’s focus on the topic! Here are the famous dishes you need to try in Balıkesir!
Balıkesir Mantı
One of the most commonly consumed foods in Balıkesir, mantı is a local variation of the classic Turkish dumpling dish. However, unlike traditional mantı, which is typically served with yogurt and tomato sauce, Balıkesir mantı is prepared with a broth-based sauce, creating a heartier and more savory flavor. This dish is often served at local eateries, especially in Balıkesir city center or surrounding towns, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts. Let’s look at the ingredients!
Ingredients
- Handmade dough
- Minced meat from beef or lamb
- Tiny sliced onion
- Butter
- Tomato sauce
- Yogurt
Höşmerim
Are you curious about getting the answer to “What about the desserts in Balıkesir?” Without keeping you in suspense any longer, let’s get to the answer. Höşmerim is a traditional dessert in Balıkesir cuisine with roots tracing back to Ottoman times. Made from unsalted cheese, semolina, and sugar, this sweet treat has a soft, creamy texture. It is often associated with celebrations and special occasions in Balıkesir. Local patisseries and dessert shops offer authentic versions of Höşmerim. You can find it anywhere in the town.
Ingredients
- Unsalted cheese
- Semolina
- Sugar
- Milk
- Butter
Saçaklı
As you can understand until now, mantı types are commonly consumed in the region. Here’s another one! Saçaklı, one of the famous local foods in Balıkesir, is a type of dumpling unique to Balıkesir, prepared from a dough made with flour, water, salt, and eggs. The dough is rolled out thin and cut into small squares. What sets Saçaklı apart is its distinct preparation and presentation, which differ from other types of mantı. Cooked and crispy strips of dough are spread over a tray, topped with shredded chicken meat. It’s a must-try for those exploring Balıkesir’s rich culinary heritage, often found in local homes and traditional eateries. Almost every local eatery serves Saçaklı in Balıkesir.
Ingredients
- Flour
- Water
- Salt
- Eggs
- Boiled chicken meat
Tirit
Here’s a ceremonial dish cooked in Balıkesir region: Tirit. Tirit is a hearty dish made by soaking pieces of bread in a savory meat broth, topped with shredded lamb or beef and often garnished with butter sauce. This dish is deeply rooted in Turkish culinary tradition and is widely enjoyed in Balıkesir, particularly during winter. The key to making this dish flavorful is ensuring that the bread is softened in the meat broth without letting it soak for too long, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Ingredients
- Tiny sliced flat bread
- Lamb of beef
- Meat broth
- Butter
- Paprika
- Tomato sauce
- Salt and black pepper
Papalina
Speaking of the Aegean Region, fish is an inevitable food to eat in Balıkesir. Papalina, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, is a small fish commonly found in the Aegean Sea, and it’s a specialty in the coastal towns of Balıkesir like Ayvalık. Typically fried and served with a wedge of lemon, papalina is a light and delicious seafood option, best enjoyed at seaside restaurants in the region.
Ingredients
- Fresh sprat fish
- Flour
- Salt
- Vegetable oil
- Lemon
Bigadiç Stew
The last one of our popular food higlights in Balıkesir is a stew. This dish originates from the town of Bigadiç in Balıkesir. It is a slow-cooked dish featuring tender meat, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Served with rice or bread, Bigadiç stew is a comforting meal that highlights the flavors of rural Balıkesir.
Ingredients
- Beef or lamb
- Onions
- Tomato sauce
- Green peppers
- Potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, paprika
To experience all these amazing dishes yourself, book your seat on a flight to Balıkesir now! If you want to learn more about the food culture in Turkey and our favorite food hotspots, you might also like aour blogpost What to Eat in Bodrum.
