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5 Traditional Dishes You Must Try in Antalya

Antalya is not only a popular tourist destination but also a region with a rich culinary tradition. The local cuisine blends unique flavors that reflect the culture of this beautiful city. In this blog, we’ll introduce 5 traditional dishes you must try when in Antalya, along with recipes so you can recreate them at home!

1. Antalya-Style Piyaz: Refreshing Bean Salad

Piyaz is one of the most popular dishes in Antalya. This bean salad made with tahini, eggs, onions, and tomatoes offers a unique taste.

Piyaz Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked white beans
• 1 red onion
• 1 tomato
• 2 boiled eggs
• Juice of half a lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon tahini
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Drain and place the cooked beans in a bowl.
2. Chop the onion, tomato, and eggs into small pieces.
3. Add the chopped ingredients to the beans, then mix in the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir well and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Why Try It? Piyaz is a light, healthy dish perfect for warm days. It's refreshing, filling, and very flavorful.

2. Antalya-Style Kabak Tatlısı: Sweet Pumpkin Dessert

Kabak Tatlısı is a traditional Turkish dessert, particularly popular in Antalya. It is a sweet dish made with pumpkin, soaked in syrup, and garnished with walnuts.

Kabak Tatlısı Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg pumpkin
• 2 cups sugar
• Half a cup of water
• Walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Peel the pumpkin and cut it into large chunks.
2. Place the pumpkin in a pot, sprinkle with sugar, and add the water.
3. Cook on low heat until the pumpkin becomes soft and absorbs the syrup.
4. Serve with walnuts and allow it to cool before serving.

Why Try It? Kabak Tatlısı is a great dessert for fall and winter. The pumpkin soaked in syrup offers a unique flavor, and the walnuts add a delightful crunch.

3. Arap Kadayıf: Turkish Sweet with Nuts

Arap Kadayıf is a traditional dessert in Antalya, consisting of crispy pastry filled with nuts, soaked in sweet syrup.

Arap Kadayıf Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500g kadayıf (filo dough)
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• Juice of half a lemon

Instructions:

1. Spread the kadayıf dough on a flat surface and sprinkle with walnuts.
2. Brush each piece with melted butter.
3. Bake in a 180°C oven for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
4. Prepare the syrup by boiling water, sugar, and lemon juice, then pour it over the hot kadayıf.

Why Try It? This delicious dessert combines crispy texture with the rich flavor of syrup and nuts. Perfect for sweet tooths!

4. Fish with Vinegar: A Coastal Delight in Antalya

Fish with vinegar is a classic dish in Antalya, often served in local restaurants. It combines fresh fish with the tangy taste of vinegar, perfect for hot summer days.

Fish with Vinegar Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500g fish (such as salmon or bass)
• 1 onion
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 lemons
• Salt and pepper
• Half a cup of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Clean the fish and rub it with salt.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until golden.
3. Add the tomato paste and lemon juice.
4. Place the fish in the pan and cook until fully cooked.

Why Try It? Fish with vinegar is a light, healthy dish, ideal for seafood lovers and those seeking a tangy, refreshing flavor.

5. Baklava with Nuts: Turkish Delight

Baklava is an essential part of Turkish cuisine, and in Antalya, it's made exceptionally well. This sweet, crunchy pastry filled with nuts and drenched in syrup is a must-try.

Baklava with Nuts Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 packages filo dough (for baklava)
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• Juice of half a lemon

Instructions:

1. Lay out the filo dough and brush each sheet with melted butter.
2. Place walnuts between layers of dough.
3. Bake in a 180°C oven until golden brown.
4. Prepare the syrup by boiling water, sugar, and lemon juice, then pour it over the hot baklava.

Why Try It? Baklava is the perfect dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of crispy dough, rich syrup, and walnuts makes it irresistible.

 Discover the Flavors of Antalya!

Antalya is not just about beautiful beaches and ancient ruins, it's also a haven for food lovers. Be sure to try traditional dishes like piyaz, arap kadayıf, and fish with vinegar to experience the true flavors of the region. These dishes will transport you to the heart of Antalya’s rich culinary culture.