What to Eat in Gaziantep?

Known as the gastronomy capital of Turkey, Gaziantep attracts food hunters from all over the world with its cuisine. This unique city, which was deemed worthy of the title of "Gastronomy City" by UNESCO, has a rich cuisine that makes you feel its cultural heritage of thousands of years in every bite. The city offers an unforgettable feast for the palate with its variety of flavors from kebabs to desserts, spicy soups to pastries.

In this article, you will discover every detail of Gaziantep, from its famous dishes to its baklava, from its local flavors to its hidden taste stops, and you will witness the culinary culture of this fascinating city. If you are hungry, it would be a good idea to have a snack before you start, because this article may whet your appetite!

Kushleme

Kushleme, which is only two pieces of meat taken from the back of a sheep, is one of the most special dishes of Gaziantep cuisine. With its soft texture and natural flavor, Kushleme is a candidate to be the favorite of meat lovers. Here is everything you need to know about this unique flavor!

Features of Kushleme

Küşleme is obtained from a muscle group located on the sheep's back that does not move. For this reason, it is both low in fat and very soft. Thanks to its fine fiber structure, it does not harden during cooking and has a texture that melts in the mouth. This special meat, which does not require any marination, has a rich and satisfying taste even in its natural state.

How to Serve Kushleme?

Kusleme is usually grilled or barbecued and served with a simple presentation. It is accompanied by garnishes such as roasted peppers, tomatoes and fresh parsley. It is also served with a salad with pomegranate molasses or local appetizers such as spicy ezme. A light sprinkling of black pepper or cumin on the portions further enhances the flavor of the meat.

Where to Eat Kushleme?

There are many distinguished restaurants in Gaziantep where you can eat Kusleme. Here are some of the best places where you can experience this flavor:

• Halil Usta : One of the most famous kebab restaurants in the city, Halil Usta offers one of the best interpretations of küşleme.
• İmam Çağdaş : An ideal address for a delicious küşleme experience in a historical atmosphere.
• Küşlemeci Mehmet Usta : This place, which has made its name known with its küşleme, is one of the places where meat is cooked and served in the most correct way.

Alinazic

Alinazik, a dish fit for the kings of Gaziantep cuisine, is a type of kebab served with the delicious harmony of roasted eggplant and yoghurt. This dish, which is said to have taken its name from the words "charming" and "gentle", comes to the table with a magnificent presentation and a unique taste. Alinazik, which attracts both meat lovers and ember aroma lovers, is one of the indispensables of Gaziantep cuisine.

Features of Alinazik

Alinazik is basically prepared with roasted eggplant, garlic yoghurt and minced lamb or cubed meat sprinkled on top. The smoky smell of the roasted eggplant and the refreshing effect of the yoghurt make this dish unique. The degree of roasting of the eggplant and the harmony of the meat with the spices are important details that make Alinazik delicious.

How to Serve Alinazik?

Alinazik is usually served on a large plate. The base is made up of a mixture of roasted eggplant and yoghurt. Sautéed in butter, spiced lamb mince or cubed meat is placed on top. It is sometimes served with lavash bread or rice pilaf. Red pepper powder and freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top of the dish further enhance the presentation visually.

Where to Eat Alinazik?

There are many restaurant options in Gaziantep to try Alinazik. Here are some of the places where you can taste this unique flavor at its best:

• Kebapçı Halil Usta : An address where Alinazik is prepared to perfection and crowned with the flavor of lamb meat.
• Katmerci Zekeriya Usta : Although he is mostly known for his desserts, he is also quite assertive about Alinazik.
• Çulcuoğlu Meat Restaurant : A great choice for those who want to experience local flavors with a modern presentation.

Minced Meat Kebab

When it comes to Gaziantep cuisine, one of the first flavors that comes to mind is minced meat kebab. Although kebabs have a special place in Turkish cuisine, Gaziantep's minced meat kebab has a special place among all kebabs with the quality of the meat used, the balance of spices and the cooking technique. The smell of barbecue rising from the streets of the city spreads the charm of this unique flavor into the air.

Features of Minced Meat Kebab

Gaziantep minced meat kebab is prepared from mutton and usually the fatty parts of the meat are preferred. No other spices are added to the meat except salt, which brings out the natural flavor of the kebab. The careful grinding of the minced meat is one of the most important elements that affects both the texture and flavor of the kebab. This process preserves the fiber structure of the meat and provides a softer and juicier consistency.

How to Serve Minced Meat Kebab?

Gaziantep minced meat kebab is skewered and cooked over embers in a barbecue. The oil released during cooking adds extra flavor to the kebab. It is usually served with lavash bread, roasted peppers and tomatoes. It is enriched with plenty of greens, sumac onion salad and pomegranate syrup appetizers. It also matches perfectly with the city's local turnip juice or ayran.

Where to Eat Minced Meat Kebab?

There are many famous places in Gaziantep to taste the best version of minced meat kebab. Here are some suggestions where you can try this classic flavor:

• Halil Usta : Halil Usta, one of the iconic names of Gaziantep kebab culture, is one of the first addresses to try minced meat kebab.
• Metanet Restaurant : This place, where local flavors are expertly prepared, is a great option for kebab lovers.
• İmam Çağdaş : This place, which combines taste with its historical texture, is quite famous for its minced meat kebab.

Simit Kebab

In Gaziantep cuisine, every kebab has a different story, every bite has a different magic. Simit kebab is one of the special flavors that contribute to this magic. This kebab, which takes its name from the fine bulgur used in it, is different from other kebabs with both its flavor and texture. This unique recipe, where Gaziantep's armored meat meets bulgur, is a feast of flavors.

Features of Simit Kebab

Simit kebab is a dish prepared by adding fine bulgur to minced meat kebab. The fine bulgur, called "simit", gives the kebab a slight crunch and a unique aroma. Lamb is usually preferred in this kebab and the meat, which is pulled with a razor, is mixed with bulgur. Salt, black pepper and optionally chili pepper are used as spices.

How to Serve Simit Kebab?

Simit kebab is skewered and cooked over hot coals and is usually served on hot lavash. It is completed with garnishes such as roasted peppers and tomatoes, onions with sumac, and salad with pomegranate syrup. Yogurt appetizers and pickles specific to Gaziantep also go very well with this kebab. It is usually accompanied by ayran or turnip juice to enhance the flavor.

Where to Eat Simit Kebab?

Places where you can taste the best simit kebab in Gaziantep:

• Küşlemeci Mehmet Usta : One of the right addresses to try simit kebab prepared with the perfect harmony of bulgur and meat.
• Halil Usta : You should definitely try the simit kebab in this place where you can experience the classic tastes of Gaziantep cuisine.
• İmam Çağdaş : You can enjoy simit kebab made by professional hands in a historical venue.

Nesting

One of the traditional dishes of Gaziantep cuisine, yuvalama is known as a dish prepared with love. An indispensable flavor of holiday tables and special days, this dish symbolizes Gaziantep's family ties and hospitality. With its delicately prepared meatballs, rich content and refreshing yoghurt sauce, yuvalama offers both a filling and light taste.

Features of Nesting

Yuvalama basically consists of small meatballs kneaded with fine bulgur and a meaty yogurt soup. The meatballs are hand-rolled with patience and care and get their name from this preparation stage. A mixture of chickpeas, cubed meat (usually lamb) and yogurt is added to the soup. The sauce made with butter and mint is the final touch to the dish and crowns both the aroma and flavor.

How to Serve Nesting?

Yuvalama is usually served hot in large bowls. It is served by pouring melted butter and toasted dried mint on top. You can choose to have lavash bread or rice pilaf, which are unique to Gaziantep, on the side. This delicious feast is completed when combined with turnip juice or ayran. It has become traditional to serve baklava as a dessert along with yuvalama on holidays and special invitations.

Where to Eat Nesting?

To try Gaziantep's unique nesting, the following places can be preferred:

• Metanet Restaurant : One of the best places to eat yuvalama prepared with traditional recipes.
• Aşina Gaziantep Cuisine : A great choice for both local dishes and yuvalama.
• Bayazhan Gaziantep Cuisine : An ideal place to experience the classic taste of yuvalama in a stylish atmosphere.

Eggplant Kebab

One of the most popular dishes of Gaziantep cuisine, eggplant kebab is a delicious flavor where meat and vegetables come together on embers. Offering the harmony of lamb meat with the aroma of eggplant cooked on embers, this kebab appeals to both the eye and the palate. With its traditional cooking method and rich use of ingredients, eggplant kebab is an indispensable part of Gaziantep tables.

Features of Eggplant Kebab

Eggplant kebab is prepared by placing specially selected large and fresh eggplants and armored lamb meat on skewers in rows. The natural oil of the meat and the roasted aroma of the eggplants merge together during cooking, making this dish unique. Salt and pepper are usually used as spices; it is a simple but flavorful recipe.

How to Serve Eggplant Kebab?

Eggplant kebab is usually served on lavash bread after being cooked over hot coals. It is served with sumac onion salad, roasted peppers and tomatoes. It is completed with local drinks such as turnip juice, ayran or pomegranate sherbet. The flavor can be enhanced by pouring melted butter on it while serving.

Where to Eat Eggplant Kebab?

The best places to try eggplant kebab in Gaziantep:

• Halil Usta : This place, which remains faithful to the original recipe of eggplant kebab, is among the first choices of kebab lovers.
• İmam Çağdaş : A place that truly represents Gaziantep cuisine with its historical atmosphere and the delicious taste of its kebabs.
• Küşlemeci Mehmet Usta : Meat is served at its best in this place, and the eggplant kebab is a must-try.

Stuffed Meatballs

One of the most special flavors of Gaziantep cuisine, içli köfte is a complete masterpiece with both its effort and taste. With its outer filling prepared with fine bulgur and its minced meat filling blended with spices, içli köfte is an indispensable part of Gaziantep tables. It can be served in two different ways, fried or boiled.

Features of Stuffed Meatballs

Gaziantep stuffed meatballs are prepared with an outer layer prepared with fine bulgur, semolina and flour and an inner filling enriched with minced meat, walnuts, onions and spices. The taste of the filling is perfected with the balance of spices used (black pepper, chili pepper, salt) and the consistency of the inner material. The meatballs are rolled to the size of a walnut, then thinned with dexterity and the minced meat filling is placed inside.
Stuffed meatballs can be prepared in two ways:

• Fried Stuffed Meatballs : This version has a golden crust and is known for being crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Boiled Stuffed Meatballs: A lighter option, this type stands out with its soft and juicy texture.

How to Serve Stuffed Meatballs?

Stuffed meatballs are usually served hot. Lemon slices or pomegranate syrup sauce are among the elements that increase the flavor. Boiled stuffed meatballs can also be served with yogurt sauces. The fried version is consumed plain because it has a crispier texture. Serving it with fresh greens and ayran adds both color and flavor to the table.

Where to Eat Stuffed Meatballs?

To taste the best stuffed meatballs in Gaziantep, the following places are recommended:

• Metanet Restaurant : A place famous for its stuffed meatballs prepared with traditional methods.
• İmam Çağdaş : A great address to experience the classic flavors of Gaziantep cuisine.
• Aşina Gaziantep Cuisine : A place that can be preferred for stuffed meatballs served with modern touches.

Baklava

Baklava is a world-famous representative of Gaziantep cuisine. Prepared with the perfect harmony of thin sheets of dough, the unique aroma of butter and fresh pistachios, this dessert has been in the most special corner of Turkish cuisine for centuries. Gaziantep baklava is considered a work of art with both its preparation and taste, and is a product with a geographical indication.

Features of Baklava

The secret of Gaziantep baklava lies in the quality of the ingredients used and the skill of the masters. The thin sheets of dough are each rolled out by hand. The butter is obtained from pure milk produced exclusively for baklava. The pistachio used for the filling carries the aromatic flavor of the region. The syrup is light and balanced, making the dessert refreshing rather than sugary.
Among the Gaziantep baklava varieties, the following flavors stand out:

• Pistachio Baklava : The most popular version of the classic baklava recipe.
• Square Baklava : A type with less syrup and a tighter texture.
• Şöbiyet : A type of baklava that contains clotted cream and is prepared in a folded form.
• Carrot Slice : A variety that has a different presentation with its triangular shape.

How to Serve Baklava?

Baklava is usually served with plain Turkish coffee or tea. It is served as a light dessert after a meal. Especially on holidays and special occasions, serving baklava is one of the signs of hospitality in Turkish culture. Thanks to the lightness of the sherbet, the dessert offers a pleasant experience instead of a heavy taste.

Where to Eat Baklava?

To taste Gaziantep's famous baklava in the best way, you can visit the following places:

• Koçak Baklava: One of the most well-known addresses for Antep baklava. Famous for its desserts prepared with fresh and traditional methods.
• İmam Çağdaş : One of the iconic places of the city with its historical texture and delicious baklava.
• Çelebioğulları : A place famous for its baklava prepared with the best quality pistachios.

Kunefe

Kunefe, which has an important place in the dessert world of Gaziantep, stands out among the desserts with syrup with its unique texture and delicious content. Prepared by frying thin shredded wheat in butter and filling it with fresh cheese, this dessert is served while it is hot and creates a flavor explosion with the syrup poured on it. Gaziantep kunefe, which is widely consumed especially in the Mediterranean Region, but offers a special taste that no other place can do with its unique interpretation of the city.

Features of Kunefe

The most important feature of Gaziantep kunefe is the cheese used. The cheese preferred for kunefe is fresh “Künefe cheese”, a special type of cheese specific to Gaziantep. When melted, this cheese gives the dessert a creamy texture. The kadayif is finely chopped, fried in butter, filled with cheese and placed in a hot oven. Then, hot syrup is poured on top, which enhances the flavor of the dessert. Kunefe is served while it is hot, which is an important feature of its flavor.

How to Serve Kunefe?

Kunefe is served hot and is usually served with clotted cream or crushed pistachios on top. Sherbet is an element that prevents the dessert from cooling and adds softness to it. Serving plain Turkish coffee or turnip juice as a drink enhances the flavor of this dessert even more. Kunefe offers an unforgettable experience for dessert lovers with its rich and satisfying texture.

Where to Eat Kunefe?

The following places can be preferred to taste kunefe in Gaziantep:

• Künefeci İsmail Usta : This place, one of the most well-known künefe masters in Gaziantep, is quite famous for its fresh künefe dessert.
• Zeytinbağı Künefe : One of the places that offers one of the best examples of traditional Gaziantep kunefe.
• Hamur Kardeşler : This place, which delights the palate with its kunefe and other desserts, is one of the delicious stops in Gaziantep.

Ply

One of the most elegant and delicious desserts of Gaziantep cuisine, katmer fascinates with its crispy texture and delicious filling. Especially served at breakfast tables or as a dessert after dinner, katmer is a confectionery that best represents the traditional flavors of Gaziantep. Katmer creates a sweet feast of flavors when combined with thinly rolled out yufka, clotted cream and pistachios.

Features of Katmer

The most important feature of katmer is the richness of its filling. Traditional katmer is filled with fresh clotted cream, crushed pistachios and granulated sugar. This mixture is spread between thinly rolled out sheets of yufka and brought together in layers. Katmer is fried in butter and cooked until golden brown. It is then served hot and powdered sugar is sprinkled on top. The clotted cream and pistachios used in katmer give it a unique flavor.

How to Serve Katmer?

Katmer is usually served hot. Powdered sugar poured on top enhances the flavor of the dessert. In some places, turnip juice or Turkish coffee, which is a plain drink unlike syrupy desserts, may be served with it. When served as a breakfast meal or dessert, katmer offers a taste experience that is both pleasing to the eyes and the palate.

Where to Eat Katmer?

The places where you can find the best examples of katmer in Gaziantep are:

• Katmerci Zekeriya Usta : One of the most famous places in the city for katmer. It is famous for its katmer with fresh clotted cream and pistachios.
• İmam Çağdaş : This place, famous not only for its kebabs but also for its desserts, perfectly presents the dessert culture of Gaziantep with its traditional katmer.
• Hamur Kardeşler : It is one of the places where you can find the freshest and crispiest form of katmer.

Lahmacun

One of the indispensable parts of Gaziantep cuisine, lahmacun is a delicious and filling dish with its thin dough and meat filling spread on it. This traditional dish, which has found its place on Gaziantep tables for centuries, can be served with both plain and rich contents with its filling prepared with different ingredients. In Gaziantep, lahmacun is not only a street food, but also known as a pleasant and quick meal on the tables.

Features of Lahmacun

The most important feature of Gaziantep lahmacun is that its dough is rolled out very thinly. The dough is kneaded with flour, water and salt and rolled out very thinly. The stuffing that is spread on top is prepared with plenty of spices, finely chopped meat, onion, pepper, tomato, garlic and various spices. Before the lahmacun is baked in the oven, plenty of greens are sprinkled on top. In addition, in Gaziantep, lahmacun is usually served with fresh onions, pomegranate syrup and lemon slices.

How to Serve Lahmacun?

Lahmacun is usually served hot. The meat filling on the thin dough releases its aroma as it cooks and the lahmacun takes on a crispy texture. It is recommended to eat it with a piece of sumac onion salad and pomegranate syrup. Many people add yogurt or ayran to the lahmacun and then wrap it up. Lahmacun is a very filling dish, whether plain or with meat.

Where to Eat Lahmacun?

The places where you can find the best examples of lahmacun in Gaziantep are:

• Kebapçı Halil Usta: A famous place that serves one of the best examples of traditional lahmacun.
• Çınar Lahmacun : One of the most popular lahmacun places in Gaziantep, this place is known for its delicious and thin lahmacun.
• İmam Çağdaş : This place, which is famous for its kebabs as well as its lahmacun, is one of the important addresses of Gaziantep cuisine.

Freekeh Pilaf

One of the original and healthy recipes of Gaziantep cuisine, firik pilaf is a rich and delicious type of pilaf made with the oldest form of wheat. Firik is obtained by harvesting wheat before it ripens and drying it by smoking it. Smoked wheat adds a different aroma and smoky flavor to the ingredients used in pilaf. Firik pilaf, which is frequently consumed in Gaziantep, is served as a perfect accompaniment especially to meat dishes.

Features of Freekeh Pilaf

The basic ingredient of freekeh pilaf is smoked wheat. Freekeh is made suitable for pilaf by breaking the wheat while it is fresh, by hand or by machines. In addition, butter, olive oil, onion and spices are also used in pilaf. It is usually cooked with meat broth or chicken broth, which gives it a rich flavor. Freekeh pilaf is structurally similar to rice pilaf, but the unique smoky taste of smoked wheat makes the pilaf quite different.

How to Serve Freekeh Pilaf?

Firik pilaf is usually served hot and can be enriched by adding butter on top. It is a perfect match with meat dishes, especially lamb tandoori or chicken dishes. In Gaziantep cuisine, firik pilaf can be served with meat kebabs or yogurt dishes. It can also be completed with various greens and pomegranate syrup as a garnish.

Where to Eat Freekeh Pilaf?

Here are the places where you can try firik pilaf in Gaziantep:

• Kebapçı Halil Usta : A place famous for the harmony of its freekeh pilaf and kebabs.
• Çınar Et Lokantası : A frequently preferred restaurant in Gaziantep with its freekeh pilaf and traditional meat dishes.
• Zeytinbağı Restaurant: A venue that stands out with its historical atmosphere and offers an extensive menu with freekeh pilaf and other local delicacies.

Zahter Tea

One of the unique flavors of Gaziantep cuisine is zahter tea. This herbal tea, which is preferred especially on cold winter days to benefit the body and ease digestion, is both a healthy and aromatic drink. Zahter, also known as "olive otağı" in Antep, is one of the healing herbs and this tea has an important place in the traditional cuisine of Gaziantep.

Properties of Zahter Stream

Zahter tea is made by steeping dried leaves of the zahter plant in hot water. The zahter plant usually has a flavor similar to a mixture of thyme and mountain tea. This tea provides many benefits to the body with its organic and natural ingredients. Zahter tea has properties that facilitate digestion, strengthen the immune system and reduce stress. It also nourishes and soothes the skin due to its rich antioxidant content.

Zahter tea is also drunk to aid digestion, soothe the stomach and provide energy to the body. The thyme and other herbs in it leave a strong aroma and help the drinker mentally revitalize. It is frequently consumed in homes and restaurants in Gaziantep, especially during the winter months.

How to Serve Zahter Tea?

Zahter tea is served freshly brewed and hot. Although it is usually drunk plain, it can be sweetened in some places by adding a lemon slice or honey. In its plain form, the tea's unique natural flavor is more prominent. Zahter tea is a healthy and light drink that can be drunk with meals or at any time of the day.

Where to Eat Zahter Tea?

Here are the places where you can try zahter tea in Gaziantep:

• Breakfast Bazaar : You can drink fresh and natural zahter tea in this bazaar, which keeps the traditional breakfast culture of Gaziantep alive.
• Zeugma Cafe & Restaurant : Offering healing drinks along with traditional Gaziantep flavors, this place is famous for its zahter tea and other local drinks.
• Gaziantep Breakfast Hall : Zahter tea, an indispensable part of breakfast, is served fresh in this hall.

Chickpea Wrap

Although Gaziantep is famous for its meat-based dishes such as kebab and lahmacun, chickpea wrap stands out as one of the city's street flavors. This wrap, which is both filling and healthy, is one of the delicious and practical dishes of Gaziantep cuisine. Chickpea wrap is made by mixing chickpeas with olive oil, spices and wrapping them in thin lavash. This flavor, which is usually preferred as a quick snack, offers a perfect option for both those looking for an alternative to meat dishes and those on a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Features of Chickpea Wrap

The most distinctive feature of the chickpea wrap is that the chickpeas are cooked in a delicious way. After boiling, the chickpeas are mixed with olive oil, onion, garlic and various spices. It is also an ideal street food for those looking for a light meal on hot summer days.

How to Serve Chickpea Wrap?

Chickpea wrap is served hot. Chickpea stuffing is usually placed inside lavash and wrapped like a wrap. Finely chopped onion, tomato and lettuce can be added on top, along with hot pepper. It is common to serve refreshing drinks such as ayran or turnip juice on the side.

Where to Eat Chickpea Wrap?

Here are the places where you can try chickpea wrap in Gaziantep:

• Beyran Usta : Although it is especially famous for its meat wraps, its chickpea wrap is also quite delicious.
• İmam Çağdaş : It is one of the most popular venues of Gaziantep cuisine, which also offers chickpea wrap in its rich menu.
• Zeytinbağı Restaurant : In addition to traditional Gaziantep dishes, it also serves fresh and healthy chickpea wraps.