Try These Treats To Get a Taste Of Istanbul!
You may have read that Turkey is a land that’s famed for incredibly rich and colorful cuisine, due in part to the amazing herbs and spices that are used by Turkish chefs. The country’s capital, Istanbul, is known as ‘the Gateway to the East’, due to its uniquely central geographical location and it’s a place that traders from all over the world have passed through the city for centuries. Ask anyone who’s sampled it and they’ll tell you that an authentic taste of Istanbul is something to treasure.
If talking about this culinary hotspot has whetted your appetite and you feel inspired to sample a taste of Istanbul for yourself, then you should keep reading, as we’ll be looking at a selection of the most delicious treats you’re likely to encounter. So, let’s dispense with hyperbole and get started on some of the amazing taste experiences that can be found across the country.
Kofte Meatballs
We start with an incredibly popular dish in Turkey - Kofte Meatballs. Created using marjoram (a herb that’s quite similar to wild thyme), these mouthwatering meatballs can be enjoyed with a crisp salad for lunch or as part of an evening meal. Able to be put together at home in under 15 minutes, kofte meatballs are something of a staple for Turkish people and when you taste them, you’ll see why!
Forest-Style Turkish Curry
Another easily put-together meal that offers a genuine taste of Istanbul is forest-style Turkish curry. While this is the cuisine that can be found in other parts of the world, like Thailand for example, it’s given a distinctive mediterranean twist with the inclusion of the herb fenugreek. Ideally made with boned turkey legs and other ingredients that include cinnamon, onions, bay leaves, and fenugreek seeds, it offers a warming taste experience you won’t forget!
A Dessert That Hits the High Notes!
We move from savory to sweet now, as we look at a dessert that’s created using quince, which is a close relative of the pear. This sweet, slightly perfumed fruit is poached to perfection in a luxurious aromatic syrup prior to being lightly roasted. This makes each piece literally melt in the mouth and the gorgeous licorice tones of the anise herb come through for a glorious finish!
Turkish Salep (Hot Milk With Cinnamon)
We complete our list with a taste of Istanbul that represents perhaps one of the most widely enjoyed beverages Turkey has to offer - salep. For those of you that have never tried it, it’s a rich, hot drink that’s made from hot milk, sugar, and thickened flour that’s created from wild orchids and then sprinkled with powdered cinnamon or flavored using a cinnamon stick.
What does it taste like? Well, think of it as a hug in a mug, but an incredibly satisfying one with more than a hint of yummy cinnamon. This is about as authentic as it gets when it comes to the tastes of Turkey.
Traditional Turkish Herbs & Spices From Little Istanbul Gifts
So, if you’re looking for a true taste of Istanbul experience, we’d recommend trying any one of the options we’ve described here. In fact, we’d recommend trying them all at some point, as they really are unique in the world of food.
The great news is that high-quality versions of the herbs and spices mentioned here are available right now at the Little Istanbul Gifts shop, meaning that it’s never been easier to introduce the flavors and aromas of Turkey into your mealtimes.
We very much hope that you enjoy sampling the choices listed and that it inspires you to explore the many unforgettable tastes the nation of Turkey has to offer.
