Must-Try Foods In Ankara Castle (Ankara) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Ankara Castle, Ankara, Turkey

Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi) has a rich history that traces back to the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. As a result, the culinary tradition of Ankara has been influenced by an amalgamation of civilizations. The castle area today hosts a variety of dining spots that reflect a blend of traditional Turkish culinary methods and the city’s historical past. Throughout history, grains and legumes have been staples of the Ankara province, and in restaurants around the castle, one can enjoy dishes that incorporate these ingredients with a touch of historical heritage.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Ankara Castle, Ankara, Turkey

1. Gözleme (Veg) - A savory traditional Turkish hand-rolled pastry, filled with various ingredients such as spinach, cheese, potatoes, or mushrooms.
2. Mantı (Non-Veg) - Turkish dumplings filled with minced meat, often served with yogurt and a drizzle of melted butter with spices.
3. Baklava (Veg) - A very famous Turkish dessert made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
4. Meze Platter (Veg/Non-Veg) - An assortment of small dishes often served as appetizers before the main meal, which can include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
5. Lentil Soup (Veg) - A comforting Turkish staple, made with red lentils, vegetables, and flavored with various spices.
6. Kumpir (Veg) - Baked potato with a fluffy inside and crispy skin, mixed with a variety of fillings such as cheese, corn, and olives.
7. Pide (Veg/Non-Veg) - Often referred to as Turkish pizza, this boat-shaped flatbread is topped with a variety of ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or meat.
8. Kebap (Non-Veg) - Various grilled meat dishes that are staples throughout Turkey, however Ankara is well-known for its offal kebabs.
9. Bulgur Pilavı (Veg) - A nutritious side dish made from bulgur wheat, cooked with tomato sauce, and often served with vegetables.
10. Yaprak Sarma (Veg/Non-Veg) - Grape leaves stuffed with a filling made of rice, pine nuts, and aromatic herbs, available in vegetarian or meat-filled varieties.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ankara Castle, Ankara, Turkey

Tarihi Ankara Kalesi Divan Restoran

Address: Kale Mh., 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey

Famous for: Mantı (Non-Veg)

Kale Evi Restaurant

Address: Hisarpark Caddesi No: 64, Ankara Castle, Ankara, Turkey

Famous for: Kebap (Non-Veg) and Gözleme (Veg)

Ankara Kalesi Nahil Restaurant

Address: Sahip Ata Sk. No: 25/A, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey

Famous for: Traditional Turkish dishes with a variety of Meze (Veg/Non-Veg)

Divan Çukurhan

Address: Tarihi Ankara Kalesi’nde, Depo Sokak No:3, 06250, Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey

Famous for: Fine dining experience with an array of Turkish cuisine, including Baklava (Veg)

Uludağ Kebabcisi

Address: Şehit Mustafa Doğan Sk. 38/A, Ankara Kalesi, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey

Famous for: Specializing in various Kebap dishes (Non-Veg)