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

Ankara, Turkey: A Blend of Traditional Flavors and Modern Cuisine

Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, may not be as well-known for its culinary delights as Istanbul, but that doesn't mean it lacks a rich food culture. The city's food history is deeply intertwined with the central Anatolia region and offers a mix of traditional Turkish flavors with a hint of international influence. Traditional Ankara dishes often utilize lamb, pulses, grains, and an abundance of vegetables, illustrating a diverse and hearty cuisine.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Ankara

1. Çılbır - A traditional Turkish dish consisting of poached eggs served with yogurt and spiced with red pepper butter. This dish is a delightful savory breakfast option for vegetarians.
2. İskender Kebap - A non-veg delight made with thinly sliced lamb served over pieces of pita bread, generously coated with yogurt and tomato sauce, and a drizzle of melted sheep butter.
3. Mantar Güveç - A vegetarian-friendly pottery kebab made with mushrooms and a mixture of vegetables, cooked slowly in a clay pot which seals in the flavors.
4. Kazan Dibi - A traditional Turkish milk pudding with a caramelized sugar bottom, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. This dessert is vegetarian.
5. Ankara Tava - A non-vegetarian casserole dish featuring lamb or veal and an assortment of vegetables, seasoned with local spices.
6. Beypazarı Kurusu - A vegetarian dry cookie that's very crispy and perfectly accompanies Turkish tea. It is one of Ankara's signature pastries.
7. Gözleme - A vegetarian option, this savory Turkish flatbread can be stuffed with various fillings like spinach, feta cheese, or potatoes.
8. Balık Ekmek - Although more famous in coastal areas, this fish sandwich made with freshly grilled fish and vegetables is also popular in Ankara's eateries and is non-vegetarian.
9. Ankara Simiti - A vegan street food favorite, these sesame-crusted bread rings are Ankara's version of the famous Turkish simit, ideal for a quick snack on the go.
10. Baklava - Vegans should be cautious as it sometimes contains honey, but it's mainly a vegetarian sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts, sweetened with syrup or honey.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ankara and Their Signature Dishes

1. Trilye Restaurant
   Address: Kuleli Sokak No:33, Ankara, Turkey
   Famous Food: Fish dishes and seafood platters, non-vegetarian.
2. Meşhur Özçelik Aspava
   Address: Akay, Büklüm Sokak No:20, Ankara, Turkey
   Famous Food: Traditional Turkish kebabs and grilled meats, non-vegetarian.
3. Kebap 49
   Address: Tunalı Hilmi Cad. No:108, Ankara, Turkey
   Famous Food: Variety of kebabs, particularly İskender Kebap, non-vegetarian.
4. Zenger Paşa Konağı
   Address: Ahmet Haşim Caddesi No:50, Ankara, Turkey
   Famous Food: Ottoman cuisine, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
5. Big Chefs
   Address: Filistin Sokak No:7, Ankara, Turkey
   Famous Food: International dishes with a Turkish twist, vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
6. Kalbur Et
   Address: Mutluköy Sitesi 1946. Cadde No:16, Ankara, Turkey
   Famous Food: Signature lamb dishes, non-vegetarian.
7. Tike Ankara
   Address: Gaziosmanpaşa, Tahran Caddesi No:12, Ankara, Turkey
   Famous Food: Antakya's traditional dishes, including vegetarian options.
8. Vegan Dükkan
   Address: Cinnah Caddesi No:19/4, Ankara, Turkey
   Famous Food: Wholesome and creative vegan dishes, fully vegan.
9. Hacı Arif Bey
   Address: Atatürk Bulvarı No:183, Ankara, Turkey
   Famous Food: Classic Turkish desserts, including Kazan Dibi, vegetarian.
10. Uludağ Kebapçısı
    Address: İzmir Caddesi No:17, Ankara, Turkey
    Famous Food: Adana and Urfa kebabs, non-vegetarian.