If you are a food lover and want to explore Turkish cuisine in Islamabad, you are in for a real treat! The Turkish food scene in Islamabad is thriving and offers a diverse range of dishes featuring rich flavors, spices, and textures. Turkish cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, and it’s becoming increasingly popular in the Pakistan capital.
With so many delicious Turkish restaurants in Islamabad, choosing which dishes to try can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best Turkish foods you must try when in Islamabad. From traditional kebabs to hummus and baklava, there is something for everyone on this list. Each dish is unique, flavorful, and offers a glimpse into the rich culinary culture of Turkey.
Whether a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler seeking new culinary experiences, this list will help you navigate the best Turkish foods in Islamabad. So, get ready to indulge in some mouth-watering delicacies and experience the true taste of Turkey in the heart of Islamabad.
Explore: A Culinary Journey: The Best Turkish Dishes to Try in Islamabad
Top 12 best Turkish foods in Islamabad
Baklava
Turkish Baklava is a dessert fit for royalty, a layered pastry of crispy filo dough filled with finely ground nuts, all bathed in a sweet, fragrant syrup. Each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures, a symphony of delicate sweetness, buttery richness, and the subtle crunch of nuts. The traditional filling for Turkish Baklava is finely ground pistachios, but other nuts like walnuts and almonds can also be used. The layers of filo dough are brushed with butter before being baked, creating a golden, flaky crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, nutty filling.
Iskender Kebab
Iskender Kebab is a dish that takes you on a culinary journey to the heart of Turkey. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, starting with a bed of crispy pide bread topped with generous portions of thinly sliced, succulent lamb or chicken. A rich tomato sauce bathes the meat, adding a touch of acidity and sweetness. But the show’s true star is the liberal drizzle of molten sheep butter, which coats everything in its path with a luxurious sheen. To top it all off, a generous dollop of excellent, creamy yogurt provides a welcome contrast and a touch of tang.
Durum
The Turkish Durum is made with a soft and thin flatbread called lavash or yufka. The bread is then generously filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, creating a symphony of flavors. The star ingredient is typically doner kebab, thinly sliced seasoned meat roasted on a vertical spit. Chicken, lamb, or beef are commonly used, each offering a unique flavor profile. Alongside the meat, a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables adds a refreshing crunch and bursts of color.
Pide
Pide is a delicious Turkish flatbread that is typically shaped like an oval boat and baked with various toppings. It’s made from a simple dough of flour, water, yeast, and salt and then stretched and shaped by hand. The dough is then topped with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, meat, vegetables, and spices.
Donor
Turkish doner is made by stacking layers of marinated meat on a vertical spit, which is then slowly rotated and cooked over an open flame. The meat used can be lamb, beef, or chicken, and it is typically seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs that give it a flavorful taste. As the meat cooks, thin slices are shaved off and served in a variety of ways, such as in a pita sandwich with vegetables and sauce or on a platter with rice and salad. The result is a mouth-watering dish that is both filling and satisfying.
Mezze
Turkish mezze is a popular appetizer consisting of various small dishes typically served before the main course. It’s a perfect way to start a meal, allowing you to sample various flavors and textures. Mezze dishes are usually served cold or at room temperature and are made from fresh ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and spices. The preparation of mezze can vary depending on the region. Still, it generally involves chopping, grilling, or frying the ingredients and then combining them with olive oil, lemon juice, and other seasonings.
Manti
Turkish Manti is a traditional dish popular across Turkey and Central Asia. It is made up of small dumplings that are filled with minced meat, onion, and spices. The dumplings are then boiled, served with a generous dollop of garlic-infused yogurt sauce, and drizzled with melted butter and paprika. To make Turkish Manti, one needs to prepare the dough by mixing flour, water, and egg. The dough is then rolled into thin sheets and cut into small squares. The filling is made by mixing minced meat, onion, salt, pepper, and other spices of choice.
Dolma
Turkish Dolma is a traditional dish made with stuffed vegetables, usually peppers, eggplants, and zucchini. The filling is made with minced meat, rice, onions, tomatoes, and spices. The vegetables are hollowed out, filled with the mixture, and then cooked in a pot with water and tomato paste. Turkish Dolma is often served with a side of yogurt or salad and is a staple in Turkish cuisine.
Adana Kebab
Turkish Adana Kebab is a delicious and flavorful dish that is popular all around the world. This mouth-watering kebab is made with minced lamb or beef that is mixed with spices such as paprika, cumin, and chilli flakes. The meat is then shaped onto long, thin skewers and grilled over charcoal until it is cooked to perfection. The dish is typically served with a side of fresh salad, grilled vegetables, and warm bread.
Kunefe
Turkish Künefe is a traditional dessert originating in Hatay in Turkey. It is a sweet and crispy pastry made with shredded phyllo dough, filled with melted cheese, and soaked in sweet syrup. The dish is typically served with clotted cream and crushed pistachios on top. To make Künefe, the dough is first shredded and mixed with butter and cheese. The mixture is then placed in a hot skillet and cooked until it turns golden brown and crispy. The sweet syrup, made with sugar, water, and lemon juice, is poured over the pastry while it’s still hot.
Hummus
Turkish hummus is a famous dip that is made from a few simple yet flavorful ingredients. The main ingredients used to make Turkish hummus include chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Chickpeas are the main ingredient and are soaked overnight and boiled until they are soft. Tahini, which is made from ground sesame seeds, adds a nutty flavor to the hummus. Garlic and lemon juice add a tangy and savory taste, while olive oil adds richness. This protein-packed dip is perfect for any occasion and is enjoyed by many people all around the world.
Lahmacun
Turkish Lahmacun is a thin, crispy flatbread usually topped with a mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and herbs. The meat mixture is usually ground lamb or beef, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and various spices such as cumin and paprika. The dough for the flatbread is made using flour, water, yeast, and salt. Lahmacun is typically baked in a wood-fired oven until it is crispy and golden brown. It is often served with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a side of pickled vegetables.
Conclusion
If you’re a food lover who wants to explore Turkey’s diverse and delicious cuisine, Islamabad is the perfect place to do it. With a range of authentic Turkish eateries and restaurants, including the best Turkish restaurant in town, Nazarr, you can indulge in some of Turkey’s best dishes in Islamabad. From traditional kebabs and baklava to lesser-known delicacies like manti, there is a dish to suit every palate. So, take advantage of the opportunity to try out the 12 best Turkish foods in Islamabad in 2024 and immerse yourself in Turkey’s rich flavors and culture.
