Antalya, Alanya really love these dishes!
The unforgettable flavors of Antalya and Alanya are like a treasure for these regions. Here are just three of the traditional dishes that the people of Antalya strive to preserve…
Antalya's rich cuisine is a treasure trove full of unique dishes that carry traces of different cultures. However, the rapidly changing habits of modern life and the curiosity for new flavors have led to the forgetting of some traditional dishes. Fortunately for the people of Antalya, these dishes are not just flavors, but also represent a longing for the past and cultural connections.
THE FIRST FLAVORS THAT COME TO MIND
When it comes to the local cuisine of Antalya, these dishes are among the first to come to mind, representing an important part of the city’s cultural heritage. Here are three of the most beloved, but now lesser-known dishes of Antalya: Gülüklü Çorba, Şiş Köfte-Piyaz, and Enginarlı Girit Kebabı.
Gülüklü Çorba: One of the oldest soups in Alanya, Gülüklü Çorba is especially a must-have during the winter months. It takes its name from the small meatballs (gülük) added to the soup. These meatballs are made from beef, finely chopped onions, spices, and fine bulgur, which are kneaded and shaped into tiny pieces before being added to the soup. It is flavored with plenty of yogurt and mint, and lemon is squeezed in to give it a slightly acidic taste. While this soup was once found on every corner in Antalya, it is still made in local restaurants today but has lost its former popularity.
PARTS OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE
Şiş Köfte and Piyaz: Another local delicacy commonly found in coastal areas, especially during the summer, is şiş köfte and piyaz. Şiş köfte is made by mixing finely ground meat with spices and finely chopped onions, skewering it, and grilling it over an open flame. It is served with piyaz, a traditional dish made of dry beans, onions, vinegar, olive oil, pomegranate syrup, and a generous amount of tahini. When served together, şiş köfte and piyaz make up the perfect summer evening meal for the people of Antalya. However, in recent years, these traditional flavors have begun to be replaced by more modern dishes.
REFLECTING THE IDENTITY OF THE CITY
Enginarlı Girit Kebabı: One of Antalya's dishes with Cretan origins, enginarlı Girit kebabı offers a unique culinary experience. During the season when artichokes are abundant, fresh artichokes are filled with minced meat and cooked in a tandoor. The specialty of this kebab is the perfect harmony between the soft texture of the artichoke and the flavor of the meat. Girit Kebabı reflects the city’s authentic culinary culture while also promoting healthy eating. However, because it originates from Crete, it is not always available throughout Antalya and is more commonly found in areas with a high Cretan population.
These dishes of Antalya, which are on the verge of being forgotten, are actually an important part of the city's cultural heritage. Rediscovering these dishes and passing them on to future generations means not only embarking on a flavorful journey but also preserving our cultural wealth.
