Cappadocia is a region that has hosted many civilizations throughout history and is known for its captivating nature, historical structures, underground cities, and, of course, its cuisine. Those planning a trip to Cappadocia should definitely follow our guide. In this article, you will find all the answers to the question of what to eat in Cappadocia, gaining insights into Cappadocian dishes and restaurants.
The first answer to the question of what’s new to eat in Cappadocia can actually be given as the traditional cuisine of Central Anatolia. Every visitor can consume various dishes based on their budget. In this region, where legumes and grain-based meals take precedence, it should be noted that pastries and meat dishes are also highly favored.
Due to the limited availability of agricultural products in Cappadocia, legume-based dishes have become prominent. For example, kidney beans are a well-known flavor for everyone. However, when cooked in clay pots in this region, it offers a much more unique taste. Besides wheat, bulgur, and flour, which are indispensable in Cappadocian cuisine, dishes like aside (a local dish), hand-rolled mantı (Turkish dumplings), and chickpea stew are also among the specialties. Finally, tasting herb-filled gözleme (Turkish pancake), pide (Turkish flatbread), and meaty bread is a must in the culinary experience of this region.
By visiting Cappadocia restaurants, you can actually find the answer to the question of what to eat in Cappadocia. Apart from Avanos restaurants, which we will list under sub-headings, you can follow the restaurants in the center of Cappadocia from the continuation of our article.
By visiting Cappadocia restaurants, especially the ones in Avanos, you can find the answer to the question of what to eat in Cappadocia. Besides Avanos restaurants listed under subheadings, you can also explore the central Cappadocia restaurants in the continuation of our article.
Women Entrepreneurs Cooperative: The dishes at this cooperative in Avanos are magnificent. You can enjoy regional dishes such as grape leaves, kidney beans, and small okra here.
Bizim Ev (Our House): Choosing Bizim Ev for içli köfte (stuffed meatballs), liver, Avanos dumplings, and pastırmalı kuru fasulye (cured beef with beans), you can continue to experience Turkish flavors.
Uranos Sarıkaya: This restaurant is also one of the prominent establishments in Avanos. Uranos Sarıkaya, where the pottery kebab is prepared and served superbly, operates in an underground cave. Naturally, with meals consumed on stone tables, it stands out with special practices introducing Turkish cuisine.
In Ürgüp, you can also find answers to questions like “What to eat in Cappadocia?” and “What are Cappadocian dishes?” at various restaurants.
Kardeşler Lokantası (Brothers Restaurant): Those who want to taste tandır (tandoor) meat and pottery kebab can visit this restaurant. This restaurant, where the memories of previous tourists to Cappadocia are recorded, mainly serves tandır-based dishes. Here, you can try köfte (meatballs), kuru fasulye (kidney beans), and pottery kebab.
Zeytin Cafe: Zeytin Cafe is where you can enjoy the best flavors of Ürgüp. The primary choice here is pottery kebab. This restaurant, easily accessible, also allows you to set up a family table. Along with pottery kebab, you can enjoy small mantı (Turkish dumplings), and the meal prices are reasonable.
Old Greek Restaurant: Operating as a family business, this restaurant also welcomes customers at the location where the Asmalı Konak series was filmed. Before visiting this place to taste different dishes, it’s essential to make a reservation.
Ziggy Cafe: Ziggy Cafe, known for its olive oil dishes, offers dishes such as olive oil bread salad, olive oil Jerusalem artichoke, köpoğlu (a type of Turkish meze), fava (broad bean puree), and pastırmalı börek (pastry with cured beef).
Muti Restaurant: One of the popular spots for Cappadocian dishes, Muti Restaurant, operates within a very old caravanserai. In this place, Turkish and Ottoman cuisine come together, with a preference for red meat in main dishes. Other must-try items include cheese mantı, beef cheek, fig-flavored Jerusalem artichoke, lavender pudding, anchovy-stuffed cabbage rolls, and dried eggplant with plum sauce.
Another region where the question “What to eat in Cappadocia?” is answered is undoubtedly Göreme. In Topdeck Cafe and Restaurant, located here, you can consume local dishes, and don’t forget to taste sütlaç (rice pudding) and ayva tatlısı (quince dessert). In Köy Evi Restaurant, you can also find the best version of pottery kebab.
While researching Cappadocian dishes, it’s worthwhile to visit restaurants in Uçhisar. Seki Restaurant in this area, consisting of stone buildings, offers a delightful experience of local cuisine with a magnificent view. The standout flavor here is the confit lamb shoulder with peach and cheese, slow-cooked for a whopping 44 hours. Additionally, lamb shank stew is among the indispensable delicacies of Seki Restaurant. Moreover, you can also taste wines paired with cheese at this location.
Cappadocia Restaurants
When the Cappadocia restaurants are listed in general;
• Cappadocia Flavor Table
• Wish Terrace
• Zeferan Cappadocia
• Paprika Burger and Pasta
• Local Tastes Ocakbaşı
• Cappadocian Cuisine
• Janti CAfe
• Revithia
• Oscar Steak House
• Chef Remzi Restaurant
• Cancan Cafe Restaurant
• Hidden Mansion Restaurant
• World Iskender Kebab
• Pumpkin Goreme Restaurant
• Turkish Ravioli Restaurant
• Aravan Evi Restaurant
• Sofra Restaurant
• La Vida A La Carte
• Smile Steakhouse
• Prokopi Restaurant
• Soffy’s Kitchen
• Seyyah Khan
• It is in the form of a Şıra Restaurant.
One of the standout answers to the question “What to eat in Cappadocia?” is undoubtedly the testi kebab. Although it originates from the Yozgat region, the testi kebab is most beautifully represented in Cappadocia, where it becomes intertwined with the art of pottery. The unique taste left in the mouth by the pottery-cooked dishes in the region is much more delightful and distinctive. The main ingredients of the testi kebab are garlic, tomatoes, lamb meat, and onions, and it requires slow cooking over low heat for an extended period. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a fantastic taste. In some places in Cappadocia, the opening of the testi is sealed with dough. However, the original method involves placing a potato with a hole in the middle on top of the testi for cooking.
In Ürgüp, home-cooked meals are particularly famous, and specialties such as çömlek fasulyesi (clay pot beans), testi kebabı (pottery kebab), and mantı (Turkish dumplings) stand out.
Nevşehir is famous for its ayva dolması (quince stuffed with minced meat and rice), sütlü çorba (milk soup), testi kebabı (pottery kebab), düğü çorbası (knot soup), kuru kaymak (dried clotted cream), and köftürü.
You can choose from various restaurants in Cappadocia for a dinner with different scenic views. Muti Restaurant, Zeytin Cafe, Topdeck Cafe, village House Restaurant, and Seki Restaurant are some of these places.
The most famous dish in the region is a combination of red meat and legumes. The most preferred one is the “testi kebabı” (clay pot kebab).
You can consume very good local food at the restaurants in the region. Fat Boys restaurant, Topdeck restaurant, Kale Terrase and Mozaik restaurant can be listed among these places.
You can prefer Şafak cafe, Çınarlı cafe, Saklı Konak, Wish Cappadocia, Panorama cafe and Vadi cafe for breakfast in Bursa.
Garlic, tomatoes and lamb meat are used while making this kebab, which is cooked only on a tray.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_cuisine
Cappadocia Restaurants