When it comes to Avanos in Cappadocia, it is one of the popular regions, offering an ideal retreat for those seeking a tranquil holiday away from the stress of modern life. There are numerous hotels in the area for accommodation, and the local restaurants are known for their success in providing memorable dining experiences.
Cappadocia, with its unique flavors, is a location that will stay in your memory. In Avanos, you’ll find a variety of places to visit and many restaurants that stand out, particularly for their captivating views. There are numerous alternatives to enjoy the region’s scenery. Many establishments in Avanos also have terrace sections, allowing you to savor your meals while enjoying the beautiful landscapes. If you’re wondering what to eat in Avanos, let’s explore some of the local culinary delights.
Testi kebabı is one of the first dishes that come to mind when Cappadocia is mentioned. However, pottery, especially in the Avanos region, has a significant presence. Therefore, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the epicenter of the testi kebab is Avanos.
The original testi kebab is made with lamb meat. However, restaurants often provide an alternative made with beef for those who do not eat lamb. The key to the testi kebab is that the meat is slow-cooked inside the clay pot for long hours. Moreover, successful restaurants in the region tend to use organically grown vegetables sourced locally.
Köftür, also known as pekmez şırası, is among the popular dishes of Avanos. The key to its flavor lies in the use of barley flour. After preparation, the mixture is poured into large trays to cool and then sliced. Additionally, there are variations with walnuts and pistachios. It is often served as a treat in restaurants after meals.
While the name “ayva dolması” might initially bring a dessert to mind, this flavor is actually among the popular main dishes of the region. After hollowing out the quince, it is filled with a stuffing and slowly cooked in a wood-fired oven. When looking at the history of ayva dolması, it can be traced back to Ottoman cuisine. The key to achieving its magnificent flavor lies in the spices used.
Cappadocia is known as the granary of Anatolia, where various dishes using grains and legumes are prepared. Tandir beans are one of these dishes. The secret to the deliciousness of tandir beans lies in cooking them using the clay pots made in Avanos. Additionally, the cooking process takes place in a wood-fired oven and is done slowly. This results in a distinct taste and aroma for the beans that you can truly appreciate.
Dolaz is among the Avanos desserts offered, especially after heavy meat meals. It looks quite similar to halva from the outside, but it contains eggs. During presentation, like many desserts, it is drizzled with grape molasses.
Manti, as popular as it is in its neighbor Kayseri, is also well-loved in Nevşehir. However, the manti served in Avanos is prepared much more easily compared to the one in Kayseri. The dough, prepared with care, is thinly rolled out, filled with the inner mixture, and then rolled up and baked in the oven. Once prepared, the manti is served with yogurt and a tomato-based sauce.
There are many places to visit in Avanos, and you can consider it as a full-day tour. For those looking for Avanos flavors throughout the day and wondering what to eat in Avanos, we’ve tried to prepare a helpful article. Thank you for reading our article up to this point.
