Antalya Culinary Adventure: Secrets of Local Cuisine

What to Expect

A World of Flavors and Aromas

In Turkey, sharing a meal is a unique ritual. Every meal is filled with a sense of gratitude and generosity. In other words, the Turks love to eat well and will gladly invite you to join them. How will it be? Let me tell you!

We will stroll through the Old Town and its surroundings, learn about the eras and peoples who lived and dined here. The Greeks and Romans built defensive walls, a triumphal arch, and towers, while the Byzantines erected part of a former monastery and a staircase still in use! The early Turks from various dynasties left us a "town within a town", parts of a palace, tombs, and public dining areas for the poor. We will also delve into the cuisine of Antalya through the centuries.

Mix and Match

Let's set off for new experiences and flavors!
What will we try?

• İçli Köfte and Çi Köfte. We'll learn where these dishes originate from and what correct ingredients they should contain.
• We'll enjoy them with cold Ayran or spicy Şalgam.

Then we'll head off for new experiences and flavors!

Time to Explore Street Fast Food!

You'll be delighted to meet Mr. İzmir Sandwich, Mr. "Kokoreç" (what's it made of?), and Mrs. Midye Dolma with a lemon.

You might also want to indulge in a Mediterranean dish called tantuni. What thoughts does this dish evoke? It's like you decided to snack after swimming in the salty Mediterranean Sea!

If you're not in the mood for tantuni, it's the perfect time to taste piyaz — a true Anatolian dish with a secret sauce.

Let's Move on to the Sweet Side

Turks are huge dessert lovers, and their imagination in making sweets is boundless!
I strongly recommend extreme foodies to try a sweet dish... made of chicken!

Our tasting menu may also include:

• Revani dessert (Attention! This traditional dish is not so easy to find)
• Tender milk Baklava
• Mediterranean Künefe (a hot dish made from fresh cheese strips, drizzled with aromatic syrup, served with cream or ice cream)

We can't go without ice cream in the heat: goat's milk from the Southeast and "burnt" ice cream from the Mediterranean.

It's Time for Turkish Coffee!

Let's dive into history: if in Ottoman times, a cup of invigorating drink was placed before the sultan every morning, nowadays it's mostly consumed in the evening. However, this fact won't stop us from finding a street cafe where coffee is brewed on sand—or visiting a cozy coffee shop.

Turkish coffee comes in different varieties! There's even a type that children can drink or guests who can't have caffeine. Over a cup of fragrant coffee, you'll hear about classic coffee, as well as menengic and dibek.

What main tradition does coffee serving hint at? It signifies that it's time for guests to part ways. But don't be sad, as I look forward to welcoming you on my other tours!

• If necessary, a transfer can be arranged to the starting point of the excursion from Kemer, Belek, Side (from 50 euros one way, depending on distance/mileage). The guide should be informed in advance about the transfer.
• It is advisable to inform me in advance about your culinary preferences for a more accurate gastronomic route. In Turkey, cafes specialize in something specific, so we will visit at least 2-3 establishments.
• The historical part will take approximately 1.5 hours

The excursion price includes tasting dishes:

— İçli Köfte; Çi Köfte + Ayran or Şalgam drinks
— One of the Turkish sandwiches and Midye Dolma
— Mediterranean Tantuni or Piyaz
— One type of sweets: Baklava, Revani, goat milk ice cream, or burnt ice cream
— Turkish coffee, Turkish tea

Additional charges apply for:

— Souvenirs
— Non-specified hot or cold drinks
— Tram fare (public transport fare: $0.5—0.8)

Bon appétit, friends!