Food and Drink in ANTALYA

Turkish Cuisine ranks among the best in the world alongside French and Cantonese.
The vast Ottoman Empire which stretched from the gates of Vienna to the S.tip of the Arabian peninsula lent Turkish cuisine its richness and diversity. A few words here just to give you an idea...

Meze
Turkish people traditionally begin their dinner with meze (similar to antipasti or tapas) such as vegetables either stuffed or prepared in olive oil, spicy salsas, yoghurts and dips which are mopped up with crusty Turkish baguettes, deep fried seafood and the list goes on. Some people find that a selection of meze is plenty for their main meal.

Main Meals
The Turks are famous for their spicy kebabs of which there are a great many varieties. Fresh fish such as red mullet, sea bass or bream tends to be served simply either grilled or pan-fried. Earth-baked leg of lamb melts in the mouth and the various meat stews and casseroles will leave you asking for more.

Desserts & Partries
Wafer-thin pastry soaked in syrup and layered with ground pistachio nuts is the famous Turkish sweetmeat not to miss. Deep fried dough balls in syrup (lokma) and Turkish style rice pudding (sütlaç) are all samples of desserts available in most any Turkish restaurant. Many Turks however stick to a platter of sliced fresh fruits and berries after their meal. Fruit in Turkey really does taste better!

Drinks ...

Raki is the national alcoholic drink. Everyone drinks it. It has a strong taste of aniseed and when mixed with water takes on a milky hue. Turkish beers and lagers are excellent as are the wines on offer which come mainly from the vineyards around Ankara and Tekirdağ by the sea of Marmara.

The big soft drinks companies (Pepsi Co. and Coca-Cola) all produce in Turkey. Fruit juice is widely available. Also try ayran which is made up of plain yoghurt whisked in with spring water and a pinch of salt. It is surprisingly refreshing on a hot summer's day.

Wining & Dining in Antalya

Whether you are looking for a traditional Turkish restaurant, an Italian Bistro, a pub, bar or cafe Antalya can come up with something to fit the bill. The city is roughly divided into sections which have their own atmosphere and their own cafes, bars, bistros and restaurants.

Kaleiçi

(old town within the Roman city walls) has its own unique blend of bars which cater to the young crowd. Further down you will find the Yat Limanı (yacht habour) which lives up to its name with up-market fish restaurants, bars and clubs to dance the night away. The area of Işıklar is packed with stylish yet relaxed European-style cafes, bars and bistros frequented mostly by locals. For a taste of a typical Antalyan fish house where the food is simple but tasty even if the surroundings are somewhat primitive go no further than the Halk Pazarı or Peoples Market. Amongst the clatter and noise and smells of the sea you will have a genuine Turkish experience.

And after meal, Turkish coffee…
Afiyet olsun.