Turkish Cuisine: Dishes You Can't Leave Without Trying

Turkey, at the crossroads of civilizations, has a cuisine as varied as its past, fusing cuisines from the Balkan, Middle East, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe to create a symphony of flavors. Turkish cuisine offers a culinary adventure unlike any other, with flavors ranging from savory to sweet. The following foods ought to be in the menus of all travelers:

1. Kebabs: Not simply the common döner, but also variations such as 'Adana' with its fiery kick, 'İskender' drenched in butter and tomato sauce, and 'Şiş kebab' composed of marinated beef skewers.

2. Mezes: A Turkish meal is not complete without them. A few delicious possibilities are "Hummus," which is prepared from mashed chickpeas, "Sarma," which is packed grape leaves, and "Muhammara," which is a hot red pepper dip.

3. Lahmacun: Often referred to as the Turkish pizza, this crispy delicacy has a thin crust and is covered with minced meat, veggies, and herbs.

4. Baklava: A sweet tooth's paradise, this dish consists of layers of phyllo dough filled with walnuts or pistachios and sweetened with honey or syrup.

5. Kumpir: An overstuffed baked potato loaded with cheese, corn, sausages, and other toppings.

6. Simit: An alternative to the bagel in Turkey. A bread dipped in sesame, ideal for a quick snack or breakfast.

7. Börek: Phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and spinach or minced meat. Ideal for a snack or breakfast.

8. Balık Ekmek: Literally meaning "fish bread," this is a straightforward fish sandwich that is frequently served aboard boats, particularly in Istanbul.

9. Kısır: A fiery and tart bulgur salad, it's frequently spiced with pepper paste and pomegranate molasses.

10. Ayran: A refreshing yogurt beverage that goes well with a filling Turkish dinner.

11. Kunefe: A dessert consisting of cheese-filled, stringy kadayif dipped in syrup. Ideal consumed hot.

12. Rakı: Known as 'lion's milk,' this anise-flavored spirit is a popular choice in Turkey, particularly when paired with seafood.

Exploring Turkey on foot is not just a historical but also a culinary excursion. Savor centuries of tradition and fusion with each meal; every bite narrates a tale of migrations, civilizations, and cultures.