Mediterranean Coast, Turkey
Turkish cooking mirrors centuries of cultural exchange and imperial legacy. It balances savory with hints of sweetness, uses fresh, seasonal ingredients, and a thoughtful blend of spices.
The Mediterranean influence in Side brings lighter, vegetable-rich dishes compared to the heartier, meat-focused fare found in central Anatolia. The abundance of fresh produce and seafood defines the coastal diet.
Common proteins include lamb, beef, chicken, and a variety of fresh fish. Vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic are staples. Grains like chickpeas, lentils, bulgur, and rice form the base of many dishes. Yogurt is a cornerstone, used both in cooking and as a condiment. Olive oil is the main cooking fat, and fresh herbs like mint, parsley, and dill lend bright flavors.
Turkish cuisine often presents savory profiles with subtle sweet undertones, especially in desserts. Common spices include red pepper flakes (pul biber), cumin, sumac, and oregano. The refreshing tang of yogurt and the richness of olive oil are recurring flavors throughout many dishes.
Breakfast (Kahvaltı): A substantial meal, usually eaten between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. A traditional Turkish breakfast includes a wide array of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, various breads, jams, honey, and plenty of tea. Lunch (Öğle Yemeği): Typically consumed around 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. It is usually lighter than dinner, often soup, a fresh salad, or a kebab. Dinner (Akşam Yemeği): The main meal of the day, usually eaten later, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It often starts with a selection of meze, followed by a main course of meat, fish, or a vegetable stew.
Vertically roasted meat (lamb, beef, or chicken) sliced thinly and served in warm bread, a wrap (dürüm), or on a plate with rice and salad.
Widely available from street vendors and dedicated döner shops throughout Side and Manavgat.
A thin, crispy flatbread topped with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, finely chopped vegetables, and herbs, baked in a stone oven.
Often called "Turkish pizza." Found in bakeries and specialized lahmacun shops.
A boat-shaped flatbread with various toppings, similar to a pizza but with a thicker crust.
Popular toppings include cheese, spiced minced meat, or sucuk (spicy Turkish sausage). Look for it in pidesalonu (pide restaurants).
A circular bread covered with sesame seeds, similar to a bagel. It is a popular breakfast item or snack, sold by street vendors with carts.
A common sight on street corners throughout Turkey.
Mussels stuffed with spiced rice, often with a squeeze of fresh lemon. A popular late-night snack, sold from street carts, especially in coastal areas.
A large baked potato, split open and mashed with butter and cheese, then generously filled with a variety of toppings of your choice, similar to a loaded baked potato.
A simple yet delicious grilled fish sandwich, often with fresh salad in a crusty bread roll. A popular street food, specifically near coastal areas.
Many 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Side feature their own fine dining restaurants, presenting a blend of international cuisine, modern Turkish dishes, and specialized menus.
This category is abundant in Side, notably in the old town and along the promenade. These restaurants present a mix of traditional Turkish cuisine, various seafood options, and international dishes to serve a broad tourist base.
For authentic and budget-friendly local food, venture into Manavgat town. Here, you find numerous lokantas (local eateries), kebab shops, and börek/pide shops that mainly serve locals, with delicious and affordable meals.
This large, bustling weekly market takes place on Mondays and Thursdays. It is a fantastic place to buy fresh produce, local spices, cheeses, olives, and often includes stalls selling ready-to-eat local snacks. It presents a lively glimpse into local life.
Easily accessible by dolmuş from Side.
Side does not have specific large food halls, but its central bazaar has a range of food items and spices.
A central shopping area for general goods and souvenirs.
Pasta, pizza, and more.
Various European dishes.
Chinese, Indian, etc.
Concentrating on Turkish cuisine for the most authentic and memorable dining experience is advisable.
As Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, most meat served in local restaurants and butcher shops is halal. For travelers seeking halal food, most traditional Turkish eateries will meet this requirement.
Dedicated kosher restaurants are very difficult to locate in Side or the broader region. Travelers requiring strict kosher meals may need to self-cater or bring their own certified food.
Always communicate your allergies clearly to restaurant staff. Using a Translation app or having a written card in Turkish explaining your allergies (e.g., "Fındık alerjim var" - I have a nut allergy; "Yer fıstığı alerjim var" - I have a peanut allergy) assists.
Utilize digital tools and prepared notes to ensure your dietary needs are clearly understood. This makes for a smoother dining experience.
Some local tour operators in Side or the wider Antalya region may offer Turkish cooking classes. These often include a visit to a local market to select ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking session and meal.
Food tours exploring local markets and street food are also available, specifically in larger cities like Antalya or Istanbul, but can sometimes be organized for Side visitors. These tours impart insight into local ingredients and culinary traditions.
These experiences explore Turkish gastronomy, from traditional techniques to ingredient sourcing.
Side does not host major specific food festivals, but regional festivals sometimes feature local cuisine prominently.
Check local tourism information for any events during your visit.
Seasonal harvests, like the citrus harvest, might be celebrated locally with smaller events.
Experience fresh produce celebrations.
Several restaurants locate right next to or within the ancient city area, presenting an unique ambiance.
Side harbor is lined with restaurants presenting freshly caught fish and seafood. Enjoying a meal here with a view of the Mediterranean and the ancient harbor creates a memorable dining moment.
For an authentic culinary experience, seek out a "lokanta." These local eateries serve home-style Turkish dishes, often displayed in a counter for you to choose from.
Explore the Manavgat Market (Mondays and Thursdays). It presents a sensory feast of local produce, spices, and a true taste of local life, and you can pick up fresh ingredients for a picnic.
