1. Cacik
Cacik is considered the "national soul" of Turkish cuisine (Photo source: Collected)
In the list of summer dishes in Türkiye, it would be remiss not to mention Cacik, the famous cold soup that is considered the "national soul" of Turkish cuisine in the hot season. Cacik is similar to Greek tzatziki, but has its own unique, sophisticated and rustic variation.
The main ingredient of Cacik is plain yogurt diluted with cold water or shaved ice, adding diced or shredded cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill and a little bit of premium olive oil. Some regions also add fresh mint leaves, creating a characteristic cool aroma. When enjoying, diners will feel the cool taste spreading throughout the palate, the gentle aroma and the light fatty taste of yogurt mixed with herbs.
Cacik is often served as an appetizer or side dish, helping to cool the body and stimulate digestion. Especially at outdoor barbecues or mezze tables (small Turkish appetizer plates), Cacik is the perfect choice to balance the rich flavor of grilled meat. Not only delicious, this Turkish summer dish is also very good for your health because it contains many probiotics that are beneficial for the intestines, and is rich in vitamins from fresh vegetables.
Wherever you go in Turkey in the summer, you can easily find Cacik on the menu from street food stalls to fine dining restaurants. Each region has its own way of preparing it, from the salty taste of Eastern Anatolia to the light taste of the Aegean, creating an attractive culinary journey of discovery .
2. Shaq
The name Şakşuka reflects the liberal and diverse spirit of the dish (Photo source: Collected)
When it comes to summer dishes in Türkiye, Şakşuka, a colorful and flavorful vegetable dish in tomato sauce, is a must-try. The name Şakşuka comes from the Arabic word “shakshouka” meaning “mixed”, reflecting the dish’s free-spirited and versatile nature.
Şakşuka consists mainly of eggplant, green peppers, red peppers, potatoes and sometimes zucchini. The vegetables are lightly fried until golden brown and then cooked in a fresh tomato sauce with onions, garlic, spices such as paprika, cumin and a little vinegar or lemon juice for a slightly sour taste. Once finished, Şakşuka is eaten cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for hot weather.
This Turkish summer dish wins over diners with its perfect balance of sweet and sour tomatoes, rich eggplant, and a little spicy chili. Şakşuka is often served with Turkish bread to dip the sauce, or as a mezze on the party table with many other appetizers.
The beauty of Şakşuka is its versatility. Each region, and even each Turkish family, has its own way of preparing and seasoning it. On the Aegean coast, mint or dill is often added to make the dish more refreshing. The Mediterranean region likes to add hot peppers to enhance the flavor. No matter how it is varied, Şakşuka always retains the fresh, colorful and extremely attractive nature of a Turkish summer dish.
3. Kisir
This is a famous bulgur salad, often appearing at every party or summer snack (Image source: Collected)
Turkish cuisine is all about balance, and Kısır is the most vivid proof. This is a famous bulgur (crushed wheat) salad, often appearing at every party or summer snack. Among the list of summer dishes in Turkey, Kısır is loved for its light, easy-to-digest and refreshing taste.
The main ingredient of Kısır is fine-grained bulgur, soaked in warm water until soft, then mixed with a thick tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and spices such as paprika, dried mint, dill. Add chopped green onions, fresh parsley and sometimes cucumber or green peppers. The finished product is an eye-catching red-orange salad, the slight sourness of lemon blends with the sweetness of tomatoes and the characteristic aroma of herbs.
What makes Kısır a popular summer dish in Türkiye is its lightness and refreshing nature. It is often served cold or at room temperature, perfect for outdoor picnics, family gatherings or a quick meal on a hot day. Diners can wrap Kısır in fresh lettuce leaves and serve it with tomatoes or raw peppers for a refreshing and crunchy texture.
In addition to its delicious taste, Kısır is also very good for your health because it is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is suitable for vegetarians, dieters and is a smart nutritional choice during hot summer days.
4. Technical Support
Zeytinyağlı Enginar stands out with the natural sweetness of artichokes cooked in premium olive oil (Photo source: Collected)
If you are looking for an elegant and refined dining experience, Zeytinyağlı Enginar is sure to win you over. Among the summer food treasures in Türkiye, Zeytinyağlı Enginar stands out with the natural sweetness of artichokes cooked in premium olive oil with fresh vegetables.
The name “Zeytinyağlı” means “cooked with olive oil” in Turkish, a cooking technique typical of the Aegean and Marmara regions. The dish typically uses fresh artichokes (flower bases) that are cleaned and slowly stewed in olive oil, carrots, potatoes, peas, onions and lemon juice to keep the fresh flavor and perfect tenderness.
The highlight of Zeytinyağlı Enginar is its clean taste, fragrant but not greasy olive oil, soft sweet vegetables and light lemon sauce. This is a popular summer dish in Türkiye for family meals or traditional mezze meals. The dish is usually served cold or slightly cooled, helping to dispel the heat and bring a pleasant feeling.
In Türkiye, fresh artichokes are sold in markets throughout the spring and early summer. Families often prepare Zeytinyağlı Enginar in advance and freeze it to enjoy later as a refreshing appetizer. This dish also fits well with modern healthy eating trends because it is rich in fiber, vitamins, low in cholesterol and completely meatless.
5. Dondurma
Dondurma is not only a refreshing dessert but also a unique cultural symbol of Türkiye (Photo source: Collected)
Talking about summer food in Türkiye without mentioning Dondurma is a big mistake. Dondurma is not only a refreshing dessert but also a unique cultural symbol of this country. If you have ever visited Istanbul or Cappadocia, you must have witnessed the funny performances of Dondurma ice cream sellers "teasing" customers.
Dondurma is distinguished from Western ice creams by its characteristic elastic, chewy texture. The secret lies in the addition of salep (a powder made from the roots of wild Turkish orchids) and mastic (a fragrant tree resin). Salep gives the ice cream its elasticity and stretchability, while mastic gives it a light, distinctive scent.
On hot summer days, this Turkish summer treat is a real lifesaver. Visitors can choose from traditional vanilla, strawberry, chocolate or the pistachio flavor typical of Gaziantep. Dondurma is usually served in a cone or cup, and always accompanied by a skillful performance: the vendor will rotate, shake and “tease” the customer before handing over the ice cream.
More than just a dessert, Dondurma is a vibrant cultural experience. It is associated with the childhood of many generations of Turks and is an indispensable highlight in the journey of discovering summer cuisine in Türkiye. In addition to ice cream carts lining the streets, many luxurious cafes and ice cream shops also serve Dondurma with cakes and fruits, creating a complete and refreshing dessert.
Turkish cuisine is famous for its richness and diversity, but in the summer, it becomes even more attractive thanks to its cool dishes, full of fresh flavors. If you have the opportunity to travel to Turkey in the summer, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy these typical dishes. They not only cool down the heat but also open the door to the fascinating world of Mediterranean cuisine. And remember, discovering cuisine is the best way to understand and love a strange land.
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-mua-he-o-tho-nhi-ky-v17561.aspx
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