Turkey is not just a geographic bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle
East; it's a gastronomic one as well.
Its cuisine reflects the long history of a people who emigrated from the
borders of China to a land mass known as Asia Minor and built an empire that
encompassed Arab, Asian, and European lands.
Turkish cuisine is full of vegetables, grains, fresh fish, and seemingly
infinite varieties of lamb. Fish and meat are typically served grilled or
roasted, although often with inordinate amounts of yag (oil). The core group of
seasonings is garlic, sage, oregano, cumin, mint, dill, lemon, and yogurt,
always more yogurt. Turkish yogurt is among the tastiest in the world: Many
travelers swear it helps keep their stomachs calm and stable while on the road.
Below are some basic terms and food types. |
