When it comes to your wedding in Turkey, the charm of the celebration is only rivaled by the culinary wonders awaiting you. Picture this: your guests indulging in an array of Turkish dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also tell a story of rich cultural heritage and culinary artistry. Here are 8 irresistible Turkish dishes to elevate your wedding feast!

Meze 

Kick off your wedding feast with a dazzling array of meze, a selection of small dishes bursting with flavors. From creamy hummus and tangy cacık (yogurt with cucumber and dill) to savory dolmas (grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs), these starters are perfect for mingling. Each bite is a delightful journey through Turkey’s culinary landscape.

Succulent Lamb Kebabs

Nothing says celebration quite like tender lamb kebabs sizzling over an open flame. Şiş kebabı or Adana kebab offer a smoky, savory experience that’s both hearty and festive. Serve them with warm pide (Turkish flatbread) and a side of fresh şalgam (fermented turnip juice) for a truly authentic touch.

Pide 

If you’re looking for a dish that combines crisp with a touch of contemporary Turkish flair, pide is your answer. Often referred to as Turkish pizza, pide comes with a variety of toppings like spiced minced meat, sausage, or cheese. Kıymalı pide, which features a spiced minced meat filling, is a hearty choice, perfect for guests who enjoy meaty flavors. For cheese enthusiasts, peynirli pide is a delectable option. This version is topped with a generous layer of white cheese, often mixed with herbs like parsley or dill. If you’re looking to add a bit of spice to your menu, consider sucuklu pide for a garlicky punch.

Dolma 

Dolma is a cornerstone of Turkish cuisine. The most iconic version of dolma is yaprak dolma, where tender grape leaves are filled with a savory blend of rice, pine nuts, currants, and aromatic spices such as dill, mint, and cinnamon. It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile Turkish dish for weddings. Another popular variant is karnıyarık, which features eggplants stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, onions, tomatoes, and spices. These are usually roasted or baked to bring out the smoky, rich flavor of the eggplant. For a different take on dolma, consider biber dolması, where bell peppers are filled with a savory rice and meat mixture. 

Manti 

Everyone loves dumplings and when it says ‘Turkish’ on the nameplate, it is a hot cake, trust us! These Turkish dumplings are filled with spiced ground meat and served with a tangy yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of sumac. If you are into pan-fried dumplings, you could try the kızartma manti – literally, fried manti, pan-fried until golden and crispy. This is a great option for vegetarian wedding menus too as you can easily swap the meat for spiced potatoes or mushrooms to accommodate vegetarian guests. Served as bite-sized appetizers, these are also perfect for the cocktail hour. 

Börek 

Börek, a savory pastry layered with flaky phyllo dough, cheese, and herbs, is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. Whether you choose saray böreği (royal börek) or peynirli börek (cheese börek), this dish is a guaranteed hit.

For a touch of regal sophistication, Saray böreği is the way to go. This variant is often associated with the opulence of Ottoman palace cuisine. It’s traditionally made with multiple layers of thin, flaky phyllo dough, each brushed with melted butter or oil for a golden, crisp finish. The filling is usually a savory mixture of minced meat (often beef or lamb), onions, and spices. 

If you’re catering to a crowd that loves cheese, Peynirli börek is a fantastic choice. This version is filled with a delicious mixture of white cheese, commonly feta or beyaz peynir (Turkish white cheese), along with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. The creamy, tangy cheese filling paired with the crispy phyllo dough is a lighter but crowd-pleasing.

Köfte

Köfte, Turkish meatballs, are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be prepared in various ways. Whether you opt for the spicy İskender köfte or the milder Ayran köfte, these delicious bites are sure to satisfy your guests. Served with a side of fresh salad and rice, they’re a hearty addition to your Turkish wedding menu.

Baklava Bliss

End your wedding meal on a high note with baklava, a sweet treat that epitomizes Turkish dessert perfection. Layers of thin phyllo pastry, honey, and nuts create a rich, sweet delight that will leave your guests craving more. Pair it with a cup of Turkish coffee for an authentic finishing touch. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crunchy, flaky layers and the rich, nutty filling, all enveloped in a sweet syrup.

Conclusion

As you plan the menu for your destination wedding in Turkey, throwing in some Turkish dishes here and there could be a great way to let your guests taste the flavors of this contemporary countryside. From the crispy baklava to the savory dolma, Turkey’s dishes are a tribute to the rich history written by its Sultans. While keeping only Turkish dishes might cause trouble for many guests, it is never a bad idea to serve a few iconic dishes Turkey is known for! After all, it is a vacation for them, and what’s a vacation in Europe without tasting its flavors?!