Must-See Gastro Tourism Stops in Turkey

Gastronomy tourism, or simply “gastro-tourism”, is one of the leading tourism trends in recent years. This type of tourism, also known as food tourism, is seen as one of the subheadings that form the concept of experience-oriented travel.

Our country is famous for its cultural and historical values, natural monuments, national parks, as well as its local flavors and gastronomic tastes. For this reason, travels based on these local flavors and gastronomic tastes are also very inspiring. Also gastro-tourism; It is also attractive because it offers travelers unique moments, unforgettable tastes and authentic stories.

That’s why, in this article, we will take a look at the gastronomy tourism stops in Turkey and take you on a unique journey. But first, let’s explain the concept of gastro-tourism a little more.

Gastro-Tourism: A Different Experience

Gastronomy tourism or gastro-tourism is a type of travel with a long history and roots. This travel concept, also known as “culinary tourism” in English sources, has recently risen with the popularity of food and beverage history.

Today, gastro-tourism is accepted as part of experience-oriented travel; It covers unforgettable tastes and unique eating and drinking experiences. It is even possible to participate in special food tours or cooking classes or workshops in the regions visited in connection with gastro-tourism.

In addition, gastro-tourism, which promises different stories and different experiences to travelers, also sheds light on a past heritage and cultural identity through the local tastes of the regions visited. For this reason, gastronomy tourism also has a historical and cultural side.

Now that we have detailed the concept of gastro-tourism, we can touch on the main gastro-tourism stops in Turkey.

1. Gaziantep: A World Class Taste Stop

When it comes to gastro-tourism in our country, the first place that comes to mind is Gaziantep. Gaziantep is one of the popular stops of recent years, with its historical streets, bazaars where you can see different examples of handicrafts, and museums that will take you on a unique cultural journey.

The region, which has a very old and deep-rooted history, is a place that has hosted many civilizations. For this reason, this cultural richness of the city is also reflected in its food and beverage culture.

The region, one of the flavor capitals of Turkey, is one of the prominent routes of gastronomy tourism with its delicious dishes and local cuisine. The city’s cuisine is so rich that it is known to have more than 250 types of dishes.

In addition, Gaziantep is also on UNESCO’s “Creative Cities Network” list. That’s why this is a truly different and special stop. Tastes such as eggplant kebab, beyran, stuffed meatballs, simit kebab, nesting, sour meatballs, pistachio katmer, baklava and şöbiyet are among the flavors you should definitely try when you come here.

Also, do not forget to see stops such as Coppersmiths’ Bazaar, Zeugma Mosaic Museum and Zeugma Ancient City, Dülük Ancient City and Zincirli Bedesten. One last piece of advice: Don’t forget to read our article on Gaziantep Cuisine from A to Z before coming here!

2. Hatay: A Cultural Mosaic

Hatay, located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Region, is one of the regions called “cultural mosaic” of our country. It is known that the region, whose history dates back to ancient times, has been used as a settlement since the Paleolithic Period. In addition, this is a place that hosted historical civilizations such as the Hittites and Romans.

Hatay, also known as the “city of brotherhood”, was selected as the “city of peace” by UNESCO. Therefore, this is a region where people live in tolerance and have a deep-rooted culture.

The local flavors of the city, which has a multicultural texture, appeal to every palate. Hatay, which is a bridge between Southeastern Anatolia and the Mediterranean, reflects this multiculturalism in its cuisine.

Just like Gaziantep, Hatay is on UNESCO’s “Creative Cities Network” list and is considered a gastronomy capital. The main local flavors of Hatay are hummus, fellah meatballs, paper kebab, belen pan, sour vaccine, firik pilaf, haylan pumpkin, tray kebab, covered lahmacun, kaytaz pastry, muhammara and kunefe.

In Hatay, one of the special corners of Turkish cuisine; St. Pierre Church, St. Simeon Monastery, Titus Tunnel and the Archaeological Museum are also among the must-see places.

3. Konya: In the Heart of Anatolia

Konya is an ancient city located in the heart of Anatolia and has hosted very important civilizations. The region, which bears the traces of a very rich culture and hosted a name that left its mark on human history like Mevlana, is famous for its gastronomic delicacies as well as for its thousands of years of history.

Konya, Turkey’s largest province in terms of surface area, is one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia. The region, known as Ikonium in ancient times, has been under the domination of civilizations such as the Phrygian, Roman, Byzantine and Great Seljuk throughout history.

The region, which served as the capital of the Anatolian Seljuk State for many years after its establishment, was later incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. Konya, which is a strategic city due to its geographical location, has always taken something from different cultures since it is on the trade routes.

Konya, which has developed its cuisine in this way, is one of the most important gastronomy stops in Turkey. The city, which has a very rich food culture, also attracts attention with its cooking techniques and presentation styles.

The region is especially legendary for its etli bread; It also includes different flavors such as oven kebab, tirit kebab, okra soup, su böreği, çebiç, sacarası. Also, while you are here, you should definitely see Çatalhöyük Ancient City, one of the oldest settlements in history, Mevlana Museum and İnce Minareli Madrasa.

4. Trabzon: Towards the Black Sea

Trabzon is one of the first places that come to mind when the Black Sea is mentioned. The region, which attracts attention with its clean air, cultural texture and natural beauties, is one of Turkey’s green travel routes. In addition, it is the perfect place to experience the Black Sea cuisine, one of the richest cuisines of our country.

The region, which has its own traditions and customs, has a different kind of beauty in every season. You should definitely try delicious and unforgettable dishes in Trabzon, a place where you can see every shade of green.

When you come here, you should especially try dishes such as kuymak, Akçaabat meatballs, stuffed kale, anchovy rice, stuffed bonito, Trabzon pita and Laz pastry. In addition, you should also see the Altındere Valley, Uzungöl, Sumela Monastery, Atatürk Mansion and Ayder Plateau in the region.