Which Foods Are Famous In Hatay? What To Eat In Hatay?

Hatay is a city located in the south of Turkey, east of the Mediterranean, and has hosted many civilizations throughout history. Hatay cuisine has been shaped as a reflection of this rich historical accumulation. The city, which bears the traces of different civilizations such as the Romans, Byzantines, Persians, Sassanids and Urartians, has many tourist spots that make you feel its historical texture. However, Hatay's appeal is not only limited to its historical beauties; the city's famous dishes and rich culinary culture are one of the most important elements that attract visitors' attention.

The food culture in this ancient city is also quite diverse and has been shaped by the blending of flavors from different civilizations. If you are wondering which dishes Hatay is famous for, you should know that there are many unforgettable flavors you can taste in the city. Among the famous dishes of Hatay are Kunefe, Tepsi Kebabı, Kağıt Kebabı and Hummus. The city is known as the 'city of tolerance' and this diversity is also felt in its culinary culture. Antakya cuisine is characterized by rich spices, olive oil and sour flavors, and Hatay is a paradise of taste for those who want to experience this cuisine. If you are wondering what to eat in Hatay, many flavors such as Oruk, Fellah Meatballs, Biberli Ekmek and Abugannuş, which are the local dishes of the city, are waiting for you.

Hatay local dishes are formed by skillfully combining the unique flavors of traditional cuisine and ingredients specific to these lands. Each dish has its own story and flavor, so Hatay local flavors allow you to feel the cultural richness and historical heritage of the city on your palate.

1. Kerebiç

Kerebiç is one of the most delicious desserts of Hatay. When you go here, we definitely say that you should not return without tasting this dessert. This dessert is made with semolina and is made by adding pistachios. Cream is also added on top. Thus, the taste of the dessert, which reaches an insatiable taste, is so magnificent that it will linger on your palate.

2. Tepsi Kebab

You should not leave without eating Tepsi kebab, one of the dishes that goes very well with minced meat. Minced meat; onion, various vegetables and spices are kneaded. This wonderful flavor emerges. Tepsi kebab and Kağıt kebab are actually made the same. The only difference is that Tepsi kebab is sauced.

3. Hummus

The dictionary meaning of Hummus is chickpeas. Hummus made from chickpeas is one of the most popular appetizers of Hatay. Hummus is created with the combination of tahini, lemon and olive oil. It is one of the appetizers made in many places in the world. However, the most perfect one in Turkey is prepared in Hatay.

4. Fellah Meatballs

Fellah meatballs are made in different ways all over Turkey and are one of the most famous dishes of Hatay. It is made by adding Hatay's popular pepper paste. It is known by different names all over the country. A delicious flavor emerges when thin bulgur meets the sauce. For this reason, you should definitely try it.

5. Oruk

Oruk is one of the delicious dishes of Hatay, known for its resemblance to stuffed meatballs. Oruk differs from stuffed meatballs in terms of shape and dough. It is made in most parts of Turkey; however, it meets quality in Hatay. Pounded meat is put in its dough. If you want to experience a feast of flavor, you should not leave Hatay without trying oruk.

6. Kunefe

Künefe is one of the most famous and delicious desserts of Hatay. There is almost no one in Turkey who does not like it. In fact, this flavor comes to mind first when Hatay is mentioned. It manages to leave a mark on the palate with its stretched cheese and crispy shredded wheat. Kunefe is also made everywhere; however, the place where you will eat the best is definitely Hatay.

7. Pepper Bread

Pepper Bread is one of the dishes you should try first when you go to Hatay. The flavor and taste of the bread combined with Hatay's famous pepper paste gives your stomach a joy. Its filling is prepared with curd or curd cheese. The flavor level is increased with walnuts and various spices.

8. Paper Kebab

Another famous kebab of Hatay, Paper Kebab is prepared by wrapping finely chopped lamb meat, onion, garlic and pepper in paper and cooking in the oven. Although it is very similar to tray kebab, cooking it in paper makes its flavor different. When the paper kebab is fried like a pomegranate, the aroma of the ingredients inside mixes and a delicious taste emerges.

9. Additive Bread

Additional bread is an indispensable part of breakfast tables in Hatay. This bread, which is made by putting pepper paste, curd cheese, sesame and various spices on thin dough and baking it in the oven, is both filling and very delicious. It is usually consumed with tea in the morning and has an important place in the daily lives of the local people.

10. Çökelek Salad

Çökelek, one of the local cheeses of Hatay, is mixed with greens to make a delicious salad. ÇThe ökelek salad is preferred as a refreshing appetizer, especially in the summer months. This salad, made by adding fresh mint, tomatoes, olive oil and lemon, offers a light and refreshing flavor.

11. Zahter Salad

Zahter is one of the indispensable herbs of Hatay cuisine. Zahter salad, made by mixing fresh zahter leaves, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and plenty of olive oil, offers a very nutritious and healthy option. This salad, especially flavored with olive oil and lemon, is often consumed with kebabs and meat dishes.

12. Abugannuş

This appetizer, made by roasting eggplants, is one of the indispensables of Hatay tables. Abugannuş is prepared by combining roasted eggplants with garlic, yogurt and olive oil. This appetizer, which is both light and filling, is served with meat dishes.

13. Aşur (Hatay Style Keşkek)

Aşur, which has an important place in Hatay cuisine, is a dish made by cooking wheat and meat together for a long time. This dish, which is consumed hot especially in the winter months, is known for being both nutritious and filling. It is frequently made at weddings and special occasions in Hatay.

14. Muhammara

Muhammara is another famous appetizer of Hatay. This delicious appetizer, made with a mixture of pepper paste, walnuts, bread crumbs, olive oil and spices, is served spread on bread. It is the crown jewel of Hatay tables with its spicy and walnut flavor.

15. Kaytaz Borek

Kaytaz Borek, one of the famous boreks of Hatay, is especially preferred at tea time. This borek, made by adding minced meat, onion and spices to its dough, is prepared in small round shapes and baked in the oven. It has a crispy and soft texture.

16. Spinach Borani

Spinach Borani is one of the important vegetable dishes of Antakya cuisine. It is prepared with spinach, rice, chickpeas and sour sauce. It is served garnished with yogurt and walnuts, and is especially preferred for dinner.

17. Öcce

Öcce, a Hatay-style fritter, is prepared with ingredients such as spring onion, garlic and mint. It is a light and aromatic dish consumed both for breakfast and dinner.

18. Shish Borek Soup

Shish Borek soup is made by filling thinly rolled dough with minced meat and closing it in a half-moon shape. The soup also contains chickpeas and rice, and yogurt sauce is added on top. It is flavored with butter, red pepper and mint when served.

19. Şeyh Mualla

Şeyh Mualla is a delicious home-cooked dish prepared with eggplant, lentils, tomatoes and plenty of spices. The vegetables arranged in layers are cooked slowly and can be consumed hot or cold.

20. Aya Soup

This sour soup made with pomegranate syrup and small meatballs is one of the special flavors of Antakya cuisine. This soup, which is both nutritious and quite delicious, is as filling as a main course on its own.

21. Kepse Pilaf

Kepse pilaf is a flavor that came to Hatay from the Middle East. The pilaf, flavored with spices such as turmeric, cardamom and coriander, is usually served with chicken or meat. It leaves a permanent mark on the palate with its spicy aroma.

If you liked this content and want more, you can start exploring it lively with GeziBilen's thematic Hatay Routes.

Written by: Aslı Sarıtaş