Turkish cuisine is to a large extent the product of a rich historical background, resulting from centuries of crossbreeding between East and West and sustained by an infinite variety of fish, meat, vegetables and fruit. When the Turks were nomads their food was necessarily limited, but as they settled they adopted the dishes of the conquered, refining these continuously in the palaces of Istanbul.

Foreign guests are over and over surprised by the rich variety and painstaking preparation of vegetable here. The market of Bodrum makes it clear: fresh vegetables have the highest value in the Turkish kitchen. They can also be roasted, fried or served with yogurt. Vegetable courses can be eaten warm by themselves or filled with mince meat and rice (Dolma). They can also be prepared with olive oil as a cold dish. In addition also lamb is offered -, calf and beef and much chicken. Pork meat is forbidden to the believing Moslem, and fish has become very expensive over the last years.

The Drinks

Raki :
Among alcoholic drinks Raki as a beverage ranks at the highest point of the popularity scale in Turkey. It is an "anisette" which clouds when water is added and normally you mix it with approximately 2 thirds of water at the table. And therefore in the common language it is also called "Aslan süt" , (lion milk). The great thing with Raki is that its flavour lends itself to all courses, to the hors-d'oeuvre, the sweets, fish or meat, Raki always fits. With "Sherefe" (cheers) you salute each other.

Ayran :
Ayran is a beverage made out of Yoghurt, diluted with water, salted, and must be served cool . Very much appreciated by Turks - ideal when you are thirsty on hot days. A must for you to try..

The starters
Hors-d'oeuvres to the full meal. Coming for the first time to Turkey, people are surprised by the variety of small courses, which are offered in the restaurants. Usually the waiter brings an assortment on a large tray of portion sized plates directly to the table for everyone to select, whatever appeals. More frequently however one goes to the selection bar inside of the restaurant.

Everything that is stuffed is called Dolmas - e.g., there are peppers and vine leaves filled with rice, currants and pine seeds, fried slices of eggplants with garlic yogurt and Humus a a spicy paste made from chick peas.

Afterwards the warm starters are served: e.g. Sigara Böreks, filled with white cheese and parsley; fried Zucchini and stuffed Zucchini flowers - too numerous to mention. And the nice thing is this, if you are full they are not bothered if you refuse to order a main course.