The Best Local Turkish Dishes to Pair with Wine

When it comes to pairing wine with food, few cuisines are as versatile and delightful as Turkish cuisine. Known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, Turkish dishes offer a wide range of options that can elevate your wine-tasting experiences. Whether you’re dining at a local restaurant or enjoying a homemade meal, here are some of the best local Turkish dishes to pair with wine.

1. Meze Platters:
Meze, or appetizers, are a staple in Turkish dining. A selection of meze, such as hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves (dolma), and feta cheese, can be beautifully complemented by a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé. These wines accentuate the fresh flavors of the meze and enhance the overall dining experience.

2. Köfte (Turkish Meatballs):
These flavorful meatballs, typically made from minced lamb or beef and mixed with fresh spices and herbs, pair perfectly with a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Turkish Kalecik Karası. The acidity in the wine balances the spices in the köfte, creating a harmonious taste.

3. Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza):
A thin flatbread topped with a spicy minced meat mixture, lahmacun is a delightful dish that can be paired with a light-bodied red wine, like a young Merlot. The wine brings out the flavors of the ingredients while contrasting nicely with the crunchy texture of the bread.

4. İskender Kebap:
This iconic dish features layers of döner kebab served over pita bread, drizzled with melted butter and yogurt. The richness of İskender kebab pairs well with a robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s tannins cut through the richness of the dish and enhance the savory flavors.

5. Pide (Turkish Flatbread):
Often referred to as Turkish pizza, pide is typically filled with various ingredients, such as cheese, meat, or vegetables. For cheese-based pide, a chilled Rkatsiteli white wine works wonderfully, while meat-filled pide pairs best with a Grenache or Syrah. These wine choices accentuate the savory notes of the flatbread while adding depth to each bite.

6. Baklava:
For a sweet finish, baklava is an exquisite choice. This pastry made of layers of phyllo dough, filled with nuts and drenched in syrup, is delicious when paired with a sweet dessert wine like Muscat or a syrupy late harvest Riesling. The sweetness of the wine complements the rich flavors of the baklava, creating a delightful ending to your meal.

7. Grilled Fish:
Coastal Turkish cuisine features a variety of grilled fish dishes that can be complemented beautifully by a refreshing white wine like Chardonnay or an indigenous Turkish varietal such as Emir. These wines enhance the fresh taste of the fish and pair well with the accompanying side dishes.

Exploring Turkish cuisine can be a thrilling culinary adventure, especially when paired with the right wines. From hearty meat dishes to delicate mezes and sweet desserts, there’s a perfect wine pairing for each dish, making any meal an extraordinary experience.