Andrea AbbondanzaTurkish cuisine has garnered a lot of well-deserved attention in recent years. As trends in food evolve and more people are exposed to the rich flavors and dishes of Turkish cuisine, it is quickly becoming one of the most famous cuisines in the world. So, why is Turkish food popular?
From its use of fresh vegetables to its varied flavors and styles, Turkish food offers something for everyone. Here, we’ll explore the reasons why Turkish food has reached its current popularity. Read on!
Have Many Key Ingredients
Why is Turkish food popular? The first reason is that Turkish cuisine is full of interesting ingredients, allowing for dishes from each region that are truly unique. Some of the staple ingredients are bountiful eggplants, tomatoes (for tomato sauce or tomato paste), and peppers.
Meanwhile, coastal areas thrive in citrus fruits, pomegranates, olives, and nuts. Moreover, each season brings new produce to welcome the change in weather. In addition, the valleys of Anatolia provide a plentiful supply of wheat and grains to give sustenance year-round.
The staples and seasonal ingredients make delicious Turkish foods vary and promote uniqueness throughout the year.
Every Food Contains Spices
No Turkish home kitchen is complete without spices, which add flavor and contain vital vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more.
Whether browsing the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul or visiting a local market or spice shop (altar), you’ll find an abundance of fresh, leafy herbs that lend incredible flavor to food.
From wild oregano to thyme and beyond, these regional herbs are high in vitamins and minerals and are often touted for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Plenty of Vegetarian and Vegan Food
Another answer to the “Why is Turkish food popular?” question is that Turkish food is known for its wide variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, which can be eaten alone, over rice or grains, or as a side to fresh fish or meat dishes.
People tend to gather for celebratory occasions to enjoy simple grilled dishes such as lamb, beef, or even fish. These dishes are then accompanied by vegetable and vegan olive oil-based recipes made with fresh seasonal ingredients and spiced with aromatic herbs.
Olive oil is a staple in Turkish cuisine because it can be produced relatively easily and stored for longer periods — making it a great addition to vegetable dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is so special about Turkish food?
Traditional Turkish food is so special due to its various ingredients, herbs, spices, and vegan and vegetarian menu selections.
Why do people like Turkish food?
People love Turkish food because of its unique flavors, colorful presentation, and health benefits. Much of the ingredients used in Turkish dishes are healthy, such as vegetables, herbs, nuts, grains, and olive oil, making it a delicious and nutritious choice for everyone.
What Turkish food do Americans like?
Most Americans like Döner kebab, dolma, and yogurt.
Conclusion
Turkish food has been popular for centuries for its diverse flavors, fresh ingredients, vegan and vegetarian options, and health benefits, making it an excellent cuisine for any occasion.
With traditional Turkish foods such as kebabs and mezze platters to old favorites like hummus and pita bread, it’s easy to see why people worldwide love this unique yet familiar cuisine. So if you’ve never tried popular Turkish food before, now is the perfect time to explore the wonderful flavors that make it so popular!
