8 Ankara Local Dishes Every Food Lover Must Try

Ankara, Turkey's dynamic capital city, is known for its extensive past and cultural legacy, attractions, and delicious local food. Influenced by Anatolian, Ottoman, and Middle Eastern cuisines, Ankara's traditional cuisine offers foodies a unique gastronomic experience. From filling stews to delectable sweets, this city provides a fascinating variety of traditional cuisine that captures its history and culture.

From tasting Doner, a staple of Turkish cuisine made from marinated meat gently roasted on a vertical rotisserie, to indulging in Mantı, tiny dumplings filled with seasoned meat and frequently topped with yogurt and spices, Ankara provides a veritable feast for the senses. And if you are a fan of lamb, Kuzu Tantri is a must-try, a dish consisting of marinated lamb that is slow-roasted until it is incredibly tender.

With so many options, it is always hard to choose which one to select, but don’t worry, we have got you covered. Here is a list of the 8 best local foods in Ankara. Let’s dive in!

Döner, a mainstay of Turkish cuisine, is arguably the most well-known food you will come across in Ankara. Traditionally, it is prepared with marinated beef and roasted on a vertical rotisserie. By roasting meat gently, they remain succulent and delicious. In Ankara, Döner is frequently served on a plate along with a side of rice plus salad or in large servings wrapped in flatbread. Notably, the seasoning may significantly improve the flavor, resulting in a distinctive döner experience at every spot. It's a quick and tasty meal that residents and visitors both appreciate. Additionally, many döner spots in Ankara boast vibrant atmospheres, especially during lunch.

Where To Eat:

Visit Hacı Hassan in Kızılay or Hünkar for an excellent döner experience; locals recommend it for its generous portions.

Ankara Tava is a tasty meal that perfectly captures the essence of the local cuisine. It is made with rice, veggies, and tender chunks of meat, such as lamb or chicken, that are slow-cooked inside a traditional clay pot. The end product is a flavorful and satisfying dish where each component enhances the other to produce a well-balanced and flavorful meal that highlights the characteristics of the regional foods. Frequently served with a sour side of yogurt, it is ideal for people who want to indulge in something soothing. It is also a wonderful meal for sharing with loved ones, enhancing the mealtime experience with a feeling of coziness and warmth.

Where To Eat:

Beyti Mangal is a fantastic place known for its Ankara Tava, providing a genuine dining experience coupled with friendly service.

Manti are little, tasty dumplings that stand out as one of the most popular traditional Ankara food dishes. Packed with seasoned ground meat, either lamb or beef, these tasty morsels are often cooked or steamed to perfection. What makes Manti truly unique is the assortment of sauces and garnishes that it comes with, such as a zesty yogurt sauce and a garlicky drizzle of melted butter. To guarantee that every dumpling is covered with sauce, manti are typically presented in a shallow bowl. Additionally, every restaurant may have a distinct take on manti, so you will have a chance to try out an assortment of varieties.

Where To Eat:

Mustafa's Manti is a beloved restaurant that is well-known for its mouthwatering, hand-rolled manti.

Known as a hallmark stew, Beypazarı Güveci serves as a characteristic dish of Ankara's culinary scene. Cooked to perfection in a clay pot, this filling meal features a variety of ingredients, including succulent slices of lamb, tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines. Traditionally, the meal is slow-cooked, which allows the tastes to mingle together and produce a savory, rich experience. Although many local eateries serve it, it's important to try the original recipe, which frequently calls for a combination of regional spices. To enhance the enjoyment of the meal, this classic dish is frequently served with fresh bread and rice on the side.

Where To Eat:

Çınaraltı Restaurant and Güveççi Halil Usta are both renowned for their original, savory versions of Beypazarı Güveci, so go there for the real deal.

Kuzu Tantri is another staple of Ankara's diverse cuisine, comprising of lamb that has been marinated and then gently roasted, resulting in extremely delicate and tasty meat. Traditionally, lamb is cooked within a specially constructed pit, giving it a distinct flavor and texture. Often accompanied by simple sides like rice or grilled vegetables, Kuzu Tandir adds a touch of authenticity that aligns with traditional cooking techniques. The meat is so tender that it almost falls off the bone, delivering a remarkable melt-in-your-mouth sensation.

Where To Eat:

Hacı Arif Bey and Keyif Sofrası, both well-regarded for their delectably cooked meals, provide an excellent Kuzu Tandir.

Börek, a beloved pastry of Ankara cuisine, is renowned for its mouthwatering fillings and flaky layers. This savory dish is made by encasing various contents, such as cheese, minced beef, or spinach, in thin dough sheets. The layers provide a pleasing crunch, making each mouthful an enjoyable experience. Börek is typically served as a snack or appetizer and is traditionally baked on huge trays. It is particularly well-liked at parties and celebrations, demonstrating the friendliness of Turkish people. Moreover, the meal is enhanced by the nutty flavor of sesame seeds sprinkled on top.

Where To Eat:

When exploring places to eat in Ankara, don’t miss Börekçim or Çınar Börek, both renowned for their quality and diversity. They offer the best Börek in Ankara.

A popular meal in Ankara, İçli Köfte is made from bulgur or wheat shells that are filled with spices, onions, and seasoned minced beef. Because it takes time and skill to prepare, this meal is sometimes seen as a labor of love. Inside the crunchy shell, there's a flavorful combination full of taste. Along with being a staple at family dinners, this dish is additionally popular in eateries throughout the city.

Furthermore, based on personal inclination, İçli Köfte can be made in a variety of methods, including boiling, frying, and baking, and every preparation technique highlights distinct tastes and textures. As you eat, enjoy the delicious content within and the crispy outside, which perfectly captures the spirit of Turkish cooking.

Where To Eat:

Kasap İsmail and Çankaya Sofrası, both renowned for their traditional dishes and cozy atmosphere, provide true İçli Köfte.

Taze Fasulye is a beloved and hearty dish made with fresh green beans, typically cooked with olive oil, tomatoes, and onions. It’s especially popular during the summer months when green beans are in season, offering a light yet nutritious option perfect for warm-weather meals.

This versatile dish is often served as a side in Ankara but can easily be transformed into a more substantial main course with the addition of potatoes or aromatic spices. Its simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful and wholesome meal that pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Thanks to its adaptability and health benefits, Taze Fasulye remains a staple in many homes throughout Ankara, cherished for both its comforting taste and its nourishing qualities.

Where To Eat:

Asmalı Konak, a cozy neighborhood eatery known for its classic Ankara cuisine, offers a generous serving of Taze Fasulye, prepared in the traditional style that highlights the dish’s fresh and comforting flavors.