What to Eat in Adana
Adana Kebap
Adana kebap is a famous Turkish dish originating from the city of Adana. It’s made from hand-minced lamb or a mixture of lamb and beef, mixed with spices like red pepper flakes and formed around a large skewer. The kebap is grilled over an open flame, giving it a distinct smoky flavor. The restaurants traditionally serve it with flatbread, grilled vegetables, and sometimes bulgur pilaf, alongside fresh herbs and onions.
Adana Liver Kebap
Adana ciğer, or Adana-style liver kebab, is a popular dish from the Adana region of Turkey. It consists of skewered lamb liver, cut into cubes, and grilled over a charcoal fire. The liver is seasoned with simple spices like salt and sometimes red pepper flakes, allowing the natural flavor to pop up. The restaurants typically serve it with fresh flatbread, grilled vegetables, onions with sumac, and parsley. The locals in Adana enjoy it as a breakfast, accompanied by salads and sometimes spicy sauces.
Where to Eat Adana Kebap and Liver Kebap
Birbiçer Kebap
Although it’s more famous for its liver, we happily devoured the kebab. The appetizers, a classic Adana tradition, were abundant and delicious. Despite the crowd, the service was fast.
Onur Kebap
A kebab restaurant recommended by locals, but we suggest you don’t walk there on an empty stomach. It’s located near Merkez Park, just turn right at the end of Gazipaşa Boulevard. It’s a bit more upscale compared to other kebab places, but the prices are similar to those in Istanbul. While we didn’t find the taste particularly exceptional, we were satisfied.
Elem Ziyapaşa Restaurant
This one has a elegant ambiance with white tablecothes and the prices are a bit higher. It is located in Ziyapasa district, one of the most lively districts in Adana. We ordered kebap and hummus but I didn’t find hummus to be the best (I make a better one myself!). If you’re choosing between Birbiçer and Elem, Birbiçer wins on taste, but for a more stylish venue, go with Elem.
Turnip Juice (Şalgam Suyu)
Şalgam suyu is a traditional Turkish fermented drink made from purple carrots, turnips, bulgur, and salt. Originating from the southern regions of Turkey, especially Adana, it has a tangy, slightly sour, and salty flavor. We consume it alongside dishes like kebabs, especially Adana kebap, and it is often enjoyed with spicy meals as a refreshing and flavorful complement. There are two types: plain or spicy, depending on preference.
Where to Have Turnip Juice
Ali Göde
This popular turnip juice spot is a favorite among locals. They distribute boxes of turnip juice and many people come to drink it by the glass. It was my first time trying it, and I found it quite salty, but I guess those who like it would enjoy it. They even drop a turnip into the glass!
Kaymaklı Kadayıf
Kaymaklı kadayıf is a traditional Turkish dessert made from shredded phyllo dough (kadayıf) filled with rich, creamy clotted cream (kaymak). The kadayıf is baked until golden and crispy, then soaked in a sweet syrup made from sugar and water. The contrast between the crispy kadayıf, the soft kaymak, and the sweet syrup makes this dessert both rich and indulgent. It’s often garnished with crushed pistachios or walnuts before serving.
Where to Eat Kaymaklı Kadayıf
Doğan Kaymaklı Kadayıf
We tried both the kaymaklı (cream-filled) and regular kadayıf. Don’t be fooled by the term “kaymaklı”—it’s so light it’s almost like it’s filled with ice cream, but I personally found the regular kadayıf to be much better. Though since it’s now available in Istanbul too, I’m not sure how special it is anymore.
Banana Milk
Banana Milk is a refreshing drink made by blending fresh bananas with frozen milk. However, the spot famous for its special banana milk in Adana do not disclose its special recipe, so we do not know exactly how they do it.
I haven’t tried this one in the famous spot “Kazım Bufe” and I didn’t like it in the spot I have tried. So, no comments on this one.
Street Desserts in Adana
Bici Bici: A refreshing summer dessert made with crushed ice, starch-based jelly, rose syrup, and powdered sugar. It is popular among the locals during the summer.
Taş Kadayıf: A type of stuffed pastry made from semolina or flour dough, filled with walnuts or pistachios, deep-fried, and soaked in syrup. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Karakuş Tatlısı: A dessert similar to baklava, made with layers of thin dough, filled with walnuts, and fried, then soaked in syrup. It has a rich and sweet taste.
Şam Tatlısı: A semolina-based dessert that resembles a cake, baked until golden, and then soaked in syrup. It’s typically topped with almonds or peanuts.
Cafes in Adana
Sahil Café & Tea Garden: This tea garden, located near Galleria towards the end of Merkez Park, became one of my favorites due to its beautiful view. Gondolas depart right across from it, there are plenty of ducks in the water, and even on a Saturday, you can find a spot by the river.
Kardeşler Bakery: This bakery, which has many branches throughout Adana, seemed like a good choice. The products are fresh—we opted for a plate of cookies and tea. You can also try Adana’s unique varieties of simit here.
Nadir Nuts: A place we stumbled upon while heading towards Atatürk Park, where you can buy nuts for home. Their products are fresh and tasty, and they offer samples of everything.
Of course, other than those there are popular Turkish cafes in Ziyapaşa neighborhood around Ataturk Park.
