Traditional Dishes in Konya
What to Eat in Konya?
Etli Ekmek (Meat Pita) : Etli ekmek is a type of thin, edge-less, stuffed flatbread unique to the Konya region. It’s made with a mixture of finely chopped lamb or beef (depending on preference), onions, tomatoes, and peppers, all diced with a special cross-cutting technique. This mixture is spread over a long, thinly rolled dough and baked in a stone oven.
Tirit: Konya Tirit is a traditional Turkish dish that masterfully combines dry bread and meat broth. The ingredients used give the dish its unique flavor and texture. The key ingredients of Konya Tirit are Tırnak pide (a type of flatbread), diced beef, meat broth, butter, yogurt, garlic. This simple yet flavorful combination creates a hearty and satisfying meal.
Mevlana Burek: A traditional breakfast item unique to Konya, served in a triangular shape. The filling can include cheese and minced meat, depending on personal preference.
Konya Coregi: Konya çoregi, made with flour, milk, and mahlep, is typically served during tea time. The dough is rolled out thinly, and it can also be filled with a minced meat filling according to preference.
Mevlana Candy: One of the most important symbols of Konya is Konya Candy, also known as “Mevlana Candy” among locals. The original version is pure white in color. Although it appears hard, it is a type of candy that melts in your mouth.You can buy Mevlana candy from candy stores in Konya.
Where to eat Etli Ekmek?
I had read several different recommendations before going, but we followed Vedat Milor’s suggestion and went to Bolu Restaurant. You might wonder what Bolu has to do with Konya, but our famous gourmet, Vedat Milor claimed this was the only place to get authentic Konya etli ekmek. The place was quite crowded, and the locals seemed to favor it too. Aside from the etli ekmek, I should mention that their pastries are also quite popular. There’s not much else on the menu, though. The ayran is served in a small jug, enough for two glasses. We initially thought one jug would suffice, but since the portion of etli ekmek was quite large, we ended up ordering a second jug. The prices were quite reasonable:
Bolu Restaurant is located close to Aziziye Mosque, in Aziziye District.
Where to Eat Tirit?
I haven’t tried Tirit myself as I was in Konya only for a day and I was full with etli ekmek. However, for Tirit, Vedat Milor had suggested Tiritci Mithat which is in Aziziye District as well. It is small place full with both locals and tourists. As you might read from the comments, their tirit is quite famous. I like restaurants dedicating themselves to only one traditional food and do it in the best way. The next time I visit Konya, this place is definitely on my list.
