This is one of the most delectable cuisines in the world. Freshly baked bread is always on the table. Since butter or oil and tomato paste are used liberally in the meals, butter and ketchup are not served separately. The main dishes are vegetables cooked with lamb, mutton or veal. Rice, various pastries, bulgur, dry beans and a variety of vegetables cooked in olive oil are served as side dishes. The best kebabs are served in specialist kebab restaurants. Gourmets patronize certain traditional small shops for the best and most authentic Turkish pastries and desserts. As fishing is prohibited between May and September, the extremely savory fish special to Istanbul can only be found fresh in the other months of the year. Like all major cities of the world, Istanbul has restaurants specializing in various national kitchens. In recent years numerous fast-food outlets have sprung up. Nevertheless, typical restaurants are recommended for delicious regional dishes. White is the color of the two best known national beverages: raki, the one with alcohol, is a strong clear drink that turns to white when water is added, while the second, ayran, is a refreshing beverage made by thinning yogurt. Raki can be served both as an aperitif with dried fruits or white cheese and melon, and during meals. It is not normally mixed with other drinks. Anatolia is the homeland of wine and beer. Turkish winemaking has improved steadily and now offers good wines of every type, class and price range. The famous Turkish coffee is offered at every opportunity in small cups, either with or without sugar. The saying that "a cup of coffee will be remembered for 40 years" dates back to the 16th century when Turks first became acquainted with this beverage. Turkey is a paradise of fresh and dried fruits. Different seasonal fruits are shipped to Istanbul from all parts of the country the year round.

ANTALYA CUISINE

As we start to discover our treasures we notice how rich we are. The experts who accepts turkish cuisine among worlds top kitchens judge only with the crieterias known to everyone. On the other hand the richness of regional cuisines, which are not yet discovered and registered are as rich as the anatolian civilizations.These civilizations mould anatolian treasures for more than 2000 years.

Antalya lays on the south of anatolian platou between range of Tauros Mauntains and coastline of Mediterranean Sea lives the nomadic (YORUK) culture and mediterranean culture at the same time. Antalya thank to its geographical situation not only combines the odour of thyme of Tauros Mauntains with Mediterranean Sea but at the same time mixes the eating habits of nomads and Mediterranean cultures, and gives to the tastes a special spirit.We noticed that we are still unaware of this treasure for it hasnt been yet discovered and registered.

Food symbolizes the culture of its society.Kitchen is a treasure of a fundemetal culture, and food cannot be seen as only something to be cooked in the kitchen and needs to be consumed, it also shows the living style and the knowledge of the societies.

Gokcen Adar. A researcher on kitchen culture says “ an eating culture which combines olive,wheat and grapes exists only inmediterranean area. Olive as oil provides the taste
Wheat as bread provides saeity and grapes as wine provides the pleasure.” Yogurt, a nomadic taste is added these in Antalya cuisine. Antalya cuisine in addition to these. Has adopted sesam and garlic which are tipycal elements of arbian kitchen.

The discussions about the healty kitchen in our modern time makes Antalya kitchen with its mainly vegetable based items, big varyties of sea food and jams made of citrus fruits become more known to world.

The powder obtained from the shells of the bergamot fruit mixed with black tea gives an aromatic taste of world famous “earl grey” tea.. Thyme grows on taurus mauntains used as tea and thyme oil is used as anticollestrol.

Herb dealers of Antalya are getting known for their medical plants.

In antalya one can find restaurants for every taste and price cathegory hich serves Antalya and international cusie.