Guide to Northern Cyprus Cuisine

Northern Cyprus cuisine is a unique mix. On one hand, there is a strong Turkish influence. On the other hand, there is Greek influence.

Let’s talk about the main dishes that are essential to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus today.

Like our guide to the sights of Northern Cyprus, this article will be constantly updated.

• Appetizers
• Fast Food
• Main Dishes
• Cheeses
• Desserts
• Drinks
• Unusual Dishes

Appetizers

First and foremost, there is the famous Cypriot meze. These are small dishes or appetizers served as accompaniments to drinks or alcohol. The word comes from the Persian word "masse," meaning taste.

There are some special appetizers. For example, chakistes — early-ripening green olives, harvested at a specific time and marinated in a special way.

Another very popular appetizer is kibbeh, which can even be found in stores in the ready-to-eat section. It’s a slightly tangy snack made from bulgur, minced meat, and spices, deep-fried.

Fast Food

Lahmacun could also be considered an appetizer, but a couple of pieces are enough to keep you full for half a day. Plus, it’s made really quickly. This dish can be found in almost every establishment in Northern Cyprus. Here’s what it’s made of and how it’s prepared.

Gözleme is a delicious Turkish pastry made from dough and various fillings. The dough is usually unleavened, but sometimes yeast dough is used. Fillings for gözleme are numerous, depending on the region and personal preferences, and include various types of meat, vegetables, mushrooms, tubers, cheeses, eggs, seasonal herbs, and spices. Here are places in Northern Cyprus where you can try gözleme and definitely won’t be disappointed.

Pide is often called "Turkish pizza." It’s a boat-shaped flatbread made from dough with various fillings: cheese, meat, eggs, vegetables.

Main Dishes

Kebabs. They are served in several variations: Shish kebab — marinated meat pieces on a skewer; Adana kebab — a spicy stuffed meat kebab; Doner — meat roasted on a vertical grill, served in flatbread. A standout is Sheftali kebab, and here’s why.

Firin kebabs are also different from other kebabs: the meat, usually lamb, is baked in a special oven until tender. Served with bread or potatoes.

Molokhia is a traditional Cypriot dish made from the leafy plant of the same name, stewed with meat (usually chicken or lamb) and tomato sauce.

Cheeses

Everyone knows about halloumi. If you haven’t tried this cheese yet, it should be the first thing you taste in Northern Cyprus. Read our article about halloumi and dishes made from it.

There are other cheeses, such as nor — a fresh cheese made from soft whey produced during the making of other cheeses, particularly halloumi. Also very popular are feta and the Turkish white cheese beyaz peynir.

Desserts

• Baklava — layered pastry with nuts, soaked in syrup.
• Kadaif — a sweet dessert made from thin strands of dough with nuts.
• Lokma — fried doughnuts in syrup.
• Mahallepi — a jelly-like substance floating in rose water.
• Paluze — a sweet made from grape juice with added pekmez or almonds.

Drinks

• Ayran — a refreshing yogurt-based drink.
• Turkish coffee — brewed in a cezve, served in a small cup.
• Tea — strong and black, served in pear-shaped glasses, armuds.
• Raki — a strong alcoholic drink with an anise flavor.

Unusual Dishes

Some plants don’t look edible at all. But it turns out they’re not only edible but also delicious!

For example, have you tried cactus? In Northern Cyprus, you have that opportunity. The local cactus — prickly pear — is eaten. Here are ways to prepare it.

Another unusual dish is carob, or keçiboynuzu. It’s not only edible but considered a delicacy, and its harvest is legally restricted to a specific period. Here are some dishes made from carob.

You’ve probably tried walnuts, and there’s nothing unusual about them. Unless they’re pickled. Yes, in Northern Cyprus, this is a very popular way to consume this type of nut. By the way, here’s how you can make them at home.

What dishes have you already tried in Northern Cyprus? What did you like the most or what interested you the most in this article? Share in the comments here or in our Telegram channel. And by the way, subscribe to it and to our Instagram!