In Turkey, breakfast is more than just a meal to fill our bellies; it’s a special time to gather with loved ones, share conversations, and unwind from daily stress. This centuries-old tradition blends unique flavors from each region, reflecting Turkey’s rich geography and culture. From bagels to cheeses, olives to honey, every part of a Turkish breakfast carries a story, captivating visitors from around the world.
The breakfast culture of Turks
Turks enjoy a rich, varied breakfast with family and friends. This bountiful table not only delights the palate but also provides energy for the day. Turkish breakfast is more than a meal—it’s a way of life and a part of a rich cultural heritage that has lasted for centuries. Prepared with fresh ingredients from Anatolia’s fertile lands, the breakfast table satisfies both body and soul, providing an energized start to the day.
How is a Turkish breakfast made?
Turkish breakfast is popular for its rich variety. Basic ingredients such as feta cheese, cheddar cheese, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers are always available. In addition to carbohydrates such as bagels, pastries and pies, you can crown it with various jams and flavors such as omelets and menemen. Of course with our tea!
What is included in a Turkish breakfast?
A traditional Turkish breakfast is a rich and varied spread, often including feta cheese, cheddar cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, greens, honey, jam, butter, eggs (boiled, omelet, or menemen), and different types of bread, such as simit and pastries, accompanied by strong tea. Depending on the region, this variety may also include pastries like katmer, gözleme, and su böreği (a pastry using water in order to boil and cool the dough), hot dishes such as roasted meats or sausages with eggs, and a selection of local cheeses. Turkish breakfast is known for being both filling and delicious.
Tea – The Traditional Drink at a Turkish Breakfast
Tea served in small, thin glasses has a special place in Turkey. Tea is often served to guests at breakfast, along with traditional desserts like baklava and snacks. It is a drink enjoyed with both savory and sweet items and is sometimes sipped on its own after a meal. Sugar and lemon are usually offered with tea, though some prefer to drink it plain. Tea is an essential part of Turkish culture and is enjoyed throughout the day.
What to Eat for a Traditional Turkish Breakfast?
Among the traditional Turkish breakfast flavors, there are some flavors that are not missing from the table. These are as follows;
Turkish Simit and Bread
Each region in Turkey has its own unique breads and simit. These delicacies usually always take their place on the table.
Kashar cheese
Kashar cheese and other types of cheese are very popular at breakfast.
Olives
Different spicy and varied olives are a must for breakfast to spice up your table.
Tomatoes & Cucumbers
Our vegetables, which are the crown jewels of our breakfasts, also take their place on the table.
Eggs and Menemen
Menemen is one of the first meals that comes to mind when it comes to breakfast. It is indispensable for Turkish breakfasts and mixed breakfasts.
Butter, Honey and Jam
Butter spread on toasted bread and various jams varying according to the region are among the indispensable flavors that adorn breakfasts.
Clotted Cream (Kaymak)
Those who do not make honey and kaymak do not know the taste of this flavor. The kaymak that you spread on your crispy bread with honey is the taste of those delicious tables.
Cured Meats (Sucuk, Pastırma)
The sizzling sounds of sucuk (spicy sausage) and the smoky aroma of pastırma are undoubtedly the highlights of a delicious Turkish breakfast.
Tea (Çay)
If you have a Turkish breakfast, you can't do without tea! Tea is the best accompaniment to Turkish breakfast and the ideal drink for desserts and savory dishes!
Tahini & Pekmez
The combination of pekmez (grape molasses) and tahini, which are high in calories and flavor, should not be missing in your breakfasts!
What are the varieties of Turkish breakfast?
Mixed Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is the best breakfast type. There are many options in mixed breakfast, which includes various flavors together and has a very wide menu. These breakfasts, where rich variety and visual feast come together, are indispensable for those who eat them!
Village Breakfast
Village breakfast is the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a chance to savor nature's flavors. Packed with fresh, natural ingredients, this wholesome and satisfying meal is a feast for the senses. Enjoy homemade jams and preserves, farm-fresh eggs, gözleme, and pişi – regional delicacies you won't soon forget!
Van Breakfast
Van breakfast stands out as one of Turkey's richest and most diverse breakfast experiences. Showcasing the natural beauty and fertile lands of Eastern Anatolia, this breakfast is a visual and culinary delight. Made entirely from natural, fresh ingredients, local cheeses, honey, butter, and vegetables add a unique flavor profile. Regional specialties like herbal cheese, braided cheese, kavut, and murtuğa are the cornerstone of Van breakfast.
Best Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul
Located in the heart of Istanbul, Akka Pera and Taksim hotels offer an unforgettable experience to their guests by combining the historical texture of the city with modern comfort. Among the breakfast restaurants, the rich and varied Turkish breakfast offered by these hotels becomes one of the most enjoyable moments of your stay. Accompanied by freshly squeezed fruit juices, local cheeses, olives, honey, jams and hot breads, the breakfast buffet offers an ideal start to energize the day. Especially the open buffet breakfast in the historical texture of Akka Pera, in its lush garden, allows guests to feel the spirit of Istanbul more closely. Akka Hotels invite you to enjoy the best Turkish breakfast in Istanbul!
