Ordering Food in Turkish
Turkish cuisine is one of the world's great food traditions, blending Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences into something uniquely delicious. From kebab restaurants to street vendors selling simit, ordering in Turkish deepens your connection to this incredible food culture. This guide covers the essential phrases for every Turkish dining situation.
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Getting Started at the Restaurant
Turkish restaurants range from casual lokantas where you point at dishes to elegant restoran with full table service. These phrases work in all settings.
At a lokanta (casual Turkish eatery), dishes are displayed in a glass case. Simply point and say Bundan istiyorum (I want some of this). It is the easiest and most authentic way to eat in Turkey, and the food is fresh and affordable.
Ordering Food and Drinks
Turkish meals are generous and communal. These phrases help you order mains, sides, and drinks with ease.
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Finishing the Meal
Turkish hospitality extends to the end of the meal. These phrases handle payment and express your appreciation gracefully.
When ordering Türk kahvesi (Turkish coffee), you must specify the sugar level when ordering because sugar is added during brewing, not after. Sade = no sugar, az şekerli = a little sugar, orta = medium, şekerli = sweet.
Turkish Dining Culture
Understanding Turkish food customs enriches your dining experience:
- Kahvaltı — Breakfast (an elaborate spread of cheese, olives, eggs, bread, honey)
- Öğle yemeği — Lunch (often the main meal)
- Akşam yemeği — Dinner
- Meze — Appetizer plates (shared, like tapas)
- Çay — Tea (served after every meal, always offered)
- Raki — Anise-flavored spirit (the national drink, served with meze)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Afiyet olsun mean?
Afiyet olsun is the Turkish equivalent of "Bon appétit" and literally means "May it be good for your health." It is said by the host, waiter, or anyone watching you eat. You can also say it to others. After a meal, the common response is Elinize sağlık (Health to your hands), complimenting the cook.
Is tipping expected in Turkey?
Tipping is appreciated but not strictly required. 5-10% is standard at sit-down restaurants. At casual eateries and lokantas, rounding up the bill is sufficient. Some upscale restaurants add a service charge — check the bill for servis ücreti before tipping on top.
What is a lokanta vs a restoran?
A lokanta is a casual, everyday restaurant where pre-prepared dishes are displayed behind glass — you point to what you want. It is fast, affordable, and authentic. A restoran is a more formal sit-down restaurant with table service and an à la carte menu. Both serve excellent food, but lokantas are where most Turks eat daily.
How do I handle dietary restrictions in Turkey?
Say ...yiyemiyorum (I cannot eat...). For vegetarians: Et yemiyorum (I do not eat meat). Be aware that many Turkish dishes contain hidden meat stock or butter. Zeytinyağlı dishes (cooked in olive oil) are often vegetarian. Ask İçinde et var mı? (Is there meat in it?) to be safe.
What is Turkish tea etiquette?
Tea (çay) is the lifeblood of Turkish social life. It is served in small tulip-shaped glasses and is offered constantly — at shops, offices, and after meals. Refusing tea can seem impolite, so accept at least one glass. It is always served black and usually with sugar cubes on the side, never with milk.