Your Turkish Food Glossary: How to order beyond a kebab in a London restaurant

When most people think of Turkish food in London, the first thing that springs to mind is often a delicious, late-night döner kebab. And while we certainly love a good kebab, the world of Turkish cuisine is vast, sophisticated, and incredibly diverse! Understanding just a few key terms can unlock a whole new level of dining experience, taking you from delicate pastries and slow-cooked stews to refreshing dips and hearty rice dishes. Use this glossary on your next visit to one of London's fantastic Turkish restaurants (check out our directory for a list of local favourites!).

Turkish dining traditionally begins with Mezeler (starters), which are small, shared dishes served cold or warm. Don't be shy—ordering a variety allows you to sample a wide spectrum of authentic flavours. Look out for Sigara Böreği (pronounced See-gah-rah Boh-rey-ee), which are thin, crisp pastry rolls filled with cheese and parsley, often deep-fried until golden. For dips, try Ezme (Ez-meh), a spicy dip or salad made from finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, often brightened with pomegranate molasses. Alternatively, try Haydari (Hye-dah-ree), a thick, creamy yoghurt dip enriched with mint and garlic. Finally, a comforting start is always Mercimek Çorbası (Merr-jee-mek Chor-bah-suh), a simple, smooth red lentil soup traditionally served with a wedge of lemon.

Moving on to the Ana Yemekler (main dishes), you can venture far beyond the simple grill. Try Pide (Pee-deh), often called "Turkish pizza." This is a distinctive, boat-shaped flatbread baked in a stone oven with toppings like minced meat (kıyma) or cheese (peynir). A similar but thinner dish is Lahmacun (Lah-mah-joon), a very thin, crisp flatbread topped with spiced minced meat, which is often rolled up like a wrap with fresh salad and a squeeze of lemon juice. For a truly classic and satisfying main, order Mantı (Mahn-tuh). These are small, delicate Turkish dumplings, typically filled with spiced ground beef or lamb, boiled, and then served hot, topped generously with a garlicky yoghurt sauce and melted butter seasoned with smoked paprika and mint. If you still want a kebab but are looking for a special dish, try Iskender Kebab (Iss-ken-der Keh-bahp): thin slices of grilled meat served over pieces of pide bread, topped with a rich tomato sauce, melted butter, and a side of thick yoghurt.

Even the sides and staples have unique Turkish twists. The word for rice is Pilav (Pee-lahv), but Turkish pilav is typically cooked with vermicelli pasta and butter, giving it a much richer, nutty flavour and a slightly sticky texture unlike plain steamed rice. You may also encounter Bulgur (Bool-goor), coarsely cracked wheat, which is a healthy, fibrous staple often cooked like pilav or served cold in salads. To complement rich meals, look for Turşu (Toor-shoo), the general term for pickles. Turkish tables often feature a colourful array of pickled vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or gherkins, which provide a tangy crunch that perfectly cuts through meaty dishes.

No Turkish meal is complete without Tatlılar (desserts) and drinks. For a showstopper dessert, order Künefe (Koo-neh-feh). This famous treat is made of shredded phyllo pastry layered with cheese, baked until golden, and immediately soaked in hot syrup before being served warm, often topped with pistachios. A simpler but equally comforting option is Sütlaç (Soot-lach), a rich, creamy rice pudding baked in an earthenware dish until the top is beautifully caramelized. To finish your meal or help with digestion, try Ayran (Eye-rahn), a cold, savoury drink made by mixing yoghurt, water, and salt—it's the perfect accompaniment to spicy or meaty meals, as it cleanses the palate.

The next time you visit a London restaurant featuring the rich flavours of Turkey, skip the safe choice and dive into the deeper culinary waters. You'll find a world of texture and flavour waiting for you! Ready to try out these new terms? Browse our directory today to find the best Turkish restaurants, bakeries, and delis in your London neighbourhood!