Kemer is a modern resort town that rightfully enjoys great popularity among tourists from many countries. They are attracted not only by the beaches with round pebbles but also by the diverse and modern cuisine that will leave no food lover indifferent. Here, everyone can find dishes to their taste.
Traditional dishes of Kemer
Since Turkey is a Muslim country, it is very rare to find pork dishes here. Basically, they use beef, lamb and poultry meat. The main highlight of the national cuisine are spices. They are actively used by chefs in their dishes, which gives them a special aroma and unforgettable taste.
Together with meat dishes, eggplant dishes are very common in Kemer. All kinds of snacks are prepared from them, warm and cold salads, they are stuffed, pates are prepared from them and served before main courses.
Meat delicacies
Kemer is perfect for tourists who have long wanted to try traditional Turkish cuisine.
The most popular meat dishes here:
Kebab - prepared from different types of meat, which are fried on the grill. It is served in a flatbread or pita bread with sauce and vegetables;
Kefte - a mixture of different types of vegetables and meat, which is shaped into cutlets and fried over coals. This dish is incredibly juicy and spicy.
First courses
Soups in Kemer are made on the basis of tomatoes, chicken broth or lentils. Lentil soup is considered the most popular among tourists, it is always served with a slice of lemon and freshly baked bread. You can also find soups made from beef or sheep offal, but this delicacy is not to everyone's taste.
Stuffed dishes
Everyone loves stuffed stuff here! Be it eggplants, vine leaves, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, or even beet tops. All this will find application and make amazing stuffed dishes from them. If this is not enough for you, you will be offered rice, bulgur or french fries as a side dish.
Baking
A separate place in the cuisine of Kemer is occupied by bread and simit. Each regional restaurant offers a huge selection of traditional pastries. Here they prepare insanely delicious pies and various types of puff pastry pies.
Tourists who love pizza will be in for a pleasant surprise, as they will be able to taste a special version of the local pizza - lahmacun. And as a filling, various types of meat, cheese and vegetables are used.
At almost every step you can find such a traditional dish as gozleme. This is a flatbread made from thin yufka dough. The filling is cheese, cottage cheese with herbs and sometimes potatoes. In restaurants, women knead the dough right in front of you, and immediately bake gozleme.
Seafood
Kemer's cuisine is rich in seafood, which you can try not only in restaurants, but also right on the city streets. Also here you can find various types of fish cooked on the grill. It is usually served in pita bread or in bread.
Vegetables and fruits
A great advantage for vacationers is the variety of vegetables and fruits grown in Turkey. They can be found in markets year-round. It's worth noting that the use of pesticides in crop cultivation is legally prohibited in Turkey, so all the produce is natural and healthy.
Sweets
This is definitely something that won't leave anyone indifferent who has visited Turkey.
Lokum is exactly the delicacy that first comes to mind when you think of Turkey. It resembles a jelly mass, which is made from molasses, sugar and starch. But the taste depends on the added nuts and fruit juices. It is they who give Turkish delight a unique shade and aroma;
Halva is another delicacy known to us. But unlike our usual halva, the Turks cook it from sesame paste. Cocoa or pistachios can serve as additives;
Tulumba - small dough sticks. Which are first fried, and then poured with sugar syrup.
Drinks
And here, there's something to surprise tourists.
Tea
Tea is brewed in special double-decker teapots in Kemer. The lower pot always contains boiling water, heating the smaller upper teapot with the tea leaves and water. The tea leaves are ground almost to a powder. It is served in small glasses, very strong and sweet. People usually drink five to six glasses at a time.
Turkish coffee is a drink that both locals and tourists love. It is made from very finely ground coffee. The portions are very small, but incredibly tasty.
Ayran is one of the most popular drinks in Turkey. This is a kind of yogurt with the addition of carbonated water and salt.
Popular establishments of Kemer
"From standard establishments to city attractions." This is how you can characterize the restaurants of this resort. Among all institutions of Kemer, it is worth noting those that are considered not just standard, but truly unique. Such restaurants are considered to be a kind of visiting card of Kemer. These include:
Magic Mount
It is located at an altitude of 674 meters above sea level and is located on the top floor of a luxury hotel. Guests of the restaurant will be able to enjoy not only excellent dishes but also wonderful views of the city from the top of one of the mountains.
La Paz
Another popular spot among tourists is the La Paz restaurant. Here you can find a wide variety of international dishes. However, the most common Turkish dish at this establishment is kebab, prepared according to a special recipe.
La Terrace
The most prestigious restaurant in Kemer is La Terrasse. Its main highlight is grilled dishes. This cozy establishment with a well-maintained green terrace has become beloved by many, not only visitors but also locals. Therefore, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance.
Leon
For lovers of European cuisine, we recommend the Leon restaurant. The establishment features an excellent bar area where you can enjoy truly exquisite cocktails. And dessert lovers will be delighted by the Scandinavian waffles, which are a signature treat of this restaurant.
Monte Kemer
As for fish dishes, perhaps the best fish menu can be found at the Monte Kemer restaurant. There is also a large assortment of seafood delicacies, which no other restaurant in Kemer can boast of. And the most popular dish is shrimp baked in pots.
My Eden
And of course, let's not forget about tourists with children. There are also charming restaurants for them, among which My Eden stands out. For the little guests, there is a separate menu and a spacious play area. Other visitors can enjoy the terrace or dining hall.
The cuisine of Kemer is incredibly diverse and multifaceted. During your vacation, you can indulge in both traditional and European dishes. And this resort town will surely leave you with only fond memories, filled with the aroma of spices and fresh baked goods.