Bodrum’s dining scene is a tantalizing journey into the flavors of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. The town and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of culinary experiences, from traditional Turkish dishes to international flavors. Here’s what you need to know about the local food and dining scene:
Traditional Dishes and Local Specialties:
- Mezes: Start your meal with an array of mezes (appetizers) such as cacık (yogurt with cucumber and garlic), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and patlıcan salatası (eggplant salad).
- Fresh Seafood: Bodrum is renowned for its seafood. Don’t miss out on grilled fish, calamari, and octopus, often served with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
- Kebabs: Savor succulent kebabs, including adana kebab (spiced ground meat), şiş kebab (marinated skewered meat), and döner kebab (rotating spit-cooked meat).
- Manti: These small, handmade dumplings filled with ground meat and served with yogurt and tomato sauce are a Turkish delight.
- Gözleme: Try gözleme, a thin, savory pancake often filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat, cooked on a griddle.
- Lahmacun: Enjoy lahmacun, also known as Turkish pizza, topped with minced meat, vegetables, and spices, typically rolled up and eaten as a wrap.
If you go to Bodrum, I definitely recommend you to try the pizzas of Sünger Pizza.
Kaltham A. – UAE 🇦🇪
Recommended Restaurants:
- Erenler Sofrası: A family-run restaurant in the heart of Bodrum offering authentic Turkish cuisine and a warm atmosphere.
- Le Café: A charming seafront restaurant with a diverse menu, serving fresh seafood, traditional Turkish dishes, and international options.
- Memet Steakhouse: Known for its succulent steaks and a wide variety of grilled meats, this restaurant is a haven for carnivores.
- Orfoz Restaurant: Offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine, paired with a stunning view of the sea.
- Miam Restaurant: A hidden gem with a beautiful garden setting, serving a fusion of Turkish and international dishes.
- Bitez Kofteci Ali Baba: A casual spot specializing in köfte (Turkish meatballs) and pide (Turkish pizza).
Local Specialties:
- Bodrum Tulum Cheese: A unique cheese made from goat’s milk and aged in a goat’s stomach, offering a distinct and robust flavor.
- Mandarins of Bodrum: The town’s mandarins are known for their sweet and tangy taste. You can find fresh mandarins and mandarin products in local markets.
- Turkish Delight (Lokum): Sample a variety of lokum, a sweet treat with flavors like rose, pistachio, and pomegranate, perfect as a dessert or souvenir.
- Bodrum Ice Cream: Indulge in Bodrum’s ice cream, which is often made with unique flavors and ingredients, like mastic and orchid root.
Bodrum’s dining scene offers a delightful blend of traditional Turkish dishes and international cuisine, ensuring that every palate is satisfied. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood by the sea, enjoying a traditional meze spread, or exploring local specialties, you’ll find that Bodrum’s culinary offerings are as diverse and enticing as its rich cultural heritage.