Mersin and Gaziantep, Turkey's two gastronomic capitals, are a paradise for food lovers. How about embarking on a delightful road trip between these two cities in a rental car, discovering a variety of unique flavors along the way? This route, starting in Mersin and extending to Gaziantep, is filled with perfect delights sure to satisfy your palate! Let's explore the stops on this culinary tour together.
Mersin: The City Where the Sea Meets Flavor
We begin our culinary tour in Mersin, the pearl of the Mediterranean. Mersin is especially famous for its
tantuni and
liver kebab. Before leaving the city, you simply must try tantuni, where finely chopped meat is wrapped in thin lavash bread, served at local eateries in the city center. For breakfast, Mersin offers its unique delicacies,
sıkma and
katmer, which make for a perfect start to the day. You can fuel up on these flavors before setting off on your journey.
Tarsus: A City of Culture and History
Our first stop on the way from Mersin to Gaziantep is Tarsus, a city that captivates with its rich historical charm. While visiting, be sure to try Tarsus
hummus and
kerebiç, a unique local dessert served with a distinctive foam, which is the hallmark of this sweet treat. Also, don’t leave Tarsus without tasting its famous
lahmacun.
Adana: The Capital of Meat
Our next stop after Tarsus is Adana, the city that comes to mind first when you think of kebab. It’s a must to take a short break along the way and try the famous
Adana kebab. This delicacy, made from finely minced meat skewered and grilled over charcoal, is served with a spicy pepper blend, offering a truly authentic Adana experience. Don’t forget to pair your kebab with a glass of
şalgam, a traditional sour turnip juice.
Osmaniye: The Homeland of Peanuts
Another stop on your way from Adana to Gaziantep is Osmaniye. Take a short break here to pick up the city’s famous
peanuts. Known for their exceptional taste and quality, Osmaniye peanuts make for a perfect snack to enjoy throughout your journey.
Gaziantep: The Pinnacle of Flavor
Our final stop is Gaziantep, one of the most important gastronomic cities in Turkish cuisine. Here, you’ll be welcomed into an incredible world of flavors. Gaziantep’s culinary culture is recognized by UNESCO, and one of the first treats you must try upon arrival is
baklava. This dessert, where thin layers of pastry meet pistachios, is considered among the best in the world.
In addition to baklava, you should also sample traditional dishes like
küşleme,
ali nazik kebab, and
beyran. Beyran, a hearty soup made with meat and rice, is especially popular for breakfast and is one of the city’s iconic dishes.
This flavorful tour from Mersin to Gaziantep offers a perfect opportunity to explore Turkey’s rich culinary culture. From tantuni to baklava, from kebab to hummus, you’ll experience a wide array of unique flavors along this route, enjoying cities that have become true culinary destinations. If you’re ready for a journey filled with delicious discoveries, get your rental car ready and embark on this unforgettable experience!
