The traditional cuisine of Konya is not much different from the classical Turkish. It is based on meat dishes, various snacks, vegetable dishes, and amazing oriental sweets. One of the main everyday dishes for locals is kebab, which is prepared in dozens of ways. It is minced meat molded around a small wooden skewer and then grilled. Usually, kebab is served along with fresh vegetables and various sauces.
In local restaurants, you should definitely try pilaf, the cooking traditions of which are hundreds of years old. It can be cooked not only from rice but also from some types of wheat groats. In any case, pilaf can be cooked based on different meats. A variety of vegetable ingredients are added to it, the most common ones include onions, tomatoes, and peppers. Traditional Turkish "kofte" is also excellently prepared in local restaurants. The main feature of this meat dish is that it is made exclusively over an open fire. Kofte is a bit like classic meatballs, to which it is customary to add various spices and fresh greens.
Konya's traditional cuisine will surely be appreciated by vegetarians as well, as here they prepare a lot of interesting vegetable dishes. In local restaurants, guests are offered all sorts of eggplant and zucchini pates, very interesting vegetable cutlets are prepared, and salted or pickled vegetables are served. Fans of more original dishes should order “Karnyaryk” - stuffed eggplants, as well as popular vegetable stews.
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