Besides gilt-head bream, grilled rock-fish is a truly classical dish in the national cuisine. As a rule, rock-fish is served with beans and arugula. When it comes to describing vegetables, eggplants, zucchinis, sunroots, and artichokes are the most popular choices in the cuisine of the region. Different types of cranberry beans, pumpkin, and tomato are also important ingredient. Local chefs use seasonal vegetables not only to make interesting salads but also to cook soups.
Fresh herbs are also typical in the national cuisine. That is particularly true about arugula, mallow, and even nettles. Meat dishes are also common in the menus of Izmir restaurants specializing in the national cuisine, but their number is, of course, not as big as the number of fish dishes. Tourists usually order meat stew, vegetables stuffed with minced meat, and different types of ham. When describing gastronomic peculiarities of Izmir, it would be a mistake not to mention high-quality locally made olive oil. This oil is widely used in the national cuisine.
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