Turkish food guide for halal travellers: what to eat and how to order
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The short answerTurkish food is widely halal, and pork is rarely served. Try a Turkish breakfast, kebabs, pide, lahmacun, meze and baklava. Ask if you need to avoid alcohol in cooking, and be aware that some tourist restaurants serve alcohol.
Food is one of the best reasons to visit Turkey.
| Dish | What it is |
|---|---|
| Turkish breakfast | Cheese, olives, eggs, tomatoes, bread and tea |
| Kebabs | Grilled skewered meat, in many styles |
| Pide | Boat-shaped baked flatbread with toppings |
| Lahmacun | A thin flatbread with spiced minced meat |
| Baklava | A sweet layered pastry with nuts and syrup |
1Order breakfast
A big Turkish breakfast is a meal in itself.
2Try the grills and flatbreads
Look for busy places with turnover.
3Ask about alcohol
Alcohol is available in some restaurants. If you want to avoid it, choose a Muslim-run or alcohol-free place.
Halal status, entry rules, opening times and prices change. Check directly with the provider and official sources before you book or travel.
Related reading
This guide is part of our complete guide to halal holidays from the UK. See all turkey guides.
Frequently asked questions
Is Turkish food halal?
Most food in Turkey is halal and pork is rarely served, but check in places that serve alcohol.
What should I eat in Turkey?
Try breakfast, kebabs, pide, lahmacun and baklava.
