A plate of mixed kebab served with charred tomatoes and onions on flat bread

What to Eat in Adana

Turkey's charcoal grilled kebab capital featuring spicy hand minced lamb, early morning liver skewers and fermented Şalgam.

Adana is Turkey's capital of open fire grilling and bold Southern Anatolian flavors. The city's culinary identity revolves around high quality lamb, oak charcoal flames, fiery chili peppers and vibrant street food culture.

From sizzling Adana Kebab wrapped in warm thin bread to late night street food like Sirdan and refreshing bowls of icy Bici Bici, dining in Adana is an energetic, social ritual enjoyed in lively grill houses.

3Local Dishes Covered
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2Recommended Spots
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✨Must Eat While Visiting
Adana Kebab
Adana KebabTap to view
Şalgam Juice
Şalgam JuiceTap to view
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Breakfast & Early Morning Rituals

Morning grills served from sunrise until late morning

Breakfast Liver KebabLocal Tradition

Breakfast Liver Kebab

Ciğer Kebabı

Small cubes of tender lamb liver and tail fat skewered over charcoal, served at dawn with fresh mint, sumac onions and warm thin bread.

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Flame Grilled Kebabs & Mains

Adana KebabMust-try

Adana Kebab

Adana Kebabı

Hand minced lamb kneaded with red bell pepper and tail fat, molded onto wide flat skewers and grilled over coal.

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Local Drinks

Fermented Carrot JuiceSpicy Option

Fermented Carrot Juice

Şalgam Suyu

A salty, sour and spicy purple beverage made from fermented black carrots, bulgur and turnips. It is served ice cold alongside grilled meats.

Where to try it

Classic Kebab House

Kaya Kebab

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Known for: Authentic Hand Minced Adana Kebab
Breakfast Liver Grill

Ciğerci Kel Mahmut

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Known for: Liver Kebab

Good to know

Why do locals in Adana eat liver kebab so early in the morning?

Eating liver kebab between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM is a century old tradition started by market workers and butchers to fuel their early workdays.

What is the difference between Adana Kebab and Urfa Kebab?

Adana Kebab contains hand minced red peppers and hot chili flakes making it inherently spicy, whereas Urfa Kebab is mild and unspiced.

Top Sights To Pair With These Flavors

A view of the Sabanci Central Mosque over the Seyhan River in Adana

Taskopru & Sabanci Central Mosque

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The Great Clock Tower over the brick arches of Kazancilar Bazaar in Adana

Kazancilar Bazaar & Great Clock Tower

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