Golden Antakya Kunefe cooked over charcoal topped with green pistachios

What to Eat in Hatay

A UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Features a warm cheese dessert, stone baked kebab, hummus with pastrami and Turkish flavors mixed with the neighboring cultures.

Hatay (Antakya) is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy positioned at the historic crossroads where Anatolian, Levantine and Mediterranean trade routes met. Its cuisine is a rich mixture of Middle Eastern spices, cold pressed olive oils and baking traditions.

Dining in Hatay is a different experience compared to many other regions in Turkey. Its distinct location offers a gastronomical journey through the ancient kitchens of different cultures.

4Local Dishes Covered
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2Recommended Spots
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✨Must Eat While Visiting
Antakya Künefesi
Antakya KünefesiTap to view
Hatay Hummus
Hatay HummusTap to view
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Savory Mains & Mezes

Warm Hatay HummusSignature Dish

Warm Hatay Hummus

Sıcak Humus

Smooth chickpea puree enriched with local tahini and garlic, served warm and topped with sizzled butter, pine nuts or pastrami.

Hatay Stuffed Bulgur

Hatay Stuffed Bulgur

Antakya Oruğu

Crispy bulgur wheat shells shaped into long ovals and stuffed with minced lamb, walnuts, onions and aromatic Levantine spices.

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Sweets & Desserts

Antakya KunefeMust-try

Antakya Kunefe

Antakya Künefesi

Shredded pastry layered with fresh, unsalted Antakya cheese, fried in butter over charcoal until golden and drizzled with warm sugar syrup and pistachios.

Crispy Lime PumpkinSweet

Crispy Lime Pumpkin

Kıtır Kabak Tatlısı

Hard pumpkin slices cured in slaked lime water before simmering in syrup, producing a sweet crispy exterior and soft interior, served with tahini.

Where to try it

Historic Kunefe House

Tarihi Bizim Cinaralti Kunefe (Yusuf Usta)

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Known for: Wood-Charcoal Antakya Kunefe
Specialty Hummus Shop

Humusçu Nedim Usta

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Known for: Warm Buttered Hummus with Pastırma

Good to know

What makes Antakya Kunefe different from kunefe served elsewhere in Turkey?

Authentic Antakya Kunefe uses a specific fresh, unsalted local cheese made from goat and cow's milk that melts into stretchy strings without becoming greasy, cooked exclusively over wood coals.

Why is Hatay Hummus served warm?

In Hatay culture, hummus is eaten as a hot main dish or starter. Heating the tahini chickpea blend brings out its creamy texture, especially when topped with hot melted butter.

Top Sights To Pair With These Flavors

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