A NEVER-ENDING FEAST

As is the case in the rest of Turkey, Bursa serves up seemingly endless varieties of delectable food. The dilemma isn’t so much about where to eat, as what to eat. Here is just a brief list of local delicacies you must try when you’re in town…

Kebabs and durum - Tender slices of lamb roast on a bed of flat bread, topped with tomatoes and peppers, drizzled with butter and served with a side of sour yogurt. It was in Bursa in 1867 that a cook named Iskender first thought of grilling meat upright so that the dripping fat would self-baste it. Today you can tuck into Bursa’s signature dish anywhere in Turkey but there’s something special about sampling it in its home town.

Kofte – Flat grilled meatballs, usually served with tomatoes and peppers. The town of Inegol is famous for its kofte, but good kofte can be found in lots of places.

Pide/cantik/lahmacun – These are all Turkish variations on pizza. Pide is thick and big, cantik is thick and small, and lahmacun is thin. It is made with cheese and various kinds of meat.

Kestane sekeri – Bursa is famous for its candied chestnuts. Served plain, covered in chocolate, in cakes, in fudges, and in many other variations.

Seafood – Arap Sukru is the famous seafood alley off of Altiparmak Avenue in the shadow of Tophane. Dinner at Arap Sukru is more than just a splendid meal, it’s a cultural experience. The entire alley is lined with seafood restaurants serving fresh fish, along with delicious sides and appetizers.