Çanakkale, located in Turkey’s Marmara Region, is uniquely positioned where the Marmara Sea meets the Aegean Sea, enriching its culinary culture with flavors from both regions.
Famous for being the site of the historic Trojan War, Çanakkale has hosted countless cultures and civilizations throughout its extensive history, leading to significant socio-cultural and gastronomic development.
While these lands witnessed the Çanakkale War, they are renowned for their natural beauty as well as their historical and spiritual significance. Çanakkale, which attracts millions of tourists each year, is preferred for cultural sightseeing and offers more affordable prices for summer vacations compared to many other holiday destinations.
Welcoming millions each year, Çanakkale stands out for its culinary heritage. One of the most frequently asked questions from travelers is what to eat in Çanakkale. At Bilet Dükkanı, we specifically researched this subject and prepared this article to provide the most accurate answers to what to eat in Çanakkale. In this article, we highlighted the delicacies you can enjoy in Çanakkale, alongside the local dishes of the city.
Çanakkale Dishes
Here are the most delectable answers to the question what to eat in Çanakkale…
Salted Sardines
The first thing that comes to mind for what to eat in Çanakkale is salted sardines. Renowned for its seafood dishes, Çanakkale’s most famous and delicious food is indeed salted sardines.
Roast Goat
Among the most beloved dishes in Çanakkale cuisine, roast goat is eagerly awaited each season. The season for this dish runs from April to the end of September. Cooked over low heat for a long time, the goat becomes tender by the end of the day.
Ezine Cheese
Made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, Ezine cheese is an essential part of breakfast in Çanakkale. With its light aroma and creamy texture, this cheese leaves an unforgettable taste in the mouths of countless people from both Turkey and abroad.
Cheese Halva
When mentioning Çanakkale cuisine, we cannot overlook its desserts. One of the sweetest answers to the question of what to eat in Çanakkale is cheese halva, a well-known delicacy in the city. Made with flour, milk or water, sugar, fats, and plenty of cheese, this halva is among the most loved foods in the city.
Ovmaç Soup
Also known as oğmaç, this soup is among the best-known flavors in Çanakkale cuisine. Its name comes from the dough, which is thickened with water and egg, formed into small pieces with hands, and added to the boiling soup. We must point out that soups hold a special place when listing Çanakkale cuisine. Besides ovmaç soup, the local specialties such as tomato tarhana soup and spinach soup are must-try flavors.
Tumbi
Turkey has over 360 types of meatballs. The tumbi, a bulgur-based meatball, is one of the beloved flavors associated with Çanakkale.
Fevelia Meatballs
As we mentioned, there are over 360 varieties of meatballs in this country. The stoneground fevelia meatballs answers the question what to eat in Çanakkale. While it might remind one of fritters at first glance, it possesses its own unique flavor.
Metez
Many regions have their unique dumplings. Metez, which is a type of pastry is prominent among Çanakkale dishes. It can be prepared with minced meat, lor cheese, or boiled potatoes and is also known as pierogi or haluj. The lor cheese version is usually consumed with molasses, while the other two can be served with garlic yogurt and sauce.
Melki (Chıntar Mushroom) Dish
This dish has one of the most local flavors among Çanakkale cuisine. The main ingredient is chıntar mushrooms. Cooked with tomato paste, onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, and water, melki dish is among the favorites in Çanakkale cuisine.
Egg Tiken
As mentioned, Çanakkale cuisine is influenced by both the Marmara and Aegean regions. Egg Tiken is one of the best examples of this. Made with Şevketi bostan herbs, this dish is stir-fried with onion, tomato paste, and eggs.
Bluefish Pilaf
If you ask any local about what to eat in Çanakkale, one of the first answers they would definitely give is bluefish pilaf. This is one of the favorite dishes in Çanakkale cuisine, considered by many to be the most delicious version of pilaf. Typically prepared during the bluefish season starting from the end of October, this dish is particularly recommended for seafood lovers.
Basma Halva
Another answer to the question of what to eat in Çanakkale is basma halva. This incredible treat is made with olive oil, flour, sugar, and walnuts.
Çırpma
Spinach is one of the most commonly used ingredients in Çanakkale dishes. Resembling spinach pie, çırpma is one of the most loved local delicacies of Çanakkale.
Stuffed Eggplant
Eggplant is cooked in various ways throughout Turkey. Although the stuffed eggplant in Çanakkale resembles İslim kebab, it contains rice and is smothered in a sauce made of tomatoes and onions.
Priest Stew
Another answer to the question what to eat in Çanakkale is priest stew, made with red mullet. This stew is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Spinach Wraps
Despite its name suggesting a wrap, this dish actually consists of roasted spinach and a bulgur filling arranged in rows and then baked. It is one of the favorites in Çanakkale’s local cuisine.
Tarhana Eggplant
Although it’s deemed that eggplant and tarhana won’t go well together, the tarhana eggplant, which can be enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer, is one of the most local answers to the question of what to eat in Çanakkale.
Scorpian Fish Soup
This soup has even found its way into the palace cuisine in Istanbul; however, it is a significant dish in Çanakkale cuisine. Careful preparation is required due to the venomous spikes of the scorpion fish, yet its meat is extremely delicious. The soup is undoubtedly a must-try when discussing what to eat and drink in Çanakkale.
Fig Dolma
This dish is among Çanakkale’s well-known cuisines, prepared with dried figs and a considerable amount of walnuts. The harmonious blend of rice and figs makes fig dolma a must-try dish in Çanakkale.
Egg Halva
Although it may sound strange at first, recalling that many desserts contain eggs dispels any concerns. Made with flour, egg, sugar, fat, and water, this halva is one of the most regional answers to the question what to eat in Çanakkale. Additionally, we should mention samsa oturtması, which is reminiscent of Azerbaijani paxlava due to its clove flavor and contains plenty of almond slivers and walnuts.
Çanakkale Local Dishes
Çanakkale offers a wide range of local dishes. Additionally, among the famous foods of Çanakkale, there are numerous appetizers, pickles, and jams. Here are some prominent ones:
Pepper Pullpama
Made from roasted red bell peppers, pepper pullpama is classified among the appetizers in Çanakkale cuisine. Roasted bell peppers meet vinegar, garlic, and olive oil to create one of Çanakkale’s most loved flavors.
Sea Purslane
Sea purslane is one of the appetizers found in almost every place. The most delicious version can be found in Çanakkale, making it one of the city’s most favored appetizers.
Octopus Salad
As stated earlier, seafood is undeniably significant in Çanakkale’s cuisine. One of the finest examples is undoubtedly octopus salad. Its lemony and olive oil dressing is just right and exceptionally tasty.
Stuffed Mussels
Still answering the question of what to eat in Çanakkale with another seafood dish, stuffed mussels are a staple in Çanakkale cuisine, also found in many other parts of Turkey.
Ahlat (Picker Pear) Pickles
This local delicacy, known as ahlat or picker pear pickles, is a must-try for those who love a sour taste.
Eggplant Pickles
When discussing famous dishes in Çanakkale, it’s essential to dedicate a section just for pickles. Eggplant pickles top this list. Although eggplant is one of Turkey’s most beloved vegetables and can be enjoyed in many ways, pickling it is less known. At this point, Çanakkale offers its guests an unforgettable taste with its eggplant pickles.
Oily Pickles
The debate over whether vinegar or lemon should be used for pickles has been ongoing for decades, but Çanakkale approaches it differently by incorporating oil into the mix. Made with sweet green pickling peppers, oily pickles showcase how well oil complements pickles.
Grape Jam
As mentioned earlier, when talking about Çanakkale’s famous dishes, it’s essential to create distinct categories for pickles, desserts, stuffed dishes, soups, and jams. Grape jam is one of the most famous breakfast delicacies in Çanakkale.
Cherry Jam
Çanakkale’s cherry jam, reminiscent of Azerbaijan’s light cherry jam, creates an unforgettable flavor when paired with Ezine cheese.
Pumpkin Jam
The most delicious answer to the question of what to eat in Çanakkale is undoubtedly pumpkin jam. Particularly sought after during the winter months, pumpkin jam elevates any breakfast when paired with Ezine cheese.
Make your flight booking to Çanakkale and hotel reservations right away.
Top Dining Spots in Çanakkale
Having answered what to eat in Çanakkale, it’s time to discuss some of the top venues in the city. We have carefully compiled the best dining spots in Çanakkale.
Sardalye
When it comes to the best dining spots in Çanakkale, Sardalye is undoubtedly the first that comes to mind. Known especially for the quality and taste of its seafood, it is located on Hamam Street, Mustafa Kemal Paşa Neighborhood.
Yalova Restaurant
Yalova Restaurant, serving the most delicious versions of Çanakkale’s local dishes with its sea view, is among the most preferred spots. It is situated in Gümrük Street, Fevzipaşa Neighborhood, Bozcaada.
Kadir Usta
Kadir Usta, located on Arap İbrahim Paşa Street in the center of Çanakkale, is popular for its cheese halva, one of the city’s most famous delicacies.
Asil Balık Evi
Recognized as one of the best dining venues showcasing seafood in Çanakkale, Asil Balık Evi is located on Sarıçay Street, Barbaros Neighborhood.
Balıkçı 286
Balıkçı 286 is another top dining spot in Çanakkale, known for serving the freshest and most delicious seafood, situated on Atatürk Street, Barbaros Neighborhood.
Tarihi Zafer Cheese Halva Shop
Since 1950, this is one of the most famous spots for the beloved cheese halva in Çanakkale, located in Gelibolu on Atatürk Street, Camikebir Neighborhood.
In addition to the venues mentioned above, we should also list Bozcaadalı Veli Dede Bakery and Yükseloğulları Ezine Cheese store among Çanakkale’s best dining spots.
As Bilet Dükkanı, we wish you healthy flights and an enjoyable trip to Çanakkale.