Best Turkish Cookbooks

As we delve into the best Turkish cookbooks, we’ll experience a symphony of flavors, spanning the aromatic allure of cumin, mint, and sumac to the robust goodness of fresh produce and succulent meats. These books offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of Turkish cookery. Many are beautifully interwoven with stories, local anecdotes, and rich cultural traditions, rendering them portals to the charming tapestry that is Turkey.  From the warmth of homemade bread to the sweet bliss of baklava, and from the tangy zest of mezze to the hearty satisfaction of kebabs, our collection of the best Turkish cookbooks are a testament to the country’s diverse culinary heritage. 

• Key Takeaways
• Top 14 Best Turkish Cookbooks
• Top 7 Best Print-Only Turkish Cookbooks
• Frequently Asked Questions – Best Turkish Cookbooks

Top 14 Best Turkish Cookbooks

Turkish cuisine is instantly recognized by its tantalizing medley of textures and flavors, from succulent kebabs to velvety lentil soups, reflecting a millennia-old tradition of culinary craftsmanship. Whether you’re new to Aegian delicacies or are a Turk looking for familiar favorites, we’ve got the best Turkish cookbooks to help hone your craft coming up. 

The Turkish Cookbook By Musa Dagdeviren

The Turkish Cookbook is a massive tome of culinary inspiration and insight with a clear focus on recipes alone. Few other Turkish cookbooks can compare to the sheer number of recipes within. Not only does this outstanding collection boast diversity but also exceptional recipe quality. It’s the best of Turkish cuisine presented with concise, clear instructions that despite their condensed nature, leave no details omitted. A basic level of culinary expertise is assumed but even with the finest of details missing, all the recipes are approachable by all cooks regardless of their skill level or degree of familiarity with the food

This is one cookbook that honors Turkey and its food culture across every page. Those hailing from the land of the Turks will instantly fall in love with its recipes, while all others are implored to savor the perfection first hand. The Turkish Cookbook is filled with recipes that you can’t go wrong with from one of the best globally recognized Turkish chefs in the world. Follow its instructions and you’ll have restaurant quality meals just as you’d find in Turkey, at home. 

About The Author: Musa Dagdeviren, the culinary mastermind behind the acclaimed Ciya Sofra, was born into the world of food and flavors in Nizip, Gaziantep, in 1960. His formative years were spent in the heat of his uncle’s bakery, shaping his craft from the tender age of 5 until 1977 when he moved to Istanbal. Dagdeviren’s first foray into the limelight was an Istanbul-based kebab hub in the 1980s but it was the globally acclaimed restaurant Çiya Sofrasi, his gastronomic gem, that catapulted him onto the world stage.

Özlem’s Turkish Table: Recipes From My Homeland By Özlem Warren

Özlem’s Turkish Table: Recipes from my Homeland is an exceptional cookbook that beautifully captures the culinary heritage of Turkey. With a comprehensive coverage of cuisine from all regions, it particularly shines a spotlight on Southern Turkish cuisine from Antakya, the author’s homeland. Known as Hatay, this region is renowned for its remarkable flavors and distinct ingredients such as pomegranate molasses (nar eksisi) and Urfa Biber chili peppers.

The book goes beyond mere recipes, offering a heartfelt exploration of the author’s personal stories and cherished memories growing up in Turkey, as well as insightful family heritage tips. It provides a well-rounded experience, delving into the origins and influences of each dish, while the recipes themselves are flawless, requiring no adjustments. What sets this cookbook apart is its inclusiveness, featuring recipes suitable for various dietary restrictions, making it a must-have for anyone seeking an authentic Turkish culinary journey.

About The Author: Özlem Warren’s culinary journey began on the sun-kissed Asian Mediterranean coast, where she discovered her passion for food. Raised in a family of skilled cooks, she inherited treasured recipes from her mother and grandmother, shaping her path as a successful food blogger, cookbook author, and cooking instructor at Central Market. Her exceptional talent and dedication earned her the prestigious ‘Best in the World’ recognition at the 2020 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, solidifying her impact on the global food community.

The Sultan’s Kitchen: A Turkish Cookbook By Ozcan Ozan

If you’re on the hunt for a cookbook that teaches you how to cook dishes common to equal in caliber to that which you’ll find in the world’s best Turkish restaurants, The Sultan’s Kitchen won’t disappoint. It’s contemporary, modern Turkish cuisine elevated while also elevated to a point of perfection. The instructions couldn’t be simpler which means these recipes are all approachable to beginners as well. One could easily parallel the quality of the intuitive, gorgeously colored layout and mouthwatering food photography to the outcome of the recipes themselves. 

It is exceedingly difficult not to become engrossed in The Sultan’s Kitchen as one pages through the gloriously detailed work adorned with some of the best food pics taken anywhere and its color-correlated flow that pops with associative intrigue giving a clear sense of what to expect from the type of cuisine featured. WIth authenticity exhibited through dual naming in Turkish and English for all recipes as well as the overall recipe composition throughout, this is one cookbook that no foodie or fan of Turkish cuisine can afford to ignore. 

About The Author: Ozcan Ozan, a seasoned chef from Izmir, Turkey, carries a wealth of culinary experience from his journey across Europe and Turkey. Working with esteemed master chefs, he immersed himself in the essence of traditional Turkish cuisine. Now based in Boston, Ozcan’s expertise and passion continue to enchant food enthusiasts with cherished recipes that celebrate the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Turkey.

Arabesque: A Taste Of Morocco, Turkey, And Lebanon: A Cookbook By Claudia Roden

Arabesque: A Taste of Morocco, Turkey, and Lebanon is a cookbook that is better understood as a culinary travelog showcasing a fine recipe catalog. This comprehensive guide to the cuisine of the three countries, with superb recipes, information on ingredients and cooking techniques, and historical and cultural background has been with us since 1985 and still manages to remain current. This beautifully written and illustrated book is sure to appeal to both experienced cooks and novices, serving as a culinary guide and a fantastic source of inspiration. 

Arabesque is divided into three sections, one for each country. Each section begins with a general introduction to the cuisine, followed by recipes for appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks. Each recipe is accompanied by detailed instructions and helpful tips. Overall, Arabesque is an excellent book that I highly recommend. It is a must-have for anyone who loves Middle Eastern food or who is interested in learning more about the cuisine.

About The Author: Claudia Roden, a celebrated cookbook author, was born under Cairo’s desert sun and refined her worldview in the culturally-rich cities of Paris and London. She has dedicated her career to revealing the artistry of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, authoring seminal works that have become classics in the culinary canon.

Turkish Delights: Stunning Regional Recipes From The Bosphorus To The Black Sea By John Gregory-Smith

Turkish Delights: Stunning regional recipes from the Bosphorus to the Black Sea is a delightful cookbook that takes readers on a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of Turkey. Divided into twelve chapters, each focusing on a different region, this contemporary cookbook offers a wide variety of both savory and sweet dishes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of the country. These dishes are evenly spread between traditional favorites, localized treasures and modern creations. The recipes are all easy to follow and utilize readily available ingredients, making them accessible to cooks of all skill levels. It goes beyond just recipes, providing valuable insights into the history and culture of each region, adding depth and context to the culinary experience.

Featuring stunning photography that captures both the food and the captivating landscapes of Turkey, Turkish Delights is a visual feast that immerses readers in the vibrant colors and textures of Turkish cuisine. From the traditional favorites like pide and kebabs to indulgent treats like baklava and lokum, the book offers a wide range of recipes that will satisfy any palate. Whether you’re an experienced cook looking to expand your culinary repertoire or a curious food lover eager to explore the flavors of Turkey, Turkish Delights is an excellent companion that will transport you to the enchanting world of Turkish cuisine.

About The Author: John Gregory-Smith, a culinary artist with a flair for Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, is a chef of exceptional talent. He has etched his name in the world of gastronomy with seven cookbooks under his belt, each showcasing his adeptness in creating delectable recipes. His best-selling works such as “Fast Feasts,” “Saffron in the Souks,” “Orange Blossom and Honey,” and “Turkish Delights” have captivated food lovers globally.

Anatolia: Adventures In Turkish Eating By Somer Sivrioglu And David Dale

Anatolia: Adventures in Turkish Eating is a beautiful book, filled with bountiful recipes that are sure to blow even the most ardent critics away. It is adorned with thoughtful touches like popping macro food photography like one has seldom seen equalled before and an intuitive flow showcased but once through things like the way that the recipes follow the procession of a typical Anatolian day. It’s hard to not love reading this functional cookbook, but it’s the recipe quality and detailed instructions that will make most cooks treasure and turn back time and time again.

Anotilia’s recipes are hard to top. Both flavor and presentation are optimized and complexity is streamlined into a pleasurable cooking experience for all. The author’s laymanizing is second-to-none.  To give you a better idea of the superior detail concerning technique featured, Anatolia explains concepts like kurutma (drying), baharat (spicing), tursu (pickling), recel (preserving) and kofte (kneading) to name but a few. In print, no one will be able to take their eyes off this vibrant, colorful exploration of Turkish cuisine, and in digital format it’s a reference that has everything you need about the nation’s cuisine presented in such a way that you’ll be glued to your screen. Get this book. 

About The Authors: Born in the vibrant heart of Turkey and later making a home in Australia in 2002, chef Somer Sivrioglu has a culinary narrative that spans continents. He is the mastermind behind Efendy Restaurant, a gem in Balmain, Sydney’s culinary scene. David Dale, his co-author, is a seasoned food writer who has lent his expressive prose to prestigious publications like The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Australian.

Oklava: Recipes From A Turkish-Cypriot Kitchen By Selim Kiazim

Don’t let the name and cover fool you, for Oklava: Recipes from a Turkish-Cypriot Kitchen presents all forms of culinary creations from Turkey and its surrounding region, not just those requiring baking know-how. Yes, as the word ‘Olkava’ implies, there are a great number of sweet and savory baked delicacies waiting, and quite a few more than in regular Turkish cookbooks, but the variety of fine food showcased is sure to keep all tastes happy. Oklava dishes refer to a variety of traditional Turkish recipes that are made using a rolling pin-like tool called an “oklava” but are approachable using a regular rolling pin. 

Every Oklava dish featured elevates the art to a state of superiority, as a result will require a definite degree of skill or practice. Still, most cooks who follow the superb instructions shouldn’t run into any difficulties. All the rest are excellent examples of Turkish-Cypriot cuisine streamlined to be accessible to those outside of the country or unfamiliar with the food. Small but beautiful photographs accompany each recipe which is a great aid to plating and picking out which meals to try. Even without the exemplary thin pastry Oklava recipes like börek stuffed spiral pastries and gözleme flatbread, Oklava: Recipes from a Turkish-Cypriot Kitchen is worth every last cent. 

About The Author: Selina Kiazim, the chef-director at the helm of London’s Oklava, has been infusing her love for Turkish-Cypriot cuisine into the Shoreditch food scene since 2015. Nurtured by the culinary wisdom of her mother and grandmother, her passion for her heritage’s food was ignited in childhood kitchens. At Oklava, her personal culinary narrative comes to life as she ingeniously fuses her traditional culinary background with modern interpretations, focusing on seasonal produce and a love for all things grilled.

Turkish Cookbook: Savor The Flavors Of Turkey With 200+ Easy And Delicious Turkish Recipes For Home Cooks By James C. Rutt

Turkish Cookbook: Savor the Flavors of Turkey with 200+ Easy and Delicious Turkish Recipes for Home Cooks truly makes cooking Turkish food easy. Before considering this barebones recipe collection any further, prospective readers should know that there are no images and no clear classification of the recipes into any finite chaptering. Basic ordering is there even though it’s not at first obvious. The recipes follow a progression from breakfast to dessert which means they remain easy to glance over despite the layout’s shortcomings. 

With this being said, all of the recipes yield excellent results even when followed by beginners and busy chefs thanks to the way that they’ve been streamlined. Vegetarianism is there, and most recipes are easy to adapt to vegan counterparts given a little know-how. There’s something for everyone in the Turkish Cookbook. It’s the perfect type of book for intermediate level cooks who are looking for a no-frills recipe book to follow at the drop of a hat but not necessarily the best option for those on the hunt for complexity and gourmet meal inspiration. 

About The Author: James C. Rutt, a noted cookbook author with no less than thirteen books published, has earned his place in the culinary world with his expert guide to Turkey’s diverse gastronomic landscape. 

Classical Turkish Cooking: Traditional Turkish Food For The American Kitchen By Ayla E Algar

Anyone who samples the food featured in Classical Turkish Cooking: Traditional Turkish Food for the American Kitchen is sure to be blown away, no matter how high their expectations. It’s an amazing cookbook for beginners, busy chefs and anyone who wants easy adaptations of classic Turkish cuisine that still showcase the nation’s flavors, textures and traditions authentically. Readers are presented new ways to serve classic dishes, with every last addition elevating the end result. 

Another upside to this excellent cookbook is just how many vegetarian recipes there are. It’s easily the best Turkish cookbook for vegetarians around, and with just a few twists and substitutions, most recipes can be converted to vegan counterparts. Classical Turkish Cooking’s blend of perfection recipes combined with the focus on nourishing foods such as grains, vegetables, fruits, olive oil, and other wholesome ingredients making it a must-see for many reasons. 

About The Author: Ayla E. Algar, a Turkish-born academic and culinary authority, brings an authentic taste of her homeland to American kitchens. Her culinary journey explores Turkey’s traditional cuisine, seamlessly adapting it for Western tastes. A revered contributor to the San Francisco Chronicle and Mellon Lecturer in Turkish at the University of California, Berkeley, Algar’s influence spans academia and the culinary arts, securing her a prestigious position amongst food authors.

Essential Turkish Cuisine By Engin Akin And Anya Bremzen

Filled with short but deeply personal recipes to the author, Essential Turkish Cuisine delivers a massive selection of meals that are all easy to pull off and exceptionally tasty. The recipes are divided into small plates (meze) which lists appetizers, then main  dishes & accompaniments which includes soups, vegetable dishes, rice and bulgur pilafs, meat and poultry ,meals, fish and seafood and egg dishes. Next up is bread, pastries & pasta which encompasses bread and savory pastries and pasta dumplings. Part four spans sweets & beverages which includes desserts and Turkish tea & coffee.

While extremely concise, the instructions are clear, however certain assumed points and the finer details of some techniques will call for more indepth research for complete clarification by beginners. There’s nothing difficult for cooks, just a few inbetween steps overlooked. Tips covering the nuances of guaranteeing good Turkish food are thoughtfully placed, detailing things like bean selection and the origin of optimal other ingredients. While images for every meal are unfortunately not there, Essential Turkish Cuisine does deliver on everything else, making it highly recommended for those who aren’t dead-set non food photography primarily. 

About The Authors: Engin Akin, a celebrated culinary expert from Turkey, has built an extraordinary reputation in the realm of Turkish cuisine. With three renowned cookbooks under her belt in her native country, she has demonstrated her masterful culinary expertise remarkably. Besides her engaging contributions to food columns and charismatic presence on radio shows, Akin is also recognized as an exceptional cooking instructor. Her enthusiasm for imparting her vast understanding of Turkey’s vibrant culinary heritage, combined with her unique culinary flair, has rendered her a distinguished personality in the global culinary scene.

Ripe Figs: Recipes And Stories From Turkey, Greece, And Cyprus By Yasmin Khan

As the title suggests, Ripe Figs: Recipes and Stories from Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus covers the cuisine of all regions neighboring and influential to Turkish food and food from the general region, It’s restaurant-quality Eastern Mediterranean cuisine featuring all the area’s most iconic meals and cooking styles that all tastes even better than it looks in the accompanying full-page shot showcasing each recipe. The beauty of this book is apparent from cover to cover, making it a captivating read in print and digitally. 

While not quite a travelog, Ripe Figs does paint a clear picture of Turkey, Greece and Cyprus individually and as a culinary whole. Interviews with locals and historical context imbue this cookbook with life and instill a zest for cooking what’s to come. Between the masterful storytelling, couldn’t be better recipes that are sure to be familiar to anyone attuned to Eastern flavors, and the quality of publishing, this is one of the best cookbooks for foodies, cooks and book collectors all around. 

About The Author: Yasmin Khan, an accomplished food writer, is known for her insightful commentary on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean culinary traditions. She often lends her expertise to prestigious platforms such as The Guardian, The Observer, The Independent, The Telegraph, and Saveur. Khan’s ability to weave captivating narratives around food has earned her recognition and respect in the sphere of contemporary food literature.

Tree of Life: Turkish Home Cooking for the American Table by Joy E Stocke and Angie Brenner

Tree of Life: Turkish Home Cooking for the American Table is a cookbook published as an accompaniment and counterpart to the travel memoir told from the viewpoint of two women traveling through Turkey, Anatolian Days and Nights. Anyone familiar with the pleasant, ever-popular novel will want to snap this book up in a hurry whereas everyone else is strongly urged to check it out. All of the dishes turn out even better than they look and the entire tome is a visual feast with some of the most stunning food photography seen anywhere. They each come with a story granting superb context and insight into the country’s culture. 

Tree of Life transcends the conventional realm of cookbooks. Embellished with insightful quotes from the renowned Persian poet Rumi and meaningful Turkish proverbs that introduce each chapter, it captures the reader’s attention. Beyond the captivating images of appetizing Turkish home-cooked meals, the book also paints a vivid picture of Turkey’s contemporary reality. It offers a panoramic view of modern Turkey, including dynamic cityscapes and serene countryside, the hypnotic dance of whirling dervishes, industrious women engaged in agricultural work, vibrant marketplaces, and dedicated fishermen. This book is not just an essential kitchen companion but also a coffee table showpiece. It would make a thoughtful gift, offering a multi-sensory feast while also imparting a profound understanding of Turkey’s vibrant culture and food.

About The Author: Joy E. Stocke and Angie Brenner form an impressive culinary alliance. Stocke, a seasoned travel writer and essayist, has shared her writing talents with audiences of The New York Times, The Guardian, and National Geographic Traveler. Brenner, an esteemed food writer and skilled photographer, consistently brings vivid culinary narratives to life, her work featured in Saveur, Food & Wine, among other notable platforms. Collectively, they channel their unique skills and shared passion for Turkish cuisine into creating transformative culinary experiences for their readers.

Ultimate Turkish Cookbook: TOP 111 traditional Turkish dishes that you can cook right now (Balkan food) by Slavka Bodic

The Ultimate Turkish Cookbook: TOP 111 traditional Turkish dishes that you can cook right now (Balkan food) presents a tasty collection of basic Turkish recipes that are easy for cooks of all skill levels to pull off. Just like the rest of the books in this superb series for beginners, what sets it apart is just how straightforward each recipe is. Despite a lack of accompanying pictures for every meal, a clear conception of each dish forms thanks to the clarity of the instructions combined with the easy-to-source ingredients that most will already have on hand.  

In addition to its user-friendly recipes, The Ultimate Turkish Cookbook excels in providing cultural context and insights into the rich culinary traditions of Turkey. Each recipe is accompanied by a brief introduction that delves into the history and significance of the dish, offering readers a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage behind the cuisine. From hearty stews and aromatic kebabs to delicate pastries and refreshing salads, this cookbook offers a comprehensive range of flavors and textures that represent the diverse culinary landscape of Turkey. Whether you’re seeking to recreate beloved Turkish dishes or expand your culinary repertoire, this is a great guidebook. 

About The Author: Hailing from the former Yugoslavia, Slavka Bodic has a profound appreciation for culinary arts. Her body of work spans numerous cookbooks that explore Balkan and global cuisines, offering a window into the traditional dishes of these regions. 

A Turkish Cookbook for Beginners: Learn Delicious Turkish Cooking in Only Minutes by Ayaz Babacan

A Turkish Cookbook for Beginners: Learn Delicious Turkish Cooking in Only Minutes delivers on its namesake, effectively not only showing newcomers to cooking and Turkish cuisine how to cook amazing dishes but also helping them understand the fundamentals of why ingredients and flavors are combined in such a unique way. The background and history given is brief but the author manages to pack a massive amount of information into his recipes. It’s impossible to go wrong and almost everyone is sure to learn something at the same time when following any of the delicious recipes featured. 

It’s best to see A Turkish Cookbook as a handy reference to Turkey’s most iconic dishes rather than a walkthrough of Turkish culture or step-by-step techniques themselves. Through the way that the recipes come together and the insight instilled into the recipes, a concept of the way things are done in Turkey forms. Illustrations and photographs dot the pages but there isn’t a picture for everything. Nonetheless, the reader is barely ever left questioning their next step or what to expect which makes this an ideal read for all beginners.

About The Author: Ayaz Babacan, author of an engaging beginner’s guide to Turkish cuisine, crafts a culinary narrative that is accessible to novice cooks. Babacan’s passion reflects the diverse influences such as Ottoman, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food culture – that shape Turkish cuisine.

Top 7 Best Print-Only Turkish Cookbooks

Every single one of these exclusively print-edition Turkish cookbooks teems with astute culinary wisdom, authentic recipes, and the vibrant allure of Turkish culture, making each of them worthy of adding to your personal kitchen library. 

Meliz’s Kitchen: Simple Turkish-Cypriot Comfort Food and Fresh Family Feasts by Meliz Berg

Meliz’s Kitchen: Simple Turkish-Cypriot Comfort Food and Fresh Family Feasts is a cookbook filled with approachable, easy-to-perfect recipes that overdeliver on texture and taste. Most of the meals featured are fine examples of modern Turkish food at its best, and gauging by the visual appeal and flavor, few would ever imagine that each is as easy to pull off as it actually is. Follow the instructions within and you’ll be guided towards perfection in the simplest way possible, while concise introductions explain each dish and its origins wonderfully. Most meals are an incarnation of food visitors are likely to find in Cyprus, while others reinvent old lesser-known classics.

At its core, Meliz’s Kitchen is a celebration of simple, wholesome, and heartening food. The reader is guided through an array of delectable dishes, ranging from humble breakfast items to grand family feasts. Each recipe is accompanied by practical tips, in-depth instructions, and a backstory that imbues each dish with a sense of heritage and authenticity. The  storytelling interwoven with the recipes adds context and emotional resonance to each dish. Readers in certain regions might find it challenging to source specific ingredients integral to Turkish-Cypriot cuisine showcased by this brilliant book but the effort is well worth it. It’s the ideal cookbook for adventurous home cooks who are on the hunt for the best Turkish food possible. 

About The Author: Meliz Berg is a celebrated cookbook author, known for her enchanting exploration of Turkish-Cypriot cuisine. Her emphasis on straightforward, comfort-driven recipes make her works an inviting prospect for family meal preparation. The Sunday Times Bestselling Author is famous for her blog Meliz Cooks that covers her Cypriot-and-Londonized lifestyle and cooking methods. 

The Turkish Cookbook: Exploring the Food of a Timeless Cuisine by Ghillie Basan

The Turkish Cookbook: Exploring the Food of a Timeless Cuisine gracefully serves up an appetizing blend of stories, history, and recipes that illuminate the full spectrum of Turkish cuisine. This charming cookbook infused with a memoir’s heart is the kitchen table of a traditional Turkish household, with the author’s storytelling transporting readers to an era where food is a communal affair, steeped in tradition and bursting with authentic flavor profiles. It masterfully captures the essence of Turkish cuisine by weaving a web of interconnected dishes and spices that will enthrall both seasoned and novice cooks.

With each page, the author ties together the regional nuances and traditional preparation techniques that make Turkish food so unique. If you are someone who enjoys understanding the fundamentals behind outstanding ethnic cuisine, The Turkish Cookbook is for you.  From the expertly curated meals and the exemplary results they produce to the quality food photography that immediately incites hunger, every last part of this book comes with a degree of polish. Yet,it’s the way that food and cooking is explained that makes it an indispensable resource for many cooks.

About The Author: Ghillie Basan is a renowned food anthropologist, author, and expert in Middle Eastern cuisine. Her profound understanding of Turkish food and culture shines throughout the book, showcasing the richness of this timeless cuisine. Basan’s knowledge and passion for Turkish food come from her extensive travels and immersion in various cultures, making her work an exquisite blend of authenticity and culinary excellence.

Istanbul And Beyond: Exploring the Diverse Cuisines of Turkey by Robyn Eckhardt

Istanbul And Beyond: Exploring the Diverse Cuisines of Turkey by Robyn Eckhardt is the product of over twenty years worth of travel and research. All of Turkey’s very best dishes have been expertly curated and explained in such a way that home cooks can master Turkish cooking and baking. The recipes presented are an intricate exploration of Turkey’s diverse culinary geography, each chapter mirroring a regional pantry. The spectrum ranges from the comforting, hearty meals of Istanbul’s bustling worker’s canteens and the casual street fare, to the Black Sea’s bounty of fish, corn, and vibrant greens. Further northeast, one would find a culinary landscape dominated by robust beef and dairy dishes. 

As one ascends to the high pastures of Van and Hakkari, wild herbs and sheep reign supreme, whereas the Silk Road’s influence vividly manifests in the Southeast with urfa peppers and a medley of exotic spices. The Hatay province paints a contrasting palette, brimming with luscious olives, tangy pomegranates, and fiery chilies.In North-Central Anatolia, the humble yet versatile staples of wheat, legumes, and lamb form the backbone of its culinary identity. Amid exploring this tantalizing array of regional specialties, the book also offers a solid foundation of basic daily dishes. Overall, there are few books that have a quality of publishing or recipe composition that can compare. Istanbul And Beyond is a must-see for all cooks, Turks and foodies. 

About The Author: Robyn Eckhardt is a celebrated culinary travel author whose work revolves around the exploration of world cuisines. Eckhardt’s insightful and detailed narrative stems from years of in-depth research and a deep-seated passion for bringing little-known regional dishes to the global stage. This book is the culmination of Eckhardt’s culinary exploration, making it a must-read for anyone keen on savoring the essence of Turkish cuisine.

The Turkish Cookbook by Musa Dagdeviren and Toby Glanville

Musa Dagdeviren and Toby Glanville’s “The Turkish Cookbook” is a compelling cookbook that gracefully brings the rich heritage of Turkish culinary traditions to life. The book brims with Dagdeviren’s reverence for time-honored recipes and Glanville’s stunning visuals, taking readers on an unforgettable exploration of Turkish cuisine. The soul of this weighty cookbook lies in its beautifully narrated stories and recipes that come straight from the heart of Anatolia, and the premiere publication quality only but hints at the superior results to expect when cooking any of the meals featured. 

Not every dish has an accompanying photo but the ones that need it never seem to be missing their showcase. There are more tried-and-tested Turkish recipes in The Turkish Cookbook than almost anywhere else. Just enough detail is there to avoid confusion, but the to-the-point nature is what most will love about this recipe-packed book. Not only is the diversity and quality of the collection second to none, but this is a book filled with excellent touches like English and Turkish names for every recipe, scattered images of people and places granting cultural context, and an embossed cover with a luxury look and feel. It’s an invaluable resource for home cooks and professionals alike, filled to the brim with fascinating insights into the culture, history, and regional variations of this vibrant cuisine.

About The Authors: Musa Dagdeviren, a globally recognized chef and authority on Turkish cuisine, teams up with esteemed photographer Toby Glanville to create a cookbook that is as visually stunning as it is informative. Dagdeviren’s passion for preserving Turkey’s culinary heritage shines brightly in his carefully curated recipes, while Glanville’s imagery adds depth and texture to the narrative, making this book an absolute treat for all senses.

Mel’s Turkish Kitchen: Traditional home cooked food by Mel Özşimşek by Mel Özşimşek and Becky Warrak

For anyone seeking a deep dive into the homely essence of Turkish cuisine, Mel’s Turkish Kitchen: Traditional home cooked food hits the mark. It’s a heartwarming compendium of comfort food recipes that feel like first hand instruction from a Turkish grandmother. The author has masterfully compiled a collection of recipes that are not just mouth-watering but steeped in authenticity. It is a book that aims to show the world a range of cuisine not commonly touched by contemporary cooks outside of Turkey. These dishes offer an infusion of freshness to those already in love with Turkish flavors while serving as a grand introduction to the unfamiliar.

Cooks will never need to struggle finding exotic ingredients as all the dishes featured use pantry items readily available in just  about every supermarket or grocery store. Despite the accessibility, there’s no authenticity of flavor lacking. With recipes for all diets and tastes including vegan and vegetarian, Mel’s Turkish Kitchen could easily become the new go-to recipe book for Turkish cuisine  in any household. The recipes are so good that we’d even recommend this cookbook to foodies who aren’t particularly partial to Turkish food. 

About The Authors: Mel Özşimşek, an ardent lover of Turkish cuisine, teams up with Becky Warrak to create a cookbook that feels like a heart-to-heart chat with an old friend. Özşimşek’s passion for sharing the beauty of Turkish home cooking radiates throughout the book, with Warrak’s touch enhancing the charm and relatability of the narrative.

The Complete Book Of Turkish Cooking: All The Ingredients, Techniques And Traditions Of An Ancient Cuisine by Ghillie Basan

The Complete Book Of Turkish Cooking: All The Ingredients, Techniques And Traditions Of An Ancient Cuisine covers an impressive array of recipes that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. From the tempting starters, such as the classic hummus and tabbouleh, to the rich and robust main courses like the iconic kebabs and dolmas, every recipe is crafted with the intent to capture the authentic flavors of Turkish cuisine. The author’s style of writing is warm and inviting, presenting recipes narrated with such passion that you can almost taste the flavors just by reading them. This cookbook is more than just a recipe collection. Woven within its pages are charming narratives and cultural anecdotes that bring a deeper understanding of Turkish food culture. From regional specialties and unique cooking techniques to festive foods and dining etiquette, the traditions and stories behind the recipes are elaborately explained. 

Among the excellent all-around recipes with crystal-clear instructions that are impossible to fault, traditional Turkish bread, pastries, and sweets are given dedicated, expanded coverage and there’s a section of making both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The detail in The Complete Book Of Turkish Cooking is second-to-none. With no less than 800 full color photographs, there aren’t many other books that can compare to its visual appeal. Every single one of the dishes comes with a picture that shows newcomers to Turkish cuisine exactly what to expect, while cultural images of the ingredients, people and places take one of a gastronomic tour of the landscape ranging from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the peaceful Mediterranean shores.  

About The Author: Ghillie Basan is a travel writer, acclaimed cookbook author, and an authority on Middle Eastern cuisine. Basan spent significant time in Turkey, immersing herself in the region’s culture and culinary practices. This rich experience, combined with her formal culinary education as a Cordon Bleu cook, endowed her with a profound understanding of the Middle East’s diverse flavors. 

The Turkish Cookbook: Regional Recipes and Stories by Nur Ilkin & Sheilah Kaufman

The Turkish Cookbook: Regional Recipes and Stories presents a fascinating journey through Turkey and many of the region’s lesser known dishes.  From the piquant dishes of the southeastern provinces to the hearty meals of the Black Sea region, this cookbook maps out a flavor-filled journey across Turkey. It contains a selection of excellent authentic recipes that show the reader exactly how Turkish cuisine is meant to be prepared. If you value authenticity then this is the Turkish cookbook for you. From the historical accounts and general storytelling to the ingredients called for and techniques themselves, it’s a step above most Turkish travelogs and recipe collections. 

Local Turks will love the way that The Turkish Cookbook explains the regional differences between different types of food. It is one of the only books that goes into any degree of detail concerning these important, highly influential nuances. This is also one of the only Turkish cookbooks you’ll find that offers complete coverage concerning fundamental aspects of cuisine such as the over forty different methods of preparing eggplant. No matter your degree of familiarity with Turkey and Turkish cuisine or the culinary arts, you are sure to learn something from this information-packed book. 

About The Authors: Nur Ilkin, a Turkish diplomat’s wife, teams up with Sheilah Kaufman, a seasoned cookbook author, to create an enlightening guide to regional Turkish cuisine. Ilkin’s first-hand experiences and Kaufman’s culinary expertise are woven into a delightful narrative that is both informative and entertaining.

Binnur’s Turkish Cookbook: Turkishcookbook.Com – Delicious, Healthy And Easy-To-Make Ottoman & Turkish Recipes by Binnur Tomay

Binnur’s Turkish Cookbook is a breath of fresh air in the world of Turkish cookbooks. Classic dishes from Turkey have been adapted for the American kitchen without losing their traditional essence. Otherwise complex cuisine is vastly simplified into easy-to-make recipes that home cooks and those new to Turkish food will be able to pull off with ease. With this in mind, potential readers should know that some of the ingredients and suggestions are quite far from Turkish. For example, American mayonnaise is something no Turk would put in their food traditionally. These Americanized recipes work and feature well-rounded flavor profiles that have strong Turkish leaning, but they’re not true Turkish cuisine by definition. 

Binnur’s Turkish Cookbook is a winner for anyone who values simplicity. Every recipe is succinct and lists both its English and Turkish name. They’re all short and to the point, with absolutely nothing lacking in the directions despite just how short the instructions are. Small photographs showcasing realistic up-close shots show you what to expect of each meal. Serving suggestions are given every here and there, but exactly when you’d hope for them. Cooking from this insightful, intuitive cookbook is a pleasure for beginners and busy chefs, and you’ll be amazed by just how good this unpretentious cuisine actually is. 

About The Author: Binnur Tomay is an expert in Ottoman and Turkish cuisine, revered for her approachable and healthy recipes. Tomay’s knack for simplifying complex culinary processes makes her recipes accessible to all skill levels. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Best Turkish Cookbooks

Have you been left with any lingering questions concerning cookbooks covering Turkey or Turkish cuisine? We may have the answers you need here. Are you looking for more vegan Turkish cuisine? Pick from our recipes for homemade Turkish cig kofte (vegan bulgur balls), easy Turkish red lentil soup, or bazlama, Turkish flatbread. 

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