Wondering what to eat in Cappadocia? You’re in for a treat! This region doesn’t just impress with fairy chimneys and hot air balloons—it also has some truly delicious local food you’ll want to try.
From the famous Testi Kebab (served in a sealed clay pot and cracked open at your table) to comforting Turkish dumplings (Mantı) and crispy flatbreads (Gözleme), there’s something tasty for every kind of traveler.
And don’t forget dessert—Cappadocia’s apricot sweets are a must-try.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best local dishes and where to find them, so you can enjoy the full flavor of this magical place.
Testi Kebab (Pottery Kebab)
The signature dish of Cappadocia! Testi kebab is a hearty stew of meat (usually lamb or beef) and vegetables slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot.
The pot is brought to your table and dramatically cracked open, releasing a mouthwatering aroma of tender meat and spices.
Scoop it out with some fresh bread – it’s comfort food at its finest.
Many traditional restaurants in Göreme and Ürgüp serve pottery kebab (often requiring you to order a few hours in advance so it can stew to perfection).
For the most delicious Testi Kebab in Cappadocia, head to spots like Topdeck Cave, Dibek, Cappadocian Cuisine, and other top-rated local restaurants.
Mantı (Turkish Dumplings)
Tiny handmade dumplings filled with spice, boiled and served with garlicky yogurt and melted butter drizzled with chili flakes on top.
Cappadocia’s take on mantı is especially flavorful, with a unique blend of spices in the filling.
Don’t be fooled by the small size – a plate of these dumplings is quite filling.
This dish is widely available in local eateries; try it for a comforting lunch.
For the tastiest Mantı in Cappadocia, visit popular spots like Inci Cave Restaurant, Nazar Börek Café, and Cappadocian Cuisine, known for their flavorful dumplings.
Gözleme (Stuffed Flatbread)
A popular local snack that’s like a Turkish crepe. It’s a thin flatbread rolled out and cooked on a griddle, typically stuffed with tasty fillings such as spinach and cheese, potato, or minced meat.
You’ll often see local ladies preparing gözleme fresh to order. It comes hot and crispy, perfect with a glass of Turkish tea.
Gözleme in Cappadocia is often homemade in family-run cafes, giving you an authentic taste of Anatolian home cooking.
For freshly made Gözleme in Cappadocia, try local favorites like Nazar Börek Café, Family Cave Kitchen, and small family-run cafés in Göreme and Avanos.
Kayısı Tatlısı (Apricot Dessert)
Cappadocia is near one of Turkey’s main apricot-growing regions, so apricots find their way into local desserts.
One treat to try is apricot dessert: dried apricots stuffed with nuts (typically walnuts), simmered in syrup until soft, and sometimes served with clotted cream.
It’s a delightful mix of sticky-sweet and nutty flavors. Apricots are known as Turkey’s “golden fruits,” and this dessert highlights them perfectly—a lovely way to end a meal.
To enjoy the best Kayısı Tatlısı in Cappadocia, visit traditional restaurants like Dibek, Seten Restaurant, or the old-town eateries in Ürgüp and Avanos.
Additional items not to miss
Of course, you should also enjoy the typical Turkish fare available everywhere: kebabs, meze plates, lentil soup, baklava, and Turkish coffee.
In Cappadocia, you might notice bean stew (Çömlek Fasulyesi) cooked in clay pots and stuffed vine leaves as other regional specialties. And don’t miss trying the local wines with your meals. Bon appétit – or as they say in Turkish, afiyet olsun!
