One cannot talk about Cappadocian cuisine without highlighting the famous Pottery Kebab, locally known as Testi Kebabı.
Cappadocia’s iconic dish is cooked and served in a clay pot sealed with bread dough.
You’ll see these clay “testi” pots in many restaurant windows, tempting you to taste this local specialty.
So, what exactly is a pottery kebab? It’s a savory stew of meat and vegetables slow-cooked inside a clay pot over several hours.
Traditionally, the pot is a handmade terra cotta jug (produced in Avanos) filled with chunks of lamb or beef, tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and spices.
A disc of bread dough seals the top of the pot to lock in the moisture and flavor. The pot is then placed in a wood-fired oven or over coals, and it simmers away, infusing the meat with incredible tenderness.
Testi kebab must be prepared ahead of time due to the long cooking time (some places ask you to order it in the afternoon for dinner).
When it’s ready, the real fun begins: the waiter brings the sealed clay pot to your table, sometimes in a blaze of fire for dramatic effect, and then cracks it open!
They often use a small hammer or a large knife to whack the pot around the middle, breaking it open to reveal the steaming stew inside.
The aromas that waft out are divine—savory meat, garlic, and vegetables that have been confit in their own juices.
The waiter then pours the contents out onto a plate or you may eat it straight from the pot; be careful because it’s very hot.
The result is melt-in-your-mouth meat and a rich, flavorful gravy, perfect for scooping up with crusty bread.
It’s usually served with rice pilaf and salad on the side.
This dish is deeply associated with Cappadocia, and while you can find testi kebab elsewhere in Turkey, it always tastes best here in its homeland.
Where to try Testi Kebab?
Almost every traditional restaurant in Cappadocia offers pottery kebab, but quality can vary.
Some well-known places in Göreme include Dibek Restaurant, which is set in a historic cave house and is known for its excellent pottery kebab (lamb version is recommended), and Topdeck Cave (they often have it if pre-ordered).
In Ürgüp, Ziggy’s Restaurant and Aravan Evi (in Ayvali Village) are praised for their testi kebab.
Also, many hotels with in-house restaurants will prepare it on request for their guests. If you visit Avanos, some riverside restaurants specialize in it, which is fitting since the pots are made there.
What’s the cost of pottery kebab
The price of a pottery kebab can range from ₺250 to ₺400 ($7-$10) per person, depending on the restaurant and the portion size.
It’s meant for one, but sometimes two people can share one pot if you order other dishes.
Often, the cost includes the pot-breaking ceremony (you generally don’t keep the pot shards as souvenirs, though you can ask—some tourists do!).
Traveler’s tip
You might see street vendors in Göreme advertising “Testi Kebab Fast” where they have pre-cooked pots they reheat quickly.
While that works in a pinch, for the best experience, go for a place that slow-cooks it properly.
And decide whether you want lamb (more authentic), beef, or even chicken—all are available, but lamb yields the most tender result.
Enjoying a pottery kebab in a cozy cave restaurant is a must-do Cappadocia experience. It combines the region’s pottery heritage with its hearty food culture.
So sit back, sip some local wine, and get your camera ready for the cracking when that clay pot arrives!
