Aydın, located in Turkey’s Aegean region, is a province rich in history, natural beauty, and a vibrant culinary heritage. The region’s cuisine reflects its agricultural abundance and the Mediterranean lifestyle, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, olive oil, and herbs. Aydın’s fertile land produces some of the best fruits, vegetables, and olive oil in the country, and these ingredients form the backbone of its local dishes. Whether you are sampling traditional Aegean mezze or indulging in a hearty lamb dish, the food in Aydın offers a flavorful and diverse dining experience. Here is a closer look at some of the most popular foods you can enjoy in Aydın.

Zeytinyağlı Dishes

One of the cornerstones of Aydın’s cuisine is zeytinyağlı dishes, which are vegetables cooked in olive oil. Olive oil is a crucial ingredient in many Aegean recipes, and Aydın’s climate is perfect for olive cultivation, producing high-quality oils. Zeytinyağlı dishes are typically served cold or at room temperature and are often enjoyed as part of a mezze spread. The vegetables used in these dishes vary depending on the season, but common ingredients include green beans, artichokes, eggplants, and peppers. One popular dish is zeytinyağlı enginar, which features artichokes cooked with carrots, peas, and potatoes in olive oil and garnished with fresh herbs. This dish is light, refreshing, and full of natural flavors, making it a perfect representation of the Aegean diet.

Another well-loved zeytinyağlı dish is börülce (cowpeas or black-eyed peas), which are cooked in olive oil with tomatoes, garlic, and onions. This dish is particularly popular in the summer when fresh ingredients are readily available and is often accompanied by a slice of crusty bread.

Kuru İncir (Dried Figs)

Aydın is world-famous for its figs, particularly its dried figs, which are considered among the best in the world. The province has the perfect climate for fig cultivation, with warm summers and mild winters that produce sweet, juicy figs. The dried version of Aydın’s figs is a major export and is often used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory.

Dried figs are commonly eaten on their own as a snack or served with walnuts and cheese as part of a mezze platter. They are also used in cooking and baking, particularly in desserts. One of the most popular desserts in Aydın is incir tatlısı, a sweet dish made from dried figs stuffed with walnuts, then soaked in syrup and served with a dollop of clotted cream, known as kaymak. This dessert perfectly captures the essence of Aydın’s agricultural bounty and is a must-try for anyone visiting the region.

Tandır

For meat lovers, tandır is one of the most iconic dishes of Aydın. Tandır is a traditional method of slow-cooking meat, usually lamb, in a specially designed clay oven. The meat is cooked for several hours, allowing it to become incredibly tender and flavorful. The result is a dish where the meat practically falls off the bone and melts in your mouth.

In Aydın, tandır is often served with pilav (rice) or bulgur, along with fresh salads and vegetables. It’s a popular dish for special occasions and family gatherings, and its rich flavors are a testament to the region’s culinary traditions. Eating tandır in Aydın is a memorable experience, and the dish is often enjoyed in local restaurants that specialize in this slow-cooking technique.

Çöp Şiş

Another popular meat dish in Aydın is çöp şiş, which translates to "garbage skewer" but is anything but. This dish consists of small, marinated pieces of lamb or beef, skewered and grilled over an open flame. The meat is typically seasoned with a blend of spices, olive oil, and sometimes yogurt, giving it a tender texture and rich flavor.

Çöp şiş is often served as part of a larger meal, accompanied by fresh bread, grilled vegetables, and a variety of meze dishes. It is a staple of Aydın’s street food scene and can be found in many local restaurants and roadside eateries. The simplicity of the dish highlights the quality of the ingredients and the importance of traditional grilling techniques in Aydın’s cuisine.

Deniz Ürünleri (Seafood)

Given its location near the Aegean Sea, Aydın also boasts a rich variety of seafood dishes. Fresh fish, calamari, octopus, and shrimp are commonly featured on local menus and are often prepared simply, allowing the natural flavors of the seafood to shine. Grilled fish, such as sea bass or sea bream, is a popular choice, typically served with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon, and a side of fresh greens.

Midye dolma (stuffed mussels) is another beloved seafood dish in Aydın. Mussels are filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, pine nuts, currants, and spices, then steamed until tender. This dish is often served as a street food or as part of a mezze selection in restaurants. It’s a delicious, savory treat that perfectly captures the coastal flavors of Aydın.

For those who love octopus, ahtapot salatası (octopus salad) is a popular dish in the region, combining tender, grilled octopus with fresh vegetables and herbs, all dressed in olive oil and lemon. The result is a light, refreshing dish that is perfect for a warm day by the sea.

Keşkek

Keşkek is a traditional dish that holds a special place in Aydın’s culinary heritage. It is a hearty dish made from wheat and lamb (or chicken), slow-cooked together until the mixture becomes creamy and porridge-like. Keşkek is typically served at weddings, religious festivals, and other special occasions, and it is often prepared in large quantities to feed many guests.

The dish is cooked in large cauldrons over an open flame, and the process of making keşkek is a communal activity, with family and friends often helping with the preparation. The wheat and meat are cooked for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a comforting, rich dish. Keşkek is often served with a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkling of paprika, adding extra flavor and color to the dish.

Aydın Pidesi

Pide, often referred to as "Turkish pizza," is another popular dish in Aydın. While pides can be found throughout Turkey, Aydın has its own version that stands out. Aydın pide is typically oval-shaped and made with a thin, crispy crust. It can be topped with a variety of ingredients, including ground meat, cheese, eggs, and vegetables.

One of the most popular versions is the kiymali pide, which is topped with seasoned minced meat, onions, and tomatoes. Another favorite is the kaşarlı pide, made with melted cheese, similar to a traditional cheese pizza but with a distinct Turkish twist. Pide is often cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a smoky, crispy edge that enhances the overall flavor. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick meal or a shared snack.

Conclusion

The food of Aydın is a testament to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and its connection to the Mediterranean way of life. The combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and a deep-rooted culinary culture makes Aydın a paradise for food lovers. Whether you are savoring a plate of zeytinyağlı vegetables, enjoying a tender lamb tandır, or indulging in the region’s famous figs, the flavors of Aydın are sure to leave a lasting impression. For those visiting the Aegean region of Turkey, exploring the local cuisine is an essential part of experiencing the culture and history of Aydın.