First Time at a Turkish Restaurant? Here Is What to Order

Walking into an authentic restaurant like Turkish Village Cuisine can be a feast for the senses. You smell the charcoal grill, you see the balloon bread puffing up in the oven, and you hear the clinking of tea glasses.

But when you open the menu, it can be a little overwhelming if you don't speak the language. What is a Beyti? Is Ayran alcohol? Do I eat the bread with a fork?

Don't worry. Turkish hospitality is about making guests feel at home. To help you navigate your first visit, we’ve created the ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Turkish Dining. Follow these four steps, and you’ll look like a regular.

Step 1: Start with the Bread and Dips

In America, bread is a side dish. In Turkey, bread is the utensil. Your meal will start with our famous Puffed Bread(straight from the brick oven). Do not eat it plain! You need "Meze" (appetizers) to dip it in.

• The Safe Bet: Hummus. Everyone knows it, and ours is creamy and rich.

• The Pro Choice: Ezme. A spicy mixture of finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It’s like a Turkish salsa that packs a punch.

Step 2: The Main Course (The Kebab Conundrum)

The main section of our menu is dominated by Kebabs. But which one should you choose?

If you like mild flavors: Order the Shish Tawook (Chicken Kabob) or Beef Shish. These are cubes of meat marinated and grilled. Familiar, juicy, and safe.

If you want the real deal: Order the Adana Kebab. This is hand-minced lamb mounted on a wide iron skewer and grilled over charcoal. It has more texture and spice than the cubes.

If you are curious about "Rotisserie" meat: You might see "Doner" on the menu and think it looks like Shawarma. They are actually quite different!

Read More: Doner Kebab vs. Shawarma: What’s the Real Difference?

Step 3: The Drink (Be Brave!)

You will see a white, frothy drink being carried to tables. This is Ayran. It is a cold, savory yogurt drink with water and a pinch of salt.

• Why try it? It sounds strange to American palates, but it is the scientifically perfect pairing for grilled meat. The yogurt cools down the spice of the kebab and aids digestion. Give it a shot—you might get hooked.

Step 4: The Sweet Finish

You cannot leave without tea and dessert. It is considered rude to eat and run! After your meal, order a Turkish Tea (Çay) and a dessert to share. While Baklava is the classic choice, we highly recommend trying the Kunefe (warm cheese pastry).

Read More: Why You Need to Try Our Kunefe & Coffee

Ready for Your First Feast?

Now that you know the rules, you are ready to visit. Bring your appetite and let us take care of the rest.

Explore Our Menu Options

Ready to Host Your Event? You can check availability and secure your spot instantly through our website.

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Turkish Village Cuisine 21931 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI Have specific questions? Call us at (313) 789-7442.