Savoring the Best: Top Soup Spots to Warm Up Your Turkish Journey
Turkey is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and its soups are no exception. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, indulging in a warm bowl of Turkish soup is a must, especially during the colder months. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Turkey’s top 10 soup restaurants, offering a variety of flavors that promise to delight your palate.
1. Paçacı Mahmut Usta, Istanbul
Description
Located in the heart of Istanbul, Paçacı Mahmut Usta is famous for its traditional Turkish soups. This restaurant offers a variety of soups, with the specialty being the paça (trotter) soup. The use of buffalo yogurt from Balıkesir lambs gives the soup its unique flavor.
Highlights
- Paça Çorbası: A rich, gelatinous soup made from sheep’s feet, known for its health benefits.
- Ezogelin and Lentil Soups: Other popular options that are equally delicious and nutritious.
- Location: Fatih, Istanbul
- Contact: (0212) 635 46 08
2. Hünkâr Lokantası, Istanbul
Description
Hünkâr Lokantası has been serving delightful Ottoman palace cuisine since 1950. The fourth-generation restaurant in Nişantaşı also has a branch in Etiler. Known for its traditional flavors, the soups here are a must-try.
Highlights
- Paça Çorbası: Their specialty, offering a taste of Ottoman royalty.
- Variety: Offers three different soups daily.
- Location: Nişantaşı, Istanbul
- Contact: (0212) 225 46 65
3. Metanet, Gaziantep
Description
In Gaziantep, Metanet is a local favorite, especially for its Beyran soup, which is traditionally consumed for breakfast. The soup is made by cooking sheep meat for 14 hours, resulting in a deeply flavorful dish.
Highlights
- Beyran Çorbası: A spicy, hearty soup made from long-cooked lamb, rice, and garlic.
- Kelle-Paça and Lentil Soups: Other popular choices.
- Location: Şahinbey, Gaziantep
- Contact: (0342) 231 46 66
4. İsmet Usta, Izmir
Description
With a history dating back to 1950, İsmet Usta is a beloved spot in Izmir, known for its extensive selection of soups. Open 24 hours, this place is always bustling, even late at night.
Highlights
- Ezogelin Çorbası: Highly recommended by locals and visitors alike.
- 20 Different Soup Varieties: From classic lentil to unique regional recipes.
- Location: Alsancak, Izmir
- Contact: (0232) 463 57 56
5. 7 Mehmet, Antalya
Description
Located in Antalya, 7 Mehmet offers a rich culinary experience with a focus on traditional Turkish dishes. Sahrap Soysal, a renowned food writer, praises their kulaklı soup.
Highlights
- Kulaklı Çorba: A unique soup made with ground meat, cubed meat, dough, and plenty of spices, available on Sundays.
- Location: Central Antalya
- Contact: (0242) 238 52 00
6. Lale İşkembecisi, Istanbul
Description
Lale İşkembecisi is the go-to place for offal soups. With branches on both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, it offers a cozy spot to warm up with a bowl of soup any time of day.
Highlights
- İşkembe Çorbası: Their signature tripe soup, prepared without machinery.
- 24-Hour Service: Perfect for late-night cravings.
- Location: Beyoğlu, Istanbul
- Contact: (0212) 252 69 69
7. SO UP, Istanbul
Description
SO UP in Şişli, Istanbul, is known for its innovative approach to soups, offering a wide variety of 38 different flavors. They combine traditional Turkish recipes with international favorites.
Highlights
- Pumpkin and French Onion Soups: Standout options among their diverse menu.
- Trabzon Kale Soup: Made with black cabbage, beans, and corn, touted as a health booster.
- Location: Şişli, Istanbul
- Contact: (0212) 231 36 71
8. Beykoz, Ankara
Description
Since 1992, Beykoz has been serving delicious soups in Ankara. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant offers a variety of soups, with a special emphasis on lentil soup.
Highlights
- Lentil Soup: Highly praised by food critics and locals.
- Seven Types of Offal Soups: Alongside classic tomato and lentil options.
- Location: Hoşdere, Ankara
- Contact: (0312) 442 68 28
9. Zemzem Çorbacı, Konya
Description
Zemzem Çorbacı in Konya is famed for its unique and flavorful soups, made with a special blend of 14 different spices and Zemzem water. Their signature soup resembles the traditional Arabaşı soup.
Highlights
- Zemzem Soup: A healthful and flavorful concoction that stands out.
- 15 Different Soup Varieties: Including tripe, okra, ezogelin, and kelle-paça.
- Location: Selçuklu, Konya
- Contact: (0332) 236 72 02
10. Şen Ocak Çorba, Adana
Description
In Adana, Şen Ocak Çorba offers a diverse menu of soups, with a unique twist. The restaurant is especially noted for its chicken-lentil soup, a combination not commonly found elsewhere.
Highlights
- Chicken-Lentil Soup: A distinctive and flavorful choice recommended by food critics.
- Variety: Offers multiple soup options to suit different tastes.
- Location: Seyhan, Adana
- Contact: (0322) 359 83 38
Conclusion
From Istanbul to Adana, Turkey boasts an array of soup restaurants that highlight the country’s rich culinary tradition. Each restaurant on this list offers a unique taste experience, from traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative takes on classic soups. Whether you’re a local looking for the best spot to warm up or a traveler seeking to explore Turkish cuisine, these soup restaurants are sure to provide a satisfying and heartwarming meal. So, next time you find yourself in Turkey, make sure to visit these top soup spots and enjoy the delightful flavors they have to offer.
Latest Update: Aug 3, 2024
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