Located at the intersection of the Aegean and Mediterranean cuisines, Fethiye offers a wide range of seafood, olive oil dishes, and herb-based meals in terms of its food and drink culture. Freshly grown vegetables and fruits in the region add a unique flavor to the dishes. Fruit juices, a favorite during the summer months, are served to visitors using fruits freshly picked from the trees. Fethiye’s most famous dishes in terms of food and drink culture include purslane salad, fried calamari, stuffed artichoke, mantı (Turkish dumplings), stuffed vine leaves, and stuffed artichoke. Additionally, notable desserts include semolina halva, pumpkin dessert, and stuffed kadayıf. In terms of drinking culture, Fethiye attracts the attention of both local and foreign tourists with its freshly squeezed fruit juices, varieties of wine, and rakı (a traditional Turkish alcoholic drink).
For more detailed information about Fethiye’s food and drink culture, you can explore the following headings:
- Regional dishes of Fethiye
- Local beverages of Fethiye
- Traditional desserts of Fethiye
Regional Dishes of Fethiye
Visitors to Fethiye, both domestic and foreign, seek to experience the local food and drink culture. Fethiye’s regional dishes are particularly delicious, thanks to their fresh and natural ingredients. Some of these dishes include:
Purslane Salad
Purslane salad with olive oil is made using locally collected purslane. The dressing includes extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and lemon juice. This dish, made by boiling the purslane and serving it with the dressing, offers a unique flavor.
Fried Calamari
Calamari is a rare seafood delicacy. Calamari collected in Fethiye is fried in liquid oil along with lemon juice, sparkling water, baking soda, and flour. Calamari is among the dishes that many visitors try and enjoy.
Stuffed Artichoke
Artichoke, one of Fethiye’s natural products, is an important dish in Fethiye’s food and drink culture. Stuffed artichoke, in particular, is preferred by those who visit Fethiye due to its freshness and the use of natural sauces.
Local Beverages of Fethiye
Fethiye, located in the Aegean region, stands out with some characteristic local beverages. These beverages are among the ones that visitors to Fethiye want to try.
Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juices
Fethiye is a paradise for tropical fruits. Therefore, during spring and summer, many fruits can be obtained from the region in their freshest form. These fruits, rich in vitamins A, C, and D, can also be consumed as fruit juice upon the request of visitors.
Wines
Fethiye offers many points for wine tasting and purchasing. It is possible to buy wine or participate in wine tastings at these locations. Wine is one of the preferred local beverages for both domestic and foreign tourists.
Traditional Desserts of Fethiye
Ice cream, syrup-based desserts, and milk-based desserts are frequently consumed sweet options in Fethiye. Especially with the effect of fresh fruits, fruit-flavored ice creams are enjoyed in Fethiye. Additionally, some of Fethiye’s traditional desserts include semolina halva, pumpkin dessert (consumed during pumpkin season), and stuffed kadayıf.
Semolina Halva
Semolina halva is a dessert made by roasting semolina and adding sugar and milk or water. This dessert is particularly consumed frequently in Fethiye, often enjoyed alongside seafood dishes.
Pumpkin Dessert
During the pumpkin season, both pumpkin dishes and pumpkin dessert are frequently consumed in Fethiye. This dessert is served with clotted cream or fruit-flavored ice creams.
Fethiye’s food and drink culture encompasses a wide range influenced by various civilizations. Sometimes, unwritten recipes are passed down from generation to generation, and visitors encounter a completely different culinary experience. With this aspect, it has a food and drink culture worth exploring.
