15 Iconic Dishes You Have to Try in Their Country of Origin

10. Turkey – Kebabs (Istanbul)

In Turkey, kebabs are more than just a meal—they’re a way of life. While the term "kebab" may conjure up images of skewered meat, Turkish cuisine boasts a vast array of kebab styles, each with its own unique preparation and flavors. Perhaps the most famous is the Adana kebab, made from hand-minced lamb mixed with chili and spices, grilled on a skewer over charcoal flames. Then there’s the Iskender kebab, which features thinly sliced doner meat, drizzled with a rich tomato sauce and melted butter, served over a bed of pide bread with yogurt on the side. To taste the best kebabs in Turkey, head to Zübeyir Ocakbaşı in Istanbul, where the chefs grill meat over an open flame right before your eyes. Pair your kebab with a glass of Ayran (a salty yogurt drink), and you have an unforgettable Turkish feast.