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If we were to mention a city that is renowned for its thousands-of-years-old Mesopotamian heritage and a cuisine shaped by the traces of countless civilizations, which place would come to your mind first? If Şanlıurfa is one of the cities appearing in your thoughts, then it is time to begin a journey devoted entirely to flavor. In this city at the very heart of Mesopotamia, local dishes are almost kneaded together with history and culture. Let us take a closer look at the regional delicacies of Şanlıurfa, stretching from comforting soups to hearty meat dishes, and from pastries to desserts that together create a true gastronomic celebration.

Filling and Comforting: Lebeni Soup

Legumes and meat form the backbone of many dishes in Şanlıurfa cuisine. Lebeni soup, both nourishing and flavorful, is prepared with chickpeas, yogurt, rice, and tiny meatballs, and bears a resemblance to yayla and yuvalama soups. Frequently preferred for evening meals by local residents, lebeni soup is traditionally served with a warm sauce of butter and dried mint drizzled gently over the top.

Memorable in Name and Taste: Pıtpıt Soup

Pıtpıt soup, whose name often brings a smile at first hearing, is a widely consumed and well-loved dish in the Urfa region. Made with clarified butter, onions, and fine bulgur, it stands out for its simplicity and practicality, making it a frequent presence on everyday dining tables. During your visit to Şanlıurfa, when you pause for a light yet satisfying meal, you can find pıtpıt soup in many local restaurants.

A World-Famous Classic: Urfa Kebab

When Şanlıurfa is mentioned, one of the very first flavors that comes to mind is undoubtedly Urfa kebab. This iconic dish highlights the natural taste of the meat and is an indispensable centerpiece of evening meals, sıra nights, and wedding feasts. Prepared with minced lamb and mutton blended with various spices and garlic, the mixture is carefully shaped onto skewers. Urfa kebab is typically served alongside bulgur pilaf, roasted eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and a refreshing glass of ayran.

Unlike Classic Rice Pilaf: Üzlemeli Pilav

Üzlemeli pilav differs significantly from standard rice pilaf, drawing attention with its rich and layered composition. Cooked with currants, chickpeas, and diced meat, this pilaf uses meat broth instead of water. One of its most distinctive features is the addition of molasses during preparation, which sets it apart from other pilaf varieties. If you wish to experience one of the uniquely local interpretations of Şanlıurfa cuisine, this rare dish that is hardly found outside the region is well worth trying.

The Şanlıurfa Pizza: Ağzı Açık

Known locally as the “Şanlıurfa pizza,” ağzı açık is one of the most commonly consumed pastries in the city. Hand-rolled dough is shaped into palm-sized rounds and arranged on trays in a way that leaves the center open. A filling made from minced meat and spices is placed inside, and the pastry is baked until the edges become perfectly crisp. For those who prefer an alternative, the minced-meat filling can also be replaced with a goat cheese mixture.

A Dish in the Şanlıurfa Style: Borani

Prepared with chard, borani becomes a hearty main course thanks to the addition of chickpeas, butter, black-eyed peas, and small meatballs. Unlike more common borani variations, this version does not include yogurt sauce poured over sautéed greens. If you are looking for an alternative to soups and meat-based dishes, you can have a little taste of Şanlıurfa-style borani.

A Registered Delicacy: Patlıcan Kebabı (Eggplant Kebab)

The famous eggplant kebab is prepared by threading slices of eggplant and meatballs alternately onto skewers, using lamb meat for its rich flavor. Served with grilled thin green peppers and tomatoes, this kebab is also locally referred to as “balcanlı kebap.” Officially registered by the Türk Patent ve Marka Kurumu (Turkish Patent and Trademark Office), eggplant kebab reveals its characteristic taste best when enjoyed hot and freshly prepared.

The Meeting of Pounded Meat and İsot: Aya Köftesi

Şanlıurfa cuisine features numerous meatball recipes. Aya köftesi is one such distinctive example, made with isot pepper, tomato paste, and pounded meat. Thanks to its quick preparation, it is frequently chosen for both lunch and dinner. With its well-balanced spices, this dish can be remembered as one of Urfa cuisine’s practical yet boldly flavored specialties.

From Fırat River to the Table: Şabut Fish

Şabut fish, prepared from fish caught in the Fırat River as it flows through Şanlıurfa, is one of the most characteristic dishes in the city. Known for being quite scaly and fatty, şabut is found only in the Fırat and Dicle rivers. It is usually cooked by grilling or steaming, and these simple methods help preserve its freshness and natural aroma. Often served as skewers in Halfeti restaurants, this dish feels like a direct reflection of the region’s deep connection with its rivers.

An Alternative to Desserts with Syrup: Haside

If you are searching for an alternative to syrup-soaked desserts, haside which is sweetened with molasses is an excellent choice. Once prepared, it is optionally garnished with nuts before being served. Commonly enjoyed with tea after evening meals, haside is one of Şanlıurfa’s most well-known and beloved desserts.

Elite World INN Şanlıurfa: A Comfortable Beginning to Discover the City!

Elite World INN Şanlıurfa, whose renovation began in 2025 and which is set to welcome guests in 2026, is preparing to become a new address for enjoyable accommodation experiences. Comprising 48 comfortable rooms, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s rhythm thanks to its location near the historic square of Şanlıurfa.

Elite World INN Şanlıurfa is located just 1 kilometer away from the world-famous Balıklıgöl, 20 kilometers away from Göbeklitepe where the history of civilization was rewritten, and 35 kilometers away from Şanlıurfa Airport. This address is poised to become the new starting point for local and international visitors stepping into the city to explore the streets of Şanlıurfa that are filled with history and unforgettable flavors.

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