Iskenderun Food: Top 5 Must-Try Dishes & Drinks

When you picture the eastern Mediterranean, what springs to mind? More than likely, it’s the sunny shores and, very much so, the unbelievable food. Iskenderun, is that as a coastal city in Hatay, Turkey, has an absolutely delightful culinary scene. Think you’re just gonna find average Turkish fare? Not so fast. Its unique blend of Turkish and Levantine influences means your taste buds are in for a real treat. Want the tastiest dishes this city has to offer? Then keep reading!

1. Iskenderun Döner: A Kebab Like No Other

Okay, you’ve probably heard of döner kebab, but Iskenderun Döner, sometimes called “İskender Kebapı,” is that it’s something else entirely. More or less, what sets this apart is that it’s the way it’s served and its special sauce. Rather than being stuffed into pita bread, this döner comes on a bed of pide bread that’s been soaked in tomato sauce, is that its richness will knock your socks off. Oh, that buttery sauce? Just imagine brown butter drizzled on top alongside some tangy yogurt. What you’re tasting here, very much so, is pure magic.

Typically, this is prepared with thinly sliced lamb that is incredibly tender and flavorful, really melting in your mouth. You will often find it served piping hot with a dollop of yogurt and grilled peppers and tomatoes on the side. That is a wonderful counterpoint to the richness of the meat and buttery sauce, or at least it feels like it.

Make a stop at one of the many local restaurants to get your fill. Kaburgacı Mesut is really a popular choice known for its excellent Iskender Döner and attentive service. Seriously, you should prepare to wait during peak hours, but most people would say it’s certainly worth it. Try to look at it this way: anticipation is really just making the meal even better. Arguably, it is also one of those dishes that locals will enthusiastically recommend.

2. Künefe: The Sweetest Ending

What’s the point of eating wonderful savory dishes without something sweet to look forward to? In this instance, I am not so sure. You should not miss künefe. And what exactly is künefe, or so I think? I am guessing this sounds complicated, but it’s not at all. Pretty much, this dessert consists of kadayıf, which are string-like pastry threads, that are layered over a cheese base and baked until they reach that perfect golden color. A bit like cheese and pastry, anyway.

What takes this up a notch, actually, is when they pour it with a sweet syrup once it comes straight out of the oven, and top it with crushed pistachios. It might be described as crisp and buttery on the outside, so soft and cheesy on the inside – the warm, sweet syrup just pulls it all together. I bet this sounds heavenly!

Nearly every confectionery and restaurant in Iskenderun serves künefe, arguably, because this dish is a staple in the Hatay region. Many have different variations, from using different kinds of cheese to adding little touches like rosewater to the syrup. Is there a chance you’ll get to try them all and see what you like the most? You absolutely have to! Give Çınaraltı Künefe a try; the locals go nuts over this. Very much so, I suggest going here specifically to enjoy your künefe with a cup of strong Turkish coffee.

3. Humus: More Than Just a Dip

Of course, most people know hummus. Just picture the creamy chickpea dip that’s common throughout the Middle East. Iskenderun takes their hummus seriously. In some respects, they treat it not just as a side but almost, maybe, as its own meal, or that is what I would like to see.

Prepared using mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and various spices, so you already know that you will experience intense flavor. Many would argue the key to amazing hummus lies in the quality of the tahini and the balance of flavors, very much so, creating something creamy and flavorful, arguably the star.

Often, this is served warm, drizzled with olive oil, and garnished with paprika and fresh parsley, it’s almost inviting. It also comes with freshly baked bread that you use to scoop up that delectable hummus. A popular spot to relish amazing hummus, you might want to go to Sultan Sofrası, it is very much known for the rich and flavorful dishes. Take a moment to appreciate the taste of tahini! You’ll notice locals spending lots of time there, having fun.

4. Kağıt Kebabı: A Flavorful Paper Package

What are we supposed to imagine if we hear “Kağıt Kebabı?” Just think about kebab cooked in paper (“kağıt” means paper). Usually, what this means is that the meat, vegetables, and spices are wrapped tightly in parchment paper and then baked in the oven. The method, in fact, keeps all the moisture and aromas locked inside, so it will bring forth something unbelievably tender and intensely flavored.

Often, this consists of lamb or beef, mixed with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and various local spices. By and large, it’s like a little flavor bomb that you open right at your table. Plus, the aromas will excite you, you’d have no choice but to wolf down this food, yet savour it, still. I bet.

In a way, most local restaurants serve this dish, and each, more or less, has its special twist. In a way, to savor an especially tasty version, you’re probably going to find it at restaurant like Sirdanci Bedo, known for its Hatay cuisine. See how tender and tasty their dishes are!

5. Haytalı: A Refreshing Summer Treat

Basically, the perfect treat to cool you down on a hot Iskenderun day is haytalı. Usually, what we are talking about is a refreshing dessert drink that is uniquely Turkish, it’s a nice combination. Pretty much, it consists of rose water, starch noodles, ice, and a topping of ice cream. Now you’ve got that heavenly mix. You just know that it’ll be an instant refresher, don’t you?

Usually, the starch noodles have a somewhat chewy texture and absorb the rose water flavor, creating a nice counterpoint to the coldness of the ice and ice cream. That is why many regard this as not overly sweet, anyway it is really refreshing, especially after a spicy meal. Still, the most critical part is the blend of taste with that touch of rose, don’t you agree?

Haytalı is that you can easily find it sold by street vendors and cafes throughout Iskenderun. For one, one known spot, typically, to enjoy this delightful treat is at a local cafe right on the coast. What would this treat be doing without an outstanding, unmatchable sea view?