Whether you are a foodie or not, there is no denying that the magic of Turkish food dances on the taste buds due to its rich aroma & bursting flavor.
This week, every kitchen from Istanbul to Islamabad is alive with sizzling Turkish kebabs, Lahmacun and the sweet aroma of Kunefe and Baklava. It is Turkish Cuisine Week! And Pakistan is coming alive in the celebrations alongside Turkiye.
Pakistan and Türkiye share more than just diplomatic ties, they share history, warmth, and a love for food that goes beyond the borders.
Turkish Cuisine Week, that starts from May 21 and lasts till May 27, is more than just a festival, it is a reminder of deeply rooted cultural ties between the people of two countries.
Why Is Turkish Cuisine So Popular in Pakistan?
Turkish cuisine feels and taste familiar to Pakistanis, and that is by no accident. Both Pakistani and Turkish cuisine are filled with aromatic spices, and the people of both countries also share their love for hearty grilled meats, pilafs, and stuffed vegetables.
Let’s find out why Turkish food has become Pakistanis first choice.
Cultural Similarity: Both Pakistan and Türkiye value hearty meals and hospitality, arranging lavish spreads, arranging large communal meals, and serve tea with a side of warmth that fits naturally into Pakistani lifestyle.
Influence of Turkish Dramas: Turkish television series have become extremely popular in Pakistan in recent years after popular Turkish dramas like Diriliş: Ertuğrul and Kuruluş: Osman were broadcasted on Pakistani television.
They have successfully captured the hearts of millions of Pakistanis and gave a boost to their appetite for Turkish cuisine, after watching those medieval Turkish warriors tear into juicy beef kebabs and sip fragrant teas.
Rise of Turkish Restaurants in Pakistan: In the past few years, there has been a steady rise in traditional Turkish eateries in the cities of Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi.
These restaurants aren’t just selling Turkish cuisine; they’re offering an authentic Turkish experience to Pakistanis through their traditional Ottoman-style decor, Turkish music and rich aromatic flavors and spices.
Popular Turkish Cuisine in Pakistan
Whether you are enjoying Turkish cuisines at a Turkish restaurant or you are cooking at home, there are some must-try dishes for you:
- Doner Kebab (Turkish Shawarma): Turkish Doner Kebab has become extremely popular in Pakistan with its Succulent layers of grilled seasoned meat served in wraps or on plates. Doner Kebab is easily available in several cities of Pakistan including Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
- Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza): Lahmacun is thinly crusted, crispy flatbread that is topped with minced meat, spices and flavorful herbs. This is served with a splash of lemon and fresh side salads.
- Menemen: Similar to Shakshuka in Pakistan, Menemen is a Turkish style scrambled eggs with fresh tomatoes, spices and peppers. Menemen is often enjoyed in breakfast with flatbread. It is quickly becoming a household dish in Pakistan.
- Baklava: Baklava does not need any introduction. This sweet symphony of filo pastry filled with pistachio nuts, and drizzled with honey has become people’s choice not only during special festivities but also in family gatherings.
- Turkish Tea & Coffee: There is no comparison to uniquely prepared foamy Turkish coffee and tea. A Turkish meal is incomplete without it. In the past few years, Turkish apple tea which is prepared with fresh apples and apple peals has also gained some popularity. Many people enjoy these Turkish drinks with a traditional Turkish cuisine.
For Pakistanis, Turkish Cuisine Week is not just about celebrating what’s on the plate, it’s about the connection that people of Pakistan and Türkiye share with one another. So, whether you are sharing Lokum with your friends or preparing menemen for breakfast, know that you are part of a beautiful culinary bridge that brings people closer, one bite at a time.
Javaria Khalid is a writer and researcher, who specializes in Pakistan's Foreign Policy Analysis, transatlantic geopolitics, and Pakistan’s relations with the European countries and the EU. She can be reached at javariakhalid011@outlook.com
