The world-famous channel ranked Turkish dishes! The result was surprising.

Turkish cuisine continues to attract worldwide interest with its rich food culture and distinctive flavors. In a piece covering Turkey's gastronomic heritage, the U.S.-based international news channel CNN International highlighted the 23 most striking dishes of Turkish cuisine.

"Turkish cuisine: 23 delicious dishes"In the article published under the title, it was emphasized that Turkey's reputation for only kebabs is not enough to convey its culinary culture. It was pointed out that Turkish dishes have a much broader variety.

Turkish Cuisine's Richness Introduced to the World

In the content prepared by CNN International, the contribution of Turkey's fertile soils and regionally grown produce to its culinary culture was highlighted.

It was noted that the success of Turkish dishes relies not only on spices but also on the proper preparation of fresh ingredients using correct techniques. The careful preparation of traditional recipes and their transmission across generations were highlighted as distinguishing features of Turkish cuisine.

In the article, it also discusses the importance the Turkish society places on its culinary culture, while mentioning master artist Barış Manço's"Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant"the song was also mentioned.

Which Turkish dishes are on CNN International's list?

The selection, ranging from soups to olive oil dishes, from meat dishes to pastries and sweets, contains many flavors from various regions of Türkiye.

Here are the 23 Turkish delights on CNN International's published list, in the original order:

1. Piyaz

The boiled dry bean dish that meets onions, parsley, and various sauces, called piyaz, is among the beloved flavors of Turkish cuisine.

2. Ezogelin soup

The ezogelin soup, made with lentils, bulgur, rice, and spices, stands out as one of the indispensable starters of traditional Turkish tables.

3. Şaşkuka

The dish of sautéed vegetables, especially eggplant, combined with tomato sauce, known as şaşkuka, is especially favored at mezze tables.

4. Kısır

Kısır, prepared with fine bulgur, tomato paste, greens, and various spices, is known as one of the most beloved cold dishes in Turkish cuisine.

5. Mercimek köftesi

Mercimek köftesi, made with red lentils and fine bulgur and served with lettuce leaves and lemon, is among the traditional flavors.

6. Yaprak sarması

Yaprak sarması, prepared by filling grape leaves with a rice or meat filling, is one of the most labor-intensive and beloved dishes in Turkish cuisine.

7. İnegöl meatballs

Bursa's İnegöl district, closely associated with İnegöl meatballs, boasts a distinctive preparation method and flavor that makes it one of the standout meat dishes on the list.

8. İskender kebab

Thinly sliced döner meat, combined with pide, butter, and tomato sauce, forms İskender kebab, one of the world-renowned dishes of Bursa cuisine.

9. Cağ kebab

Cağ kebab, one of Erzurum cuisine's signature dishes, is prepared by grilling marinated meat on horizontal skewers over a wood fire.

10. Anchovy Pilaf

Anchovy pilaf, a special recipe of Black Sea cuisine, is a traditional flavor that results from combining anchovy fish with a spiced inner pilaf.

11. Curtain Pilaf

Especially linked to Siirt cuisine, curtain pilaf is made by baking the inner pilaf that is wrapped in dough.

12. Manti

Manti, made by filling small dough pieces with stuffing and boiling them, is served with yogurt and sauce. Kayseri manti, in particular, is one of the most well-known varieties of this dish.

13. Testi Kebab

The testi kebab, synonymous with the Cappadocia region, is prepared by cooking meat and vegetables inside a clay pot.

14. Gözleme

Gözleme, made by filling thinly rolled dough with cheese, potatoes, minced meat or various herbs and baking it on a griddle, is among traditional pastries.

15. Pide

Pide, prepared with various fillings and baked in stone ovens, is one of the most beloved dishes of Turkish cuisine due to its distinctive shape.

16. Su böreği

Su böreği, made by blanching thinly rolled yufka into layered sheets, finds a place on tables, especially with its cheese varieties.

17. Simit

Simit, covered with sesame seeds and known for its distinctive crisp texture, stands out as one of Turkey's most popular street foods.

18. Lahmacun

Lahmacun, baked in the oven with a thin dough spread with a mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and spices, is one of the flavors of Turkish cuisine recognized worldwide.

19. Çiğ köfte

Especially associated with the cuisine of Güneydoğu Anadolu, Çiğ köfte is prepared by kneading bulgur and spices. Today, meatless versions are also quite common.

20. Baklava

Baklava, made by layering thinly rolled phyllo dough with pistachios or walnuts, is one of the most well‑known representatives of Turkish sweet dishes among syrupy desserts.

21. Kahramanmaraş dondurması

Prepared using salep, the Kahramanmaraş dondurması, which stands out for its dense consistency and unique elastic texture, is among Türkiye's distinctive sweet flavors.

22. Turkish Delight

Turkish delight, diversified with different flavors and nuts, is one of the traditional sweets that has occupied an important place in Turkish cuisine for centuries.

23. Bread Kadayif

Prepared with syrup and usually served with clotted cream, bread kadayıf occupies a place among the deep-rooted desserts of Turkish cuisine.

Turkish cuisine is not just about kebabs.

CNN International's 23-flavor selection once again showcased how diverse Turkey's culinary culture is.

The inclusion of vegetable‑heavy recipes, traditional soups, pastries, and desserts alongside meat dishes in the list was noteworthy.

Content that brings together flavors unique to different regions of Turkey,The rich gastronomic heritage of Turkish cuisine that extends far beyond kebabsintroduced to international readers.