Trip to Türkiye 16 (Introducing unusual Turkish cuisine!)

 This time, I’d like to introduce Turkish cuisine, focusing on two memorable and slightly lesser-known dishes:

Perde Pilavı and Bulgur Balls.
Both dishes are rich with traditional Turkish ingredients and cooking methods, leaving a lasting impression.

What Is Perde Pilavı?

Perde Pilavı is a traditional dish commonly found in southeastern Turkey.
Its name literally means “curtain pilaf.”

What makes this dish truly special is its appearance.
Fragrant pilaf is generously packed inside a buttery dough—similar to a thin pastry—then baked in the oven to create a luxurious, dome-shaped dish.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Spiced rice

• Chicken

• Pine nuts

• Raisins

The balance of sweetness, saltiness, and aromatic spices is exquisite.

When you cut into it with a knife, steam rises and the pilaf spills out—a presentation that’s as enjoyable as it is delicious.
It’s often served on celebratory occasions, and one bite makes it easy to understand why. This dish truly feels like a feast, both visually and in flavor.

Bulgur Balls

Next up are Bulgur Balls, a classic Turkish home-style dish and popular appetizer.

These are made by mixing finely ground bulgur wheat with:

• Tomato paste

• Spices

• Herbs

• Onions

The mixture is shaped into bite-sized balls.
Though simple in appearance, each bite is packed with deep, savory flavor.

Most versions are not fried, making them surprisingly light and healthy.
They’re especially delicious with a squeeze of lemon or served alongside a yogurt-based sauce—refreshing and incredibly addictive.

While Turkish cuisine is often associated with hearty meat dishes, Bulgur Balls highlight the cuisine’s rich tradition of grain-based dishes as well.

Final Thoughts

Perde Pilavı and Bulgur Balls perfectly showcase both the depth and the home-style warmth of Turkish cuisine.

• For a sense of tradition and celebration → Perde Pilavı

• For simple, wholesome comfort → Bulgur Balls

Though still relatively unknown in Japan, both are must-try dishes for anyone interested in Turkish food.

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