12 classic Ottoman palace dishes you can still enjoy today

Ottoman palace cuisine is a key aspect of understanding both Ottoman culture and Turkish cuisine. The foundation of Turkish cuisine is rooted in the flavors of the Ottoman palace cuisine, which has gained global recognition.

These dishes, renowned for their complexity and richness, were not only reserved for the elite but have also gained global recognition over time. From wedding soups to royal delights, the dishes from the Ottoman palace cuisine showcase the empire’s unique culinary legacy.

So, what dishes did the Ottoman palace cuisine feature?

Here are some of the most delicious and iconic meals from the Ottoman palace kitchen:

Dugun corbasi (wedding soup)

Typically served at weddings, this hearty soup is made with lamb, flour, yoghurt, and eggs, a symbol of prosperity and celebration in Ottoman culture.

Kuzu tandir: A melt-in-your-mouth lamb dish

Kuzu tandir (roasted lamb) is a slow-cooked lamb dish that remains a symbol of Ottoman grandeur. The lamb is cooked in tandoor until it is tender and falls off the bone, often served with a side of pilav or vegetables. This dish epitomizes the rich and indulgent flavors of the Ottoman cuisine.

This traditional dish can be made with either lamb or chicken. A delightful combination of dried apricots, grapes, figs, plums and sumac, mutancana is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, reflecting the Ottoman penchant for unique flavor pairings.

Tuffahiye

A unique dish featuring lamb shank, tuffahiye uses sour apple juice for a tangy flavor. The name “tuffahiye” translates to “sour apple” in Arabic, reflecting its distinct taste.

Fodula: A savory bread and meat combination

Fodula, a unique dish from the Ottoman palace cuisine, is made with beef and rye bread. The bread’s top is cut off, and the inside is removed, leaving space to cook beef and vegetables. The filled bread is then baked with butter and served hot, offering a savory and satisfying meal.

Patlicanli pilav (eggplant pilaf)

Eggplant pilaf, featuring fried eggplant and spiced rice, is a flavorful and aromatic Ottoman dish. It is enhanced with various spices and is easy to prepare, offering a perfect side dish for any meal.

Hunkar Begendi (sultan’s delight): A royal favorite

Hunkar Begendi, a dish from Gaziantep, was one of the most beloved meals in the Ottoman palace kitchen. Made with lamb, eggplant, milk, butter and cheese, this rich dish was reportedly favored by the sultans, making it a staple in the palace cuisine.

Baba Ganoush: A smoky meze dish

Baba Ganoush, commonly used in the Hatay region today, is actually an Ottoman palace delicacy. Made with roasted vegetables, this dish can be served as a salad or as a main dish with bread. Its smoky flavor and rich texture have made it a favorite across the world.

Keskek or kashkak

A dish rich in iron, keskek is commonly consumed in the Aegean region. Made with wheat, chickpeas and lamb, it is not only nutritious but also carries the cultural essence of Ottoman culinary traditions.

Mahmudiye (honey chicken)

This recipe, named after Sultan Mahmud, combines chicken with honey, mustard, almonds, and dried apricots for a delectable balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Kirde kebabi: A layered delight

One of the most delicious dishes from the Ottoman palace kitchen is kirde kebabi. This dish consists of layers of crepes filled with diced meat and is served with a yogurt sauce. Visually similar to Kayseri yaglamasi, this special dish has remained a part of the Ottoman legacy and is still enjoyed today.

Nemse: A savory snack

The delicious Nemse is a dish that dates back to the Ottoman era, when it was named after the Austrians. Made from oily dough filled with chicken or cheese, this snack can also be prepared using puff pastry today. A perfect treat alongside tea, Nemse remains a cherished part of Ottoman culinary heritage.

The rich flavors and intricate preparations of Ottoman palace dishes continue to influence Turkish cuisine today. These iconic meals are not just remnants of history but also a testament to the cultural richness of the Ottoman Empire. Whether it’s the slow-cooked lamb or the sweet and savory delights, the Ottoman culinary tradition offers a timeless connection to the past, cherished by food lovers worldwide.