Pide
Pide, often referred to as "Turkish pizza," is a boat-shaped flatbread topped with a variety of savory ingredients such as cheese, ground meat, or vegetables. With its crispy edges and soft center, pide is both satisfying and versatile, making it a popular dish in Turkish cuisine and a must-try for visitors.
Ingredients 📝
- Flatbread dough 🍞
- Cheese (mozzarella or Turkish kasar) 🧀
- Ground beef or lamb 🐄🐑
- Vegetables (onions, tomatoes, bell peppers) 🌶️🍅
- Eggs (optional, for topping) 🥚
- Olive oil and spices (black pepper, cumin) 🌿
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Pide is best enjoyed warm and is usually cut into slices for easy sharing. A squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a refreshing touch. Locals often enjoy it with ayran, a salty yogurt drink, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Regional Variations 🌍
Turkey has several regional varieties of pide, each with unique toppings:
- Karadeniz Pidesi – Originating from the Black Sea region, this pide includes an egg on top for a rich, hearty flavor.
- Kıymalı Pide – This version is topped with seasoned minced meat, onions, and peppers.
- Kaşarlı Pide – A cheese-only pide, topped with melted Turkish cheese, offering a simple yet delicious option.
How to Eat Like a Local 🧳
In Turkey, pide is often shared among friends or family. Locals might roll the slices to make them easier to eat by hand. For an authentic touch, enjoy your pide with a glass of ayran and try adding a pinch of chili flakes or sumac if you like a bit of heat.
Best Places to Eat Pide in Istanbul 📍
For authentic pide in Istanbul, these places are highly recommended:
- Fatih Karadeniz Pidecisi – Located in the Fatih district, this spot is famous for its traditional Black Sea-style pide.
- Hocapaşa Pidecisi – Known for its delicious kıymalı pide, this cozy restaurant near Sirkeci is a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
- Pideban – With several locations across Istanbul, Pideban serves a variety of pide flavors, making it a convenient option to sample different types.
