Ankara: Where to find Special food items

Ankara: Special Food & Kitchen Items, Markets, online Food Shops, Turkish Cheeses, Spices & Herbs, Fishes in Turkey, Beverages, Turkish wineries, coffee and tea culture, cookbooks
All the places you need to know if you want to buy foreign or local products., organic, vegan or more...
www.madeeasierguides.com

Food (yemek):
Turkey is known for its variety of Food. You will find many different kinds of Mezzes, Fish and Meat dishes all over Turkey.
In the markets and supermarkets you will find mainly the fruits and vegetables that are in season. Enjoy every season and look forward for the next one!

The biggest supermarkets in Ankara are:

Macrocenter: İran Cd. No:23, Cankaya or Uğur Mumcu Cd. No:62. Also in Kizilirmak mah. Dumlupinar Bolv. 3/C1. Not far from Armada AVM, in Arcadium AVM and also in Next level AVM . They have lots of foreign products. A bit pricey but good quality.
Migros: Not the same as the Swiss Migros, but you will find all the products that you will need. They are classified in different 'M's' depending on their size. 5M is the biggest one, 3M are the most common one. They have several in town and in some Shopping malls like 365 or Bilkent center
CarrefourSA: They have several in town and in some Shopping malls like CEPA or Anatolium
Metro: They have 3 in Ankara. A big one, in Mamak, close to Ikea.Tel: 595 00 00,open from 07:30 to 22:00. They have several foreign products.
Inside the Ikea they also have a small 'supermarket' where they sell Swedish products.
Erzincan : They have some international cheeses and products. Tunali Hilmi, 90.
A.101: supermarket chain with mainly local products
Bim: supermarket chain with mainly local products
Şok: part of Migros, local products

others:

Trendyol: Based in Istanbul. A big online platform that sells food procuts as well as elctronics, cosmetics and much more.

Gluten Free products:

The best section for Gluten free products you can find them at Metro, Macrocenter or bigger Migros supermarkets.
Semotti's Kitchen: Cinnah Caddesi 49/1. Çankaya . Tel: (0232) 440 7540 or Tel:(0533) 493 0821. They do very creative and special themed cakes for all occasions. They can also do gluten-free and dairy-free cookies, cakes and much more.

>>> To see the list of the AVM (Shopping Malls), click HERE

Foreign Food items & Online Food Shops:

Karobarpk: They sell Pakistani Products and Spices. Tel: (0543) 3810338.
Thai Asian Shop: Meneviş Sokak No:56b. Aşağı Ayrancı. Tel: (0539) 3338757. They sell Asian Products
Karobarpk: Dede Korkut Sk, Aziziye Muhallesi, Building No:10, Cankaya. Tel: (0543) 381 0338. They sell Pakistani products

Taze lezzet: Based in Ankara. Tel: (0312) 236 2020. This is an online store where you can order fresh meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, Baby Food and much more. They deliver to your home.. Website is only in Turkish.
Taze Direkt: This is an online store where you can order fresh meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and much more. They deliver to your home.. Website is only in Turkish.
Hadi Balik: Tel: (0549) 648 423. Based in Bodrum, but they also deliver to Ankara. Very good Fish quality and good service
Organik Satinal: 187.Cad. No: 54/89-90 Yenimahalle. Tel: (0850) 840 2902. Organic items and more
Sakli Orman: Kemalpaşa Mah. Çukuryurt yolu No:64 Saray / Tekirdağ. Tel: (0282) 768 4500. All about Mushrooms: They sell Fresh and dry morrels, porcini, chanterelle mushrooms and more.
Miralem: Yayla Mh. Faik Bey Sk. No: 19/2 Emiralem/Menemen, Izmir. Cell: (0532) 376 6435. All about Goat Cheese. They produce and sell different types of Goat cheeses, french style. Mrs. Canan Urhan, the owner, speaks Turkish and French. Some products are also sold at Macrocenters.
Porkynet: They have all kind of products, imported from UK, Holland, Italy, Greece etc under a cold chain. Company is based in Bodrum, but you can order online or calling Mr. Kağan Önder: Cell: (0555) 251 1125. All products are frozen
Antre Gourmet: Akarsu Caddesi No:40/A Cihangir-Beyoğlu.Tel: (0212) 292 8972. They sell high quality products and you can also buy online.
Gurme Net: Tel: (0212) 438 3322. They have lots of different foreign products also.
Asya Gurme: Based in Istanbul. Tel: (0532) 061 5970. They sell all kind of Asian products. They also deliver all over Turkey.
Güzel Gida: Tel: (0212) 244 30 50. They sell Glutenfree, Vegan and organic products.
Skinny Pasta: Balmumcu Mah., Itri Sok. No:24, Beşiktaş/istanbul. Tel: 0850 202 50 55. They sell low carb pasta.
Vegan Dükkan: Sıraselviler Cd. Soğancı Sk N:8/C Cihangir Beyoğlu,Istanbul.Tel: (0212) 243 2383. Vegan items Shop. You can also buy online
Pastaland: Based in Bursa. Tel : (0224) 221 2037. They sell all kind of items you need for bakery, to do cakes, cookies and more. You can buy online.

If you want to see more Special Food item places where you can order online, check the Istanbul Food markets page or click HERE
> You will find places where to find Japanese, Chinese or vegan products among others.

***Fruits* *and vegetables***:

In the supermarkets you will find now a good quality of fruits and vegetables but two very good places where you can find special items are:

Doğan Gida; Almost at the corner of Tunali, in Bülten Sokak, 8, Tel:(0312) 426 7272
Şahin Besi: High quality of fruits and vegetables. In Filistin Sokak,
Fruit Baskets: Frutation: Çankaya Cad.10B.(Atakule Çarsisi) Tel:(0312) 439 4442.
Fruitanya: Kabil Cd. No:95/16 (Eski öveçler 1042 cd) Çankaya.Tel: 0850 303 61 53. They create all kind of very nice Fruit baskets

Markets in general: If you are looking for the nearest market around you, go to this website and choose where you life: markets

Markets:

Markets:
Here some market days in Ankara:

Fridays: In Ayrancı, Dikmen Cad, Emniyet Genel Müd. Altı
Sundays: In Ayrancı, Dikmen Cad (organik market). located on Dikmen Cad. next to the police House
1st Sunday of the month: In Ayrancı, Dikmen Cad (antic market/ flea market)
Wednesdays: Dikmen, Dikmen Cad, Seftali Sokak
Saturdays: Yıldız, Anayasa Mahkemesi Karşısı Başak Sokak
Saturdays: Balgat, Ziyabey Cad. 4. Sok. Köşesi
Thursdays and Sundays: 100.Yil, M. Çelik Zabita Karakolu Yani

Municipality Information on markets click HERE
Markets in general: If you are looking for the nearest market around you, go to this website and choose where you life: markets

Beef:

A very good Butcher you will find inside the Günaydın Steak House: Argentjin Sokak. 18A. Çankaya. Tel: (0312) 468 5353
Inside the Restaurant called: Butcha- The Butcher Shop & Steakhouse: Dr. Ahmet Taner Kışlalı Mah. Alımcı Park Villaları, Park Cad. 15/2 , Çayyolu Tel: (0312) 241 4543.

Chicken:

Tavko: Tunali Hilmi 92D, Tel: (0312) 426 0977. They sell mainly eggs and chicken. They also have fresh chicken breast schnitzel and really good breaded chicken köfte. Depending on the season, they also have asparagus.
Tavila: Filistin Sokak no: 10A. Tel:(0312) 436 4550. They sell mainly chicken and eggs. Nice chicken Schnitzel and other chicken pre-prepared items. If you order in advance you can get also Duck, Turkey and Quail

Pork:

Porkynet: They have all kind of products, imported from UK, Holland, Italy, Greece etc under a cold chain. Company is based in Bodrum, but you can order online or calling Mr. Kağan Önder: cell: 0555-251 1125. All products are frozen. The shipment is paid by the buyer.
Kozmanoğlu:.Based in Beyoğlu, Istanbul. Tel: (0212) 250 1142. You can also order online and they will deliver to Ankara.
Gurmetpork: They are based in Urla, outside izmir. Tel: (0232) 754 5933. You can order online and they will deliver to Ankara.
Frosta: They are based in istanbul. Tel: (0212) 659 5426. You can order online and they deliver to Ankara. they sell Food items and foreign wines.
5M Migros: The big supermarket in Bilkent center also sell few pork products
Macrocenters: They also sell few pork products

Others:

Haci Bekir: Known for its Turkish delights and candys. They have a shop in Ankamall.
Hacıbaba: (0312) 240 0069 - 59. They have many branches in Town. Known for its Baklava.
Baklavacı Güllüoğlu: Based in istanbul, but you can order online. Known for its Baklava.
Çelebioğulları: Based in Gaziantep, but you can order online. Known for its Baklava & Lokum

Olive Oil:

Laleli: Uğur Mumcu Cad. 60/B, G.O.P, close to the Migros. Tel:(0312) 446 2316. They have the best olive oils from Turkey and in their shop they sell also soaps and other nice gifts made out of Olive Oil.
Zeytinhane: Çengelhan Dükkanlari No:10., Kale, Ulus Tel: (0312) 311 8944. In front of the Kale entrance. They have also lots of olive oil based products like soaps and much more.

Simit Center : Tunalı Hilmi- Abay Kunanbay Cad. No:7/A ,Tel: (0312) 427 21 18. You can also call them to deliver to your home.
Asli Börek: You can find them in many Shopping malls. They have nice Böreks, Turkish pastry and more.
Gurme Reyon: You can only buy online here.
City farm: Uğur Mumcu Caddesi 64/1, G.O.P. Tel: (0312) 447 6778. Only organic items

Some Turkish Cheeses:
Cheese is served for breakfast, but is also served as a starter with melon and Rakı, on several mezzes, on salads and you will find also many desserts with cheese fillings.

The main cheeses you will find in a supermarket are the classic beyaz (white) cheese, Kaşar cheese, Halloumi, Dil and Lor. If you want to taste some specific cheeses of each region, then you will need to find a specialized shop for it.

Cheese has become the Indispensable Ingredient of Turkish Tables, so try to find out which one your favorite is!

Beyaz Peyniri: It is the wonderful white cheese found all over Turkey. It can be soft or firm, salty or mild. There are many varieties used for dozens of recipes. Always taste a little bit of it if possible of this or any cheese before purchase.
Çeçil Peyniri: Originated from Armenia, it is produced now mainly in Kars and Erzurum in the form of dense strings and often rolled up in a shape of the figure of eight
Çerkez Füme Peyniri: it is produced in the Marmara region. It is light yellow or cream-colored with a thick crust. It is a low-fat cheese with a nice aroma fumed with pinewood smoke.
Cerkez Peyniri: This firm cow’s milk cheese is from the Adapazari region in Turkey. If you get a top quality cheese you can grill it over charcoal and serve it hot but not totally melted.
Dil Peyniri: Also from the Adapazar region, this is a cow’s milk cheese that we call string cheese because it comes off the main piece of cheese in strings. It looks a little bit like mozzarella and can be used on pizza but is also sometimes consumed at breakfast
Halloumi or Hellim: Originated from Cyprus. Made from goat or sheep’s milk, but nowadays also made out of cow’s milk. This is the best cheese from grilling.
Kaşar Peyniri (Eski Kaşar):The word ‘eski’ means old or aged cheese. This is a very popular cheese in Turkey made out of sheep’s milk and has a yellow color. The most known one is from Kars.
Kaşar Peyniri (Taze Kaşar): It means fresh or ‘taze’ cheese and its delicious in grilled cheese sandwiches and cheese sauces. The cheese is smooth, light yellow color. It can be eaten as it is, melted or used for gratin dishes. A little bit the same way as the Italian mozzarella. This is a sheep/cow milk mixture and comes from Trakya region. It is easy to find but difficult to find a top quality one
Karadeniz tel Peyniri: It is produced in the eastern Black Sea region and is made from fat-free milk. When rubbed between the hands, it separates into fibers and therefore is called the (fiber) cheese. Good cheese if you are on a diet.
Kars Gravyeri: This is the Turkish version of Gruyere. It is made from high-fat cow’s milk and has a nutty flavor. It looks like the French Gruyère and takes 10 month to age. It is slightly yellow and the holes in the cheeses are about 1-2cm big.
Kaymak: The most similar to clotted cream. Very often served at breakfast with honey or just to top up a dessert
Kolot: This cow cheese comes from the Black Sea Region and is specially made for melting. In Trabzon and Rize they use the melted Kolot, mixed with cornmeal, butter and water to do Kuymak (also called Muhlama)
Labne: Its a spreadable fresh milk cheese. Very similar to cream cheese, has a light texture and kids love it. Served often at breakfast, but used also in many Turkish desserts, mezzes, pies and pastries
Lor Peyniri: Is a soft low-fat, low-salt form of white cheese, similar to ricotta, high in Protein. It is used a lot in Turkey. You can use it for börek, several desserts, but also consumed at breakfast spread on bread together with honey.
Mihaliç Peyniri: The Yugoslavian Turks make this crumbly cheese from a mixture of goat and sheep milk. In general its salty and oily.It is encased in a sheep skin to age it and give it a distinct flavor you will either love or hate. Use it in böreks.
Otlu Peyniri: This is a pungent sheep’s milk cheese with herbs imbedded throughout. As its produced in spring when the sheep give birth, the milk and the grass are plenty. This is made by nomadic Yuruk people and is not easy to find. Known is the Van otlu, produced in Van, with herbs, garlic and special spices.
Tulum Peyniri (or Erzincan Tulum): Is from the Erzincan region as the name implies and is a tangy goat and cow’s milk cheese aged in a sheep’s skin and used in böreks. It is white and creamy and fatty with butter aroma
Tulum Peyniri (or Izmir Tulum ): This version of Tulum is different form the other regions. Saltwater is used here and its made from sheep’s or mixed milk. It contains higher fat than the traditional Tulum and is harder and saltier than the white cheese
Tulum Peyniri (or Teneke Tulum): Teneke is not a place; it means the tin can or container the cheese is cured in. It is one of the best cheeses in Turkey and well worth the search. It is made from sheep’s or goat’s milk. Used often in salads (with Roka and walnuts) as its soft, sometimes crumbly

Fish:

Omer Ceylan, 3 Cadde Semt Hali Binasi 75/B-11 Bahçelievler . Tel:(0312) 212 66 16. Very fresh fish, you can also make them deliver to your home.
Iskenderun Balikcilik: Tel: 397 15 85 Cell: 0532 375 25 95; ZAFER bey (owner) biggest fish supplier in Ankara. Daily sea food delivery from Mersin (Red mullet, Prawns, Crabs, Grouper) Bodrum & Cesme (seabass, sea bream, octopus, calamari) Samsun (Blue fish, Bonito, Anchovy, Turbot) Antalya (Tuna)
Deniz Balikcilik su Urunleri: Aziziye, Kırkpınar Sk. No:7 D:E, Çankaya. Tel: (0312) 439 8646.
Karadeniz Su Ürünleri: Uzayçağı Bulvarı 1273. Cd No:18 Ostim Yenimahalle. Tel: (0312) 384 7333

Here are the main Fishes you can get in Turkey:

Beverages

Without Alcohol:

Ayran: Is one of the fundamental drinks in Turkish culture. Ayran is a cold beverage of yogurt, mixed with cold water and salt. It is mainly drank with meat dishes like Kebabs.

Salep: is made from the dried powdered roots of a mountain orchid. The powder is then heated with milk, sugar and cinnamon to make a thick dairy beverage. very nice when it's cold outside.

With Alcohol:

Rakı: Rakı, which is famous as the Turkish national drink, is drank in flat cylindrical glasses and cold (8-10 degree) together with water and ice-cubes. Rakı which is a distilled alcoholic beverage strongly aromatized with lots of anise, is mainly consumed with Fish dishes. The most famous brands are:
Yeni Raki, Tekirdag, and Efe.

Beer: The most famous one is ‘Efes’ , also Tuborg is widely available.

Wines in Turkey:
Turkish wines are getting better and better. There are mainly 7 regions of Turkey that produce wine:

South-East Anatolia: Around Dyarbakir. This region accounts for 3.4% of all wine produced in Turkey.
The grape variety is: Boğazkere.

Mid-Eastern Anatolia: Around Tokat and Malatya.This region accounts for 14.7% of all the wine produced in Turkey.
The grape variety is: Boğazkere, Narince, Öküzgözü.

Mid-Northern Anatolia: Around Ankara and Usak. This region accounts for 3.3% of all the wine produced in Turkey.
The grape variety is: Boğazkere, Kalecik Karası, Öküzgözü, Shiraz (Syrah)

Mid-Southern Anatolia: Around Nevsehir. This region accounts for 12.1% of all the wine produced in Turkey.
The grape variety is: Chardonnay, Dimrit, Emir, Kalecik Karası, Malbec, Narince, Öküzgözü, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo.

Mediterranean: Around Elmali. This region accounts for 0.2% of all the wine produced in Turkey.
Grape variety: Boğazkere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Kalecik Karas›, Malbec, Merlot, Öküzgözü, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz (Syrah).

Aegean: Around Izmir, Manisa, Denizli, Canakkale.This region accounts for 52.7% of all the wine produced in Turkey.
The grape variety in the region are: Alicante Bouchet, Boğazkere, Bornova Misketi, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Çalkarası, Çavuş, Dimrit, Grenache, Kalecik Karası, Karalahna, Kuntra, Malbec,Merlot, Mourvedre, Narince, Öküzgözü, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz (Syrah), Sultaniye, Tempranillo, Vasilaki, Viognier.

Marmara:Around Edirne, Tekirdag, Adapazari. This region accounts for 13.6% of all the wine produced in Turkey.
The grape variety here are: Adakarası, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Gamay, Kalecik Karası, Merlot, Papazkarası, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Shiraz (Syrah), Viognier.

Beer and Wine - Do it yourself:
If you want to make your own Beer or Wine at Home, here are some places where you can get the material:

Butik Bira: Tel: (0212) 909 3252. They sell individual items or starter kits to brew your own beer. They also have online shopping.
Vinomarket: Tel: (0232) 349 1125. They sell individual items or starter kits to make your own wine or brew your own beer and much more. They also have online shopping

Turkish Wineries:

The main Wineries are:

Kavaklidere (Egeo, Selection, Vin & Art, Pendore, Cōte d'Avanos and others)
Doluca: (Sarafin, Narince, DLC, Villa Doluca and others)
Pamukkale: (Anfora, Harman and others)
Sevilen: (900, Premium, Isabey and others)
Urla: (Tempus, Vourla, Nexus and others)
Yazgan: (Mahra, Casabah and others)

Kavaklidere Wines: Their own shop : Tunus Cad.88B. Kavaklidere.. They have their best!

> Don't miss checking out the page of Aegean Wine Tour

Coffee and Tea culture:

Turkish Coffee:

The roasted coffee beans are very finely grinded. It is prepared in a small pot called cezve, In the cezve, first put the cold water and sugar, then add the coffee and boil it. It is then served in a cup, but allow it to settle a little bit before drinking.
In some places when you finish drinking your coffee, place your saucer on top of the cup, then turn it around and let it cool. Don’t forget to make a wish before turning! A fortune teller will then be able to read your coffee and...your future...
When you order a Turkish coffee, you will be asked in advance how much sugar you want in it. You can have it: Sade (no sugar), Orta şekerli (medium sweet) or çok şekerli (very sweet).

Turkish tea: (çay) , is black tea which comes from the black sea region, is consumed without milk.

Turkish tea is typically prepared using a çaydanlık (two stacked kettles) specially designed for tea preparation. Water is brought to a boil in the larger lower kettle and then some of the water is used to fill the smaller kettle on top and steep several spoons of loose tea leaves, producing a very strong tea. When served, the remaining water is used to dilute the tea on an individual basis, giving each consumer the choice between strong tea (koyu) or weak tea (açık). Tea is drunk from small glasses to enjoy it hot ( watch out not to burn your fingers).

See below the classical presentations of: Turkish tea, Ayran and Salep:

Cookbooks:

From the Facebook group called "Cook's Corner for Expats in Turkey", these following cookbooks have been recommended by:

Karen Van Drie, Dina Street, Sonja Akpinar, Melanie Tvaroch Sahlan, Tatjana Vetter, Jules Balsiger, Jeela Elizabeth Gokmen, Robyn Eckhardt, Diana Borja Dologh, Becky Altinman, Samantha King Çekiç, Sherry Duncan Thomas, Ishak Jane Ozmus, Linda Hockton

Istanbul and Beyond: Exploring the Diverse Cuisines of Turkey by Robyn Eckhardt
Secrets of the Turkish Kitchen by Angie Mitchell
An American cook in Turkey by Anna G. Edmonds
Sultans Kitchen by Özcan Ozan
Özlem's Turkish Table by Özlem Warren
Refika'nın Mutfağı - Cooking New Istanbul Style by Refika Birgül
Aegean Flavours by Didem Şenol
Classical Turkish Cooking by Ayla E. Algar
A taste of sun and Fire- Gaziantep cookery. by Aylin Öney Tan
Classic Turkish Cooking by Ghillie Basan
Traditional recipes of the levantine cuisine by Maria Elisa Capaccioli Sponza and 3 others
A pinch of Imagination by Elizabeth Ayten Berent