Summer in Alanya means not only a gentle sea and a hot sun but also a true celebration for the taste buds. July gastronomy on the Turkish Riviera abounds in fresh produce, light dishes, and refreshing drinks that are perfectly suited to the hot season. We invite you on a culinary journey to discover the most delicious sides of this month.
Kings of the Summer Table: Fruit and Vegetables
July is the peak season for many beloved fruits. In markets and supermarkets you will find a huge selection of juicy watermelons and sweet melons, which make the perfect dessert or a refreshing snack. Don't pass by the peaches, nectarines, apricots, and cherries, whose aromas fill the air. Mangoes and figs also begin to appear in abundance, offering exotic notes. Among the vegetables, cucumbers, tomatoes, aubergines, and courgettes reign supreme, forming the basis of many light salads and appetisers. Be sure to try the Turkish "çoban salatası" (shepherd's salad) — a simple yet incredibly tasty combination of fresh vegetables with olive oil and lemon juice.
Seafood: A Gift of the Mediterranean
Proximity to the Mediterranean Sea means an abundance of fresh seafood. In July, in Alanya's restaurants you can enjoy freshly caught fish — sea bass (levrek), gilt-head bream (çipura), and red mullet (barbun). The fish is usually grilled with a minimal amount of spices to highlight its natural flavour. Don't miss the chance to try fried squid (kalamar tava) or mussels (midye tava) — a wonderful addition to a summer dinner. Many seaside cafés offer "balık-ekmek" — a sandwich with freshly grilled fish that is a popular street food.
Refreshing Drinks
What could be better on a hot day than a cool drink? Ayran, of course — the traditional Turkish yoghurt drink that wonderfully quenches thirst and refreshes. Lemonade (limonata) here is made from fresh lemons, often with mint or other herbs added. Fruit juices are also popular and, naturally, iced tea. For coffee lovers, "soğuk kahve," or cold coffee, is an excellent choice.
Light Appetisers and Desserts
In July, give preference to light appetisers. Meze is a selection of small dishes served before the main course. During the hot season, cold meze are especially fitting, such as hummus, baba ganoush, cacık (yoghurt with cucumber and mint), and various salads. For dessert, besides fresh fruit, it is worth trying "dondurma" — Turkish ice cream known for its stretchy texture — or traditional milk-based desserts such as "sütlaç" (rice pudding).
Gastronomic Events
Keep an eye on the local news: during the summer, Alanya often hosts gastronomic festivals and fairs where you can sample local delicacies, fresh produce from farmers, and unique dishes. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's culinary culture and discover new flavours.
July in Alanya offers an amazing variety of tastes and aromas. Allow yourself to experiment, try new things, and savour every culinary discovery, for food is an important part of Turkish culture and a key to understanding the local way of life.