The Cuisine of Northern Cyprus: A Celebration of Tradition and Simplicity
Northern Cyprus offers a rich variety of dishes that reflect deep-rooted culinary traditions paired with straightforward preparation methods.
Have you ever tried halloumi? It’s one of the most iconic local products, and it’s so delicious! This salty treat is made from goat’s and sheep’s milk, and it’s usually served grilled to perfection.
An essential element of any meal is meze, a selection of appetizers that can include up to 20 different dishes — from pickled vegetables and olives to grilled halloumi and small seafood delicacies. Meze serves as the perfect introduction to any dinner, offering a chance to sample a wide array of traditional Cypriot flavors.
Among the seafood specialties of Northern Cyprus, sea bass, red mullet, and Mediterranean bream are particularly popular. Seafood enthusiasts can also enjoy dishes featuring squid, octopus, mussels, shrimp, and more.
For example, the Boğaz region is renowned for its fishing villages and cozy seaside restaurants, where you can savor freshly prepared fish and seafood dishes.
Kebabs in Northern Cyprus are incredibly diverse.
- The most popular is shish kebab, a simple skewer-grilled meat without marinade.
- Şeftali kebab consists of lamb patties wrapped in a thin casing.
- Küp kebab is slow-cooked meat with potatoes, baked in a traditional oven.
Şiş köfte features spiced lamb patties on skewers. Other varieties include pirzola (grilled lamb chops), döner, and tavuk şiş (chicken skewers), among others.
Traditional olive bread is another staple of the local table, adding richness to any meal.
Don’t miss trying lahmacun — a thin flatbread topped with minced meat and spices, often referred to as Turkish pizza.
Pekmez is a natural syrup made from carob fruit, known locally as harnup pekmez. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this product boosts immunity, supports overall health, and provides an energy boost. It’s commonly incorporated into the daily diet to enhance well-being and vitality.
For those with a sweet tooth, Northern Cyprus boasts delectable desserts. The most famous are baklava and künefe.
Baklava is made of layered pastry filled with nuts and honey, soaked in sweet syrup.
Künefe is a crispy dessert filled with soft cheese, also drizzled with syrup and served hot.
We highly recommend immersing yourself in the culinary world of Northern Cyprus at least once to experience its rich flavors and cherished culinary traditions!





