From tantuni to kerebiç, hummus to Tarsus kebab, Mersin cuisine offers a veritable feast of flavors with its spicy, refreshing, and appetizing tastes. With a wide range of dishes from street food to home-cooked meals, from light Mediterranean mezes to hearty main courses, this cuisine makes for an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting Mersin.
What to Eat in Mersin List
If you're wondering "What to eat in Mersin?", let's start exploring the most beloved and famous dishes of Mersin cuisine together.Tantuni
When Mersin is mentioned, one of the first flavors that comes to mind is undoubtedly tantuni. This street food, prepared by sautéing thinly sliced beef or chicken on a griddle in cottonseed oil, is served in lavash or bread with sumac-flavored onions, parsley, and optionally chili peppers.
Surprisingly light, tantuni leaves a lasting impression on the palate with its rich, spicy flavor. Eating a tantuni standing up on the streets of Mersin is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the city's culinary culture quickly and deliciously.
Kerebiç
Kerebiç, one of the most special and beloved desserts of Mersin cuisine, stands out as an indispensable part of the table, especially during Ramadan. This traditional dessert, prepared with semolina dough and filled with plenty of walnuts or pistachios, is distinguished from other syrup-soaked desserts by its distinctive white foam.
This foam, expertly whipped and obtained from the root of the soapwort plant, gives kerebiç a light and refreshing taste. Neither too syrupy nor too heavy, kerebiç is one of the unique flavors that those who want to take a sweet break in Mersin must try.
Sunken
Originating from the Taurus Mountains and reaching the tables of Mersin, batırık stands out as a refreshing and quite filling regional delicacy. Prepared by kneading fine bulgur with tahini, tomato and pepper paste, lemon juice, and various spices, batırık is enriched with walnuts, herbs, and pomegranate molasses.
Served in a watery or lentil-like consistency, this dish is a favorite, especially during the summer months, for those seeking a light yet nutritious alternative. Combining the naturalness of Mersin cuisine with the freshness of the Mediterranean, batırık is a must-try regional delicacy.
Thimble Soup
One of the most labor-intensive yet beloved soups of Mersin cuisine, thimble soup is frequently prepared, especially for holiday meals and special occasions. Made by cooking hand-sealed dough balls, resembling small dumplings, in chickpeas, tomato paste, and meat broth, this soup appeals to both the eye and the palate.
Completed with a mint and butter sauce, thimble soup is one of the regional delicacies that best reflects Mersin's traditional culinary culture and should not be missed.
Boiling
Kaynar, a traditional beverage of Mersin cuisine, is known as an aromatic delicacy consumed for its health benefits, especially during the winter months. Prepared by boiling spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and black pepper, this hot drink stands out both for its immune-boosting effects and its warming taste.
Served to guests in homes, kaynar is one of the special flavors that shows how rich Mersin's cuisine is, not only in dishes but also in traditional drinks.
Product
Mamül, a traditional dessert of Mersin cuisine, holds a special place and is a deeply rooted delicacy that adorns tables, especially during holidays and special occasions. Prepared with a dough primarily made from semolina, this dessert is enriched with fillings such as walnuts, pistachios, or dates.
Baked and then lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar before serving, this pastry offers a balanced taste, neither too heavy nor too light. A cultural heritage preserved in Mersin and its surroundings, this pastry is a must-try for those wishing to discover regional desserts.
Cezerye
Cezerye, one of the best-known and most beloved sweet snacks of Mersin cuisine, stands out especially with its unique version made with carrots. This delicacy, prepared by cooking grated carrots with sugar and enriching them with walnuts or hazelnuts, is completed with cinnamon and coconut.
Made with natural ingredients, cezerye is both light and energizing, making it one of the best regional treats you can take back to your loved ones from Mersin.
Tarsus Kebab
Tarsus kebab, one of the most impressive meat dishes of Mersin cuisine, stands out with its abundant ingredients and intense aroma. Prepared with beef, this kebab is cooked for a long time with tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and various spices, deepening its flavor.
Tarsus kebab, which stands out with its incredibly tender texture when it comes out of the oven, is usually served with flatbread or rice. This delicacy, a must-try for meat lovers in Mersin, is one of the dishes that best reflects Tarsus's rich culinary culture.
Tattooed Rice
Dövme pilavı, a traditional and hearty dish from Mersin cuisine, gets its name from the dövme (wheat for aşure) grain used in its preparation. Cooked in meat broth, the dövme is enriched with butter and sometimes chickpeas or pieces of meat before being served.
With its fluffy texture and satisfying nature, this rice dish, frequently found in village meals, is one of the simple yet powerful flavors reflecting Mersin's abundant culinary culture.
Squeezing
Sıkma, one of Mersin's most practical and beloved pastries, is especially popular at breakfast and tea time. It is prepared by rolling up thinly rolled dough and placing fillings such as cheese, potatoes, or greens between them.
Baked on a griddle, sıkma offers a light yet satisfying flavor with its soft exterior and generously filled interior. This treat, frequently found in the streets and home kitchens of Mersin, is a must-try for those who love regional pastries.
Karsambaç
Karsambaç, one of the most refreshing flavors unique to Mersin and the Taurus Mountains region, is consumed as a natural dessert during the summer months. Prepared by pouring molasses or rose syrup over clean snow collected from the mountains, this traditional treat stands out with its simple yet refreshing texture. Especially a favorite for childhood summer memories, karsambaç is one of the most authentic flavors reflecting the nature-infused culture of Mersin cuisine.
Pepper Bread
One of the most beloved baked goods of Mersin cuisine, pepper bread is a staple, especially for breakfast tables and tea time. Prepared with a mixture of pepper paste, olive oil, onions, and spices spread on thin dough, this delicious treat whets the appetite with its wonderful aroma when it comes out of the oven.
With its crispy edges and soft interior, pepper bread stands out as a satisfying snack on its own and is one of the must-try local delicacies in Mersin.