Food & Meals Options of Au Pairs in Turkey
Shared Meals with the Host Family and Traditional Turkish Cuisine Experience
For any food lover, arriving in Turkey is a must to discover a culinary paradise. Turkish cuisine is celebrated globally for its big diversity. While often known primarily for its kebabs, the reality is that Turkish food is far richer than this, acting as a genuine melting pot of culinary traditions from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Balkans.
The diverse landscape of Turkish dishes allows one to taste geographical history. You can experience Balkan influences in dishes like stuffed peppers and grape leaves (sarma), Middle Eastern flavors through creamy hummus, various kebabs, and spectacular desserts like künefe, and the Mediterranean touch with fresh artichokes and spinach dishes.
Beyond formal dining, Turkey has an incredibly rich street food culture. An Au Pair could easily spend six months continually discovering new, exciting options. Popular choices include kokoreç (grilled, spiced lamb intestines), sucuk ekmek (grilled spicy sausage sandwich), ıslak hamburger (steamed, wet burger), and midye dolma (stuffed mussels).
It is essential for an Au Pair to remember that most Turkish host families prioritize home-cooked meals over ordering takeout or consuming street food. This commitment to domestic dining is particularly evident in the famous Turkish breakfast, which is a comprehensive and elaborate affair. It typically includes boiled eggs, omelets, various cheeses, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, sucuk (spicy sausage), cured meats, a variety of bread, honey, milk, and kaymak (clotted cream). Dinners, by contrast, tend to be more simple, often centered around one main dish representing a specific cuisine.
For those eager to taste many types of Turkish food, a variety of food delivery applications are available, such as Trendyol Yemek, Getir Yemek, and Yemeksepeti. In order to find more information about ordering we encourage you to check here. During personal free time, an Au Pair can use these services to order and try dishes that the host family may not typically prepare.
However, an Au Pair should always consult with their host family first.
Online Grocery Tips for Au Pairs in Turkey
Getir Yemek - Getir Market
Yemeksepeti - Banabi
Trendyol Yemek - Trendyol Market
Tazedirekt
Exploring Turkish Flavors as an Au Pair in Turkey
The diversity of Turkish cuisine offers a delightful and never-ending experience. As an Au Pair, your culinary journey will be twofold: participating in the warm tradition of simple, healthy home-cooked meals, while also taking the opportunity in your free time to dive into the vibrant and exciting world of Turkish street food and specialized dishes. By embracing both the family's dining routine and your own explorations, you will not only satisfy your mouth but also deepen your appreciation for one of the world's truly great food cultures.