About Izmir Aegean Region
Main ingredients of Turkish Aegean cuisine. In addition to the wild greens mentioned above, fish, seafood, olive oil and herbs are the main ingredients. The Aegean cuisine is remarkably similar to the Mediterranean one in southern Turkey, but subtle differences that result from local ingredients make them slightly different from the learned gourmet. The Mediterranean coast is considered the capital of citrus fruits of Turkey, thanks to the richly grown oranges. However, the Aegean is the king when it comes to growing olives, a staple of Turkish cuisine. 75 percent of all olives grown in Turkey come from the Aegean Sea, proving that the climate is the ideal condition for the prosperity of the simple tree. While sea bream, sea bass and anchovy (hamsi) are popular throughout Turkey, the Aegean cuisine of simple sardine (sardalya) has a special place. However, ignore any idea of the Western popularity of pickled sardines, as the locals grill them fresh and serve them with a fresh salad of finely chopped tomatoes, onions and peppers.
- Kütahya
- Afyonkarahisar
- Uşak
- Denizli
- Muğla
- Aydın
- İzmir
- Manisa
Especially in the Aegean Region, Afyon and İzmir come to the fore. Afyon is the first regional flavor that comes to mind when it comes to Afyon. Here are the local dishes of the Aegean Region.
After feasting on Turkish mezes (appetizers), large groups sometimes order the house specialty, a whole fish boiled in rock salt. The experience is often an event in itself as the waiters make a dramatic show by lighting it at the table before they fillet and serve it. The city of Bergama is famous for its ancient ruined city of Pergamon and its steep hillside theater. Visitors should also make a detour to find restaurants serving Cigirtma’s regional classic. The chefs combine the main ingredient Patlican (aubergine) with tomatoes, peppers and a very healthy dose of garlic, before seasoning them with salt, black pepper and paprika flakes.
Further south, restaurants on the main road that leads through the town of Soke in the interior, usually only a local court. Cop Sis means rubbish meat, but tasting the small, delicious, grilled pieces with onions, peppers and tomatoes clearly shows that the name reflects the status of a cheap food rather than a bad taste.
Otherwise, return to the restaurants of the city center to discover more local dishes from Aegean Turkey. Our recommendation is zucchini flowers, a seasonal classic that is limited to July, August and September. They must be picked at the right time and should be carefully cleaned to remove the bitter-tasting seeds that can ruin the whole dish.
Filled with rice and emphasizing the use of herbs such as mint, parsley and dill in the region, you will find a chef who has perfected the art of cooking zucchini flowers, and you will be pleasantly introduced to one of the region’s most unusual but tastiest flavors Aegean Cuisine of Turkey.

7 Day tour
Our tours are known to immerse our guests in the local lifestyle. To give you a complete personal experience, our groups are small and we live in family hotels or privately owned in a unique environment.
Izmir Aegean Region Culinary Kitchen Menu

9 Day tour
A typical culinary tour includes picturesque Turkish islands, cooking classes, winery visits, wine tasting, local restaurants, food visits, dairies, olive oil producers and markets. Flavours Tour Guide is home to some of the most authentic culinary holidays in all of Turkey.