Highlights
What to Eat in Kocaeli?
Kocaeli Flavor Tour
Did you know that Kocaeli, the next-door neighbor of Istanbul, the most important industrial city of the Marmara Region, a treasure trove of nature, history, and a little-known but very valuable gastronomy, has hidden flavors that will leave a mark on your palate for many years? We have prepared a selection of the most unique flavors to be tasted in Kocaeli for those who do not hesitate to travel for good food, for those who are on their way to Kocaeli, and for those who follow our weekend getaway recommendations.
Pishmaniye
We would not be exaggerating if we say that 3 of the first 3 things that come to mind when it comes to Izmit are pişmaniye. Produced with one of the oldest techniques in history and dating back to the 17th century, pişmaniye is the most iconic and of course the sweetest image of the city. Don't forget to experience the most delicious form that sugar can take, pişmaniye, daily, fresh and "on the spot".
Pişkin Simit Bakery
Izmit is the central district of Kocaeli and for many, it is a name that precedes the name of the city. The first flavor that comes to mind when it comes to Izmit is pişmaniye, but there is another flavor that only the locals know and no one who tastes it can give up again: Izmit bagel. Although Izmit bagel, which is a bit thicker, definitely roasted and crispy compared to its counterparts, can be found in mobile stalls at almost every point of the city, Pişkin Simit Bakery on the Walking Road is the best address for this flavor.
Historical Kapanonu Bazaar - Köfteci Behçet
Kokoreç, dürüm and meatballs... These are the unique flavors of this small bazaar. You may need to visit the bazaar early to experience these flavors, each of which is ambitious enough to be one of the best in its field. For example, Köfteci Behçet, the most important of these delicacies, has been in business since 1925 and it is rare to find the place open after lunch.
Dayıcım Buffet - Picnic Buffet
Another iconic flavor stop in the city is Dayıcım Büfe. Its mini hamburgers and hot dogs are legendary among city dwellers, and another rival is Piknik Büfe. Order a hot dog, a lemonade, maybe a crab or a soggy hamburger, and after enjoying each one, catch yourself asking yourself, "So, what have we eaten so far?"
Flavors You Have Never Heard Before
We said Kocaeli is a hidden gastronomic paradise. Because there are many different flavors in this city that you have never heard of before, that you cannot easily come across elsewhere, and that you will never give up once you taste them. Let's see how many of the following you have heard of or tasted before.
Buzzing
Cızlama, a kind of crepe, has a yeasted dough unlike the classic crepe and is made especially in the villages of Kocaeli. Cızlama, which you can experience as a roadside delicacy, is one of the riches known to the "locals" of the city.
Kandıra Pita with Mancar
In the city where there are many Balkan muhajirs, it is possible to come across extraordinary examples of pastries such as pita, pastry, etc. Among these, pita with mancar, a flavor unique to the city, is one of the must-try flavors.
Umaç Soup
Umaç Soup is one of the indispensable dishes in Kocaeli, especially in winter. We recommend that you do not return without tasting this flavor that requires mastery and is so ambitious that it will be one of your indispensables when you eat the best.
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