The coastal town of Demre (and greater Antalya) just rich in ancient history and breathtaking views — they’re also bursting with unique flavors that tell the story of this sunny Mediterranean region. Whether you’re nibbling on something fresh at a seaside café or sharing a homemade dish in a quiet village home, the food here is deeply rooted in tradition, seasonality, and love.
Gözleme and Village-Style Pastries
In small towns like Demre, you’ll often find gözleme stands run by smiling teyzes (aunties). These thin flatbreads are rolled by hand and filled with cheese, spinach, potatoes, or minced meat, then cooked on a large sac griddle. Pair it with a glass of ayran (salty yogurt drink) for the perfect countryside snack.
Antalya Usulü Piyaz – A Salad Like No Other
This is not your average bean salad! Antalya piyazı is made with white beans, hard-boiled eggs, parsley, onions, and most importantly — tahinli sos (a rich tahini and vinegar dressing) that gives it a creamy, tangy kick. It’s usually served alongside grilled meats or köfte, but it’s amazing on its own too.
Şiş Köfte – Skewered Perfection
These are not your average meatballs! Şiş köfte (meatballs on a skewer) are grilled over open flames and usually served with fresh pita, grilled vegetables, and a generous sprinkle of sumac onions. Perfect after a day of hiking or swimming.
Dolma – Stuffed Delights
Whether it’s vine leaves (yaprak sarma), bell peppers (biber dolması), or eggplants, dolma is a staple of home kitchens across the region. In Demre, you’ll often find dolma made with fragrant rice, pine nuts, currants, and cinnamon — a perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s often served cold with lemon or warm alongside yogurt.
Köy Kahvaltısı – Local Village Breakfast
There’s no better way to start your day in Demre than with a traditional köy kahvaltısı (village breakfast). Picture this: homemade cheeses, sun-dried olives, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, golden eggs, fluffy gözleme, crusty bread, and tangy jams — all laid out under the shade of a fig tree. It’s a slow, social, and deeply satisfying way to wake up.
Zeytinyağlılar – Olive Oil Dishes
Here in the heart of the Mediterranean, olive oil isn’t just an ingredient — it’s a way of life. Demre’s warm climate and fertile soil produce some of the most flavorful olives and olive oil in Turkey.
You’ll find zeytinyağlı enginar (artichokes in olive oil), zeytinyağlı fasulye (green beans), and kabak çiçeği dolması (zucchini flowers stuffed with rice and herbs). These dishes are served cold and are perfect on a hot day with a squeeze of lemon and a slice of crusty bread.
Fresh Seafood from the Lycian Coast
Demre and the nearby fishing villages are heaven for seafood lovers. One local favorite is grida (white grouper), grilled simply with herbs and served with lemon and rocket. Another regional classic is karides güveç — sizzling shrimp cooked in earthen pots with garlic, tomatoes, and melted kaşar cheese. Also try kalamar tava (crispy fried calamari) and balık çorbası (fish soup) for a true taste of the sea.
Citrus Galore: Oranges, Pomegranates & More
Demre is famous for its oranges. In winter, the trees are heavy with sun-kissed fruit. Enjoy fresh orange juice on every corner, and don’t miss nar suyu (fresh pomegranate juice) — sweet, tart, and refreshing. Try nar ekşisi (pomegranate molasses) drizzled over salads or grilled meats.
Local Wines and Fruit Liqueurs
Antalya and the Lycian region have a growing wine scene. Sip on kalecik karası or boğazkere — bold red varietals perfect with meze. Many locals also craft homemade liqueurs from mulberries, figs, or carob — sipped slowly in good company.
Turkish Coffee & Demli Çay by the Sea
No meal is complete without a strong, aromatic Türk kahvesi, often served with Turkish delight and a fortune-telling session from the coffee grounds. Or enjoy a glass of çay (black tea), especially while watching the waves roll in.
Yanık Dondurma – Smoky Ice Cream Delight
Unique to the Antalya region, yanık dondurma (literally “burnt ice cream”) gets its signature taste from slightly caramelizing the milk during the cooking process. The result is a creamy, smoky-flavored ice cream that’s unlike any other. Often made with goat’s milk and a touch of mastic, it’s a cool treat with a rich story behind it.
Where to Eat: Local Restaurant Recommendations
Coming soon!
