7 Best Turkish Soups To Try
When it is cold in Turkey, it's time to heat something pleasant. Among the best dishes is Turkish soup. Soups are something more than a dish in Turkish cuisine and culture. Soups are light yet satisfying and can be found in every home and restaurant. On your Istanbul Tours, you will have plenty of chances to experience these authentic dishes. Following are 7 traditional Turkish soups you should try in winter 2025, along with the reasoning behind each.
Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi)
What is it?
This is one of Turkey's most popular soups. It is made from red lentils, onion, carrot, potato, and spices. Ingredients are simmered until soft and then blended into a smooth texture.
Why to try it?
Lentil soup is simple, healthy, and readily available at nearby restaurants. Lemon wedges usually accompany it. Locals love it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Cultural note:
Lentil soup is often served as the appetizer before the main dish in Turkish homes. You can try it at many local eateries on our Half-Day Istanbul Private Food Tasting Tour.
Ezogelin Corbasi
What is it?
Thick soup made with red lentils, bulgur, rice, tomato paste, and dried mint, whose flavor is more complex than that of normal lentil soup.
Why not try?
Ezogelin soup is quite different in taste. It's quite spicy and coarse. Most restaurants place a piece of lemon and some bread by its side.
Cultural note:
It was named after a woman named Ezo Gelin, a south-eastern Turkish bride. Her legend became the symbol of love and longing. It is commonly made in memory of her. It is made extensively in home kitchens and traditional restaurants. You can try it on our Istanbul Street Food Tour: Bosphorus and Kadikoy.
Tarhana Corbasi
What is it?
Tarhana dishwasher is made from a dried blend of yogurt, tomato, flour, and vegetables. The mixture is stored for winter and cooked in water or broth to make a thick soup.
Why try it?
It is one of the oldest soups in Turkish cooking. It is slightly sour and earthy-tasting. It is very nutritious and soothing.
Cultural note:
In villages, families prepare tarhana in summer and dry it under the sun. You then eat it in cold months. You will be able to obtain the soup in the local homes during Cappadocia Private Tour activities when you visit the traditional villages.
Yayla Corbasi (Turkish Yogurt Soup)
What is it?
Yayla is "highland." It's a soup that evokes Turkish mountain hamlets. It is yogurt, rice, mint, and butter. The texture is creamy and smooth.
Why try it?
The taste of this soup is light and refreshing. It's wonderful if you just want something light but filling. Yogurt and mint together are a pleasant taste.
Cultural note
Yayla Corbasi is typically consumed in mountain towns and village residences. It is a sign of Turkish hospitality. You can try it during Private Turkey Classics Tour if you want to get to know local food in a short while.
Beyran Corbasi
What is it?
This is a classic soup from Gaziantep city. It consists of lamb, rice, garlic, and hot pepper. It has rich and spicy flavor.
Why try it?
Beyran soup is not merely a meal—it's an experience. It is typically served for breakfast in southeastern Turkey. The combination of meat, spice, and butter provides a rich flavor.
Cultural note:
Locals think this soup helps fight flu and cold. It is also called a "morning soup" because of the energy it gives during the day. You can experience this traditional dish with our Best of Istanbul: 3-Day Private Guided Tour with local cuisine stops.
Dugun Corbasi (Wedding Soup)
What is it?
This soup was once served at weddings in villages. It is lamb or beef broth, flour, butter, and egg yolk.
Why give it a try?
It is rich and creamy. The taste is festive and real. It can be found easily in restaurants throughout Anatolia all year round.
Cultural note
The "wedding soup" is named for its ancient tradition. It was served to guests before the wedding feast. You can taste it on the Biblical Private Turkey Tour when ancient traditions come back to life.
Domates Corbasi (Tomato Soup)
What is it?
It is a tomato soup made from pureed tomatoes, typically served with butter and flour. Grated cheese or small pieces of pasta are served with it.
Why try it?
It has a warm but plain taste. It is perfect for a person who wants an experienced taste with a Turkish flavor.
Cultural note:
Domates soup is a standard starter in Turkish restaurants. It pairs nicely with bread and salad. You can have it during the Evening Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner when traditional soups are usually served.
FAQ
Q: How and when do I need to try these Turkish soups?
It is ideal to try them during the winter. But lentil and tomato soups are available round the year.
Q: Are these soups vegetarian or vegan?
Some soups like lentil or tarhana can be made in a vegetable way. Yogurt soup contains dairy, but others may contain meat.
Q: Where should I try these soups in Istanbul?
You can also find them in local "corba evi" (houses of soup) or in most traditional restaurants. Istanbul Tours' guides can take you there.
Q: What do I have with the soup?
Turkish soups are often served with bread, wedges of lemon, and occasionally pickles. They are light but satisfying.
Q: Are areas of Turkey preparing soup differently?
Yes. Soups vary from region to region. For example, Beyran is from Gaziantep, Yayla from mountainous regions, and Tarhana from central Anatolia.
If you are soon heading to Turkey, do not miss tasting one of these traditional Turkish soups. You will be home even if you are in a different country. Contact us and book your food trip and enjoy the real flavor of Turkey this winter.