Cypriot cuisine has been influenced by different cultures throughout history. Therefore there isn't a dish, which we would call ‘ Cypriot ' only. However with slight variations from their origins Cypriots have developed quite tasty dishes. Each dish has a peculiar taste, cooking and presentation reflects on the character of the people of Cyprus. ‘ Molehiya ' Arab in origin, has been redeveloped, appealing to Cypriot taste both in preparation and presentation. Some dishes even vary from region to region in name, preparation and taste. North Cyprus is fascinating to those with huge appetites. A great variety of vegetable dishes, grills, pastry, fish, soups, kebabs, lahmacun, pides are to name but a few. A big list of mezes, sweets, cakes, eaten either as starters or as afters can be named. In addition to local cuisine Chinese, Italian, French and Indian foods are well represented in various restaurants.
Mezes
Meze is the Turkish word for hors-d'oeuvres. In many of the village restaurants food starts arriving on the table soon after you are seated; this means that there is a set menu and these will be the meze or 'starters'.
Main Dishes
Anyone who visits North Cyprus or has a meal in a Turkish Cypriot home, regardless of the success of the particular Chef, is sure to notice how unique the cuisine is. Main courses normally include Sis kebab (chunks of lamb or chicken on the skewer), Pirzola (lamb chops), grilled chicken, Seftali kebab (Turkish sausage) or fish.
Desserts and Pastries
An old Turkish saying advises one to "eat sweetly and speak sweetly". Sweets and desserts have always been an important and distinctive element of the Turkish Cypriot' cuisine. Altogether there are about 25-30 basic recipes for desserts known but with the addition of local variations the number becomes enormous.
Drinks
North Cyprus produces wine, brandy sour, rakhi and beer. These are both light, fruity, and palatable and are perfect accompaniment to the local dishes. There are also the favourite traditional, non alcoholic drinks; Ayran (Butter milk) and Turkish coffee. |
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