Hidden Treasure
Words by Dalene Heck / Photography by Pete Heck
We are quickly learning that in this tiny, seemingly unremarkable town, there is plenty of beauty below its rough surface. Not only in the kind and thoughtful people we have met, but in some charming places that exist behind closed doors.
Before they left, our homeowners took us to lunch at a tiny, unmarked restaurant just off the main street that serves authentic dishes in a completely restored traditional Turkish house. Being creatures of habit when it comes to good food, we’ve since returned to indulge in the delicious dishes and absorb the cultural atmosphere. And you can bet we’ll do it again several times before we leave.
This is Mantı – easily our favorite Turkish dish so far. It has a small, meat filled pasta (sort of like a tortellini), covered in a yogurt sauce. Chili oil and dill are sprinkled on top:
The owner is a kind and quiet man who graciously let us tour the house after lunch. This is an eating area with low tables and cushions on the floor.
For decoration there was lots of colorfully embroidered cloth.
Aged trinkets in various states of repair are on display throughout.
Next time we hope he’ll let us in the kitchen. 🙂
Once again fab photos. I don’t like Manti but hubby adores it. I tried to cook it once!! Well, instead he ended up heading to a restaurant. Love the old radio in the last picture.
Ha – well at least you tried! It is on our list of things to try making while we are here.
Mmmm.. the Manti looks delicious! Great photos everytime!
Thanks Dana!
yummm, that dish looks delicious! great pics
How cozy! I know nothing about Turkish food, so I hope you’ll be filling us in while you’re there. 🙂
So much of our visit here so far has been about the food. There will be lots of virtual sharing!
This plate just made my mouth water. Definitely trying this when in Turkey!
There is SO much good food to try here, and this should definitely be on your list!
Gosh, this is so beautiful! It’s hard to believe this is a restaurant, not a museum!
I know, right? Love love love going there.
Hmmm…I’ve never met a pasta dish I didn’t like, but chili oil and yogurt? That’s not something I think I’d put together with ravioli. I’m going to need more than just your word to try that one.
Yogurt is used very often here, and I didn’t think I would like it as much as I do. The chili oil really makes this dish. But, you’re just going to have to man up and try it yourself! 🙂
That manti certainly looks good, looks like a very cozy place to have great local food. I Also thought it was a some kind of museum at first…
It was so nice of the house owners to take you to this lovely place. You may never have found it by yourself. I love the randomness of travel. Enjoy!
Loving your posts on Turkey.
I am SURE that we never would have found it ourselves. So happy they took us there.
Pretty! I love all the embroidery.
Me too! There was so much of it throughout the house.
Spectacular photos and tasty looking food. Looks like Turkey is fun 😀
We can’t complain! 🙂
ok, I’m sorry but I think I have to stop reading your blog till you get out of Turkey. Or could you at least stop talking about Turkish food??!! JEALOUS! (and hungry) 😀
Sorry! The food here is just too good. (Perhaps you don’t want to read our post today either. :))
Yes! I mean Evet! I loved manti! Nice.
It is soooo good. I’m adding it to the list of things that Pete needs to learn to make for me. 🙂
That first photo looks incredible! I need to get myself some of that asap.
Me too! 🙂
I’m with Yvonne on this one: I’ve seriously got to stop Stumbling food-related posts before I’ve had breakfast. My stomach was all “Nom Nom Nom” when I saw the first pic…
I’m the same way Bret, when I stumble all these food posts, my stomach starts growling…
Sounds like a great experience! I’m not sure about pasta and yogurt sauce, but maybe I’ll try it when we’re in Turkey in about a week.
I wasn’t sure at first either, but SO GOOD. I seem to be putting yogurt on just about everything now… I hope you enjoy 🙂
Fantastic pictures and I am so hungry now! I will definitely keep my eye out for Mantı when I am in Turkey in a few weeks! Thanks for the great food idea!
Enjoy Jenny, The food here has been fab!
Mantı looks and sounds absolutely delicious. You take absolutely beautiful pictures.
Thanks Alexa. It’s our favorite dish so far…
The old radio is my favorite detail too. Great photos! Look forward to hearing more about your Turkish food adventures!
Really enjoying reading all of your Turkey posts and love hearing about how you’re getting under the skin of the country/culture/food etc!
Thanks Reena! We’re quite enjoying it ourselves as well! 🙂
Beautiful! Love the embroidery … can just imagine how much effort they put into their work.
Gorgeous Photos. Cant wait to try manti in turkey this fall.