To truly know a region, you must taste its food. Southeastern Anatolia is a culinary paradise, boasting rich, hearty flavors that have been perfected over centuries. With a rental car, you have the freedom to go beyond the tourist traps and embark on a food tour to discover the most authentic local dishes. Here’s your guide to the ultimate culinary journey in and around Batman.
Start the Day Right: The Turkish Breakfast (Kahvaltı)
Forget a simple bowl of cereal. A Turkish breakfast is a feast of cheeses, olives, jams, honey, clotted cream (kaymak), eggs, fresh-baked bread, and endless cups of strong Turkish tea (çay). Find a local "kahvaltı salonu" for the most authentic experience. It's the perfect fuel for a day of exploring.
The Main Event: World-Famous Kebabs
You can't come to this region without trying the kebab. But not all kebabs are created equal. Use your car to find an authentic ocakbaşı restaurant, where you can watch the masters grill meat over hot coals. Look for restaurants filled with locals—that's always a good sign.
- Batman Tava: A local specialty, this dish consists of cubed meat, tomatoes, peppers, and garlic, all baked together in a clay dish. It's a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal.
- Adana & Urfa Kebab: The classics. Adana kebab is spicy, while Urfa kebab is milder. Both are made from minced lamb and are grilled to perfection on a skewer.
A Culinary Day Trip to Siirt: Büryan and Perde Pilavı
The neighboring city of Siirt is a must-visit for any serious food lover, and it’s an easy drive from Batman. It is famous for two incredible dishes:
- Büryan Kebabı: This is a true delicacy. Lamb meat is slow-cooked for hours in a deep, underground pit until it is unbelievably tender and falls off the bone. It's a unique experience you won't forget.
- Perde Pilavı ("Veiled Rice"): An impressive dish where a dome of buttery dough is filled with rice, chicken, almonds, and currants. It's as beautiful as it is delicious.
Tip: The best Büryan restaurants in Siirt often sell out by early afternoon, so plan to arrive for a late morning or noon-time meal to avoid disappointment.
Don't Forget the Desserts!
No Turkish meal is complete without something sweet. Keep an eye out for local pastry shops (pastane) for these treats:
- Künefe: A heavenly dessert made from shredded pastry and unsalted cheese, baked until golden, and soaked in sweet syrup. It’s served hot and is irresistibly good.
- Baklava & Kadayıf: While famous all over Turkey, the versions in this region are particularly renowned for their use of high-quality pistachios.
Your Culinary Adventure Awaits
Having a car is the key to this food tour. It allows you to drive to that recommended kebab house on the edge of town, make a spontaneous trip to Siirt for lunch, and discover hidden gems that aren't in the guidebooks.
Ready to taste the real Anatolia? Book a comfortable car from Batman ERC Rent A Car and let your taste buds lead the way!