Discover what to eat in North Cyprus with this 2025 food guide. From traditional Cypriot kebabs to sweet treats, explore the top local dishes and flavors you shouldn’t miss.
One of the most delightful parts of visiting North Cyprus is discovering its rich, flavorful cuisine. Influenced by Turkish, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern culinary traditions, the food in North Cyprus is hearty, diverse, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re dining at a beachside tavern or enjoying a home-cooked meal in a local village, you’ll find dishes made with fresh herbs, olive oil, grilled meats, and seasonal produce.
Here’s your 2025 guide to the must-try dishes in North Cyprus — from savory starters to sweet local desserts.
🥙 1. Meze – The Ultimate Starter Experience
Meze is a selection of small dishes served before the main meal. You’ll typically get a variety of dips (like hummus, tahini, and cacık), cheeses, olives, grilled halloumi, and seasonal salads. It’s perfect for sharing and pairs wonderfully with a glass of local wine or raki.
Tip: Try meze at a traditional “meyhane” (tavern) for the most authentic experience.
🥩 2. Şeftali Kebab – A Northern Cypriot Favorite
Unique to the north, Şeftali Kebab is made from minced lamb or beef wrapped in caul fat and grilled until juicy and crispy. Despite the name (“şeftali” means peach in Turkish), there’s no fruit involved — just delicious, smoky flavor.
🍗 3. Kleftiko – Slow-Cooked Perfection
Originally a Greek dish, Kleftiko has been lovingly adopted in Northern Cyprus. It’s a slow-cooked lamb dish, baked with potatoes, onions, and herbs in a sealed clay oven. The result? Incredibly tender meat that falls off the bone.
🍆 4. Mücendra Pilavı – Simple Yet Satisfying
This humble lentil and rice dish is a staple in Cypriot homes. Cooked with caramelized onions and seasoned with cumin, mücendra pilavı is both vegetarian-friendly and deeply flavorful.
🐟 5. Fresh Grilled Fish – Straight from the Mediterranean
With easy access to the sea, Northern Cyprus serves some of the freshest fish around. Look out for grilled sea bream (çipura), sea bass (levrek), and calamari, usually served whole with lemon and olive oil.
🧁 6. Lokma – Sweet, Syrupy Treats
For dessert, don’t miss lokma – bite-sized doughnuts soaked in sugar syrup and sometimes sprinkled with cinnamon or sesame. Perfect after a light meal or alongside Turkish coffee.
☕ 7. Turkish Coffee & Hellim Cheese
No food guide is complete without mentioning Turkish coffee, served thick and strong. Pair it with a slice of local halloumi (hellim) cheese — either grilled or fresh — for a true Cypriot snack.
🥂 Bonus: Local Wines & Raki
North Cyprus is home to small vineyards producing local wines from grapes like Misket and Öküzgözü. Or try raki, the anise-flavored national drink, often enjoyed slowly alongside meze.
🍽️ Final Thoughts
Food in North Cyprus is more than just a meal — it’s a cultural experience that brings people together. Whether you’re dining at a rustic village tavern or a seaside restaurant in Kyrenia, the island’s culinary scene will leave you both full and fascinated. investra.io northcyprusinvesting.com