North Cyprus dining is characterised by both traditional Turkish-Cypriot cuisine, with its combination of Mediterranean and European influences, and various international dishes from both continental and eastern origins. The local dishes are renowned for their tastiness, with meze being the most well-known and popular, and the closest to what could be considered a national cuisine.
Meze is a Cypriot specialty, comprising a large number of cold and hot hors d'oeuvres including various salads, meats, vegetable, and fish dishes. It can be eaten either as an appetiser or as a main dish. Some of the other staples of traditional North Cyprus dining include the following dishes:
Musaka - layers of eggplant, potatoes, and spicy meat baked together with a layer of cheese.
Yalanci Dolma - grape leaves stuffed with rice, onions, and tomatoes.
Sish Kebab - skewered chunks of marinated lamb meat grilled over an open charcoal fire.
A few of the many other well-known local specialties are:
Cacik - a dip made from thick and creamy yogurt (made from sheep's milk), with cucumber and mint flavouring; usually served as an appetiser with kebabs or fried slices of eggplant, but can also be a side dish for chicken or lamb.
Turkish humus a chickpea and tahini dip served with fresh bread or pita, or as a sauce with fried fish or kebabs.
Aşure (Noah's Pudding) a delicious dessert made from ground wheat, rice, milk and sugar, with beans, fruits and nuts mixed in.
Beverages local drinks include domestic wine that is light and fruity-tasting, and a local sherry called Monarch. Locally produced beer is tasty, as is Ayran, the popular Turkish yogurt drink. Of course, the excellent Turkish coffee is the ideal way to end a meal.
Desserts among the many excellent local desserts, Turkish baklava is a favourite, with its flaky pastry sweetened with sugar and nuts. Another favourite is Muhallebi, a traditional rice powder pudding.
Dining out in North Cyprus can mean a coffee shop or restaurant specializing in the above and many other local delicacies; these can be found in most of the villages and towns in North Cyprus, and on the main roads between the towns, as well as at the beaches and in the commercial districts of the larger cities (and also in the many fine hotels and resorts). But dining out also means fine international cuisine in one of the many quality restaurants in the larger towns and cities of North Cyprus. The following is a very small sampling of some of the favourites:
Ali Pasha Tavern - In the Celebrity Hotel in Lapta, overlooking the sea. This features a very informal and humorous atmosphere and offers a variety of Cypriot, Turkish, and English cuisine.
Altinkaya 1 - On the Kyrenia-Lapta road 5 miles west of Kyrenia city centre, featuring a friendly atmosphere and wonderful panoramic views. This is one of the favourite fish restaurants in North Cyprus.
Antis Taverna This is one of Kyrenia's favourite taverns, featuring excellent local food and live music.
Gόler's Fish Restaurant This is just off the main road west of Kyrenia, and is considered to be one of the best fish restaurants in Kyrenia.
Chinese House This is a very popular restaurant located in the Old Quarter of Kyrenia, and features excellent and authentic Peking and Cantonese dishes.
Cyprus House In Famagusta, this popular gourmet restaurant is one of the most authentic in North Cyprus, providing delicious local delicacies in an authentic setting.
Erich's Pub - In Famagusta, this is a well-known local pub combining traditional food with local beer.
Mr Laugh's In Nicosia, this well-known friendly restaurant specializes in chicken dishes from around the world.
Pasta Villa In Nicosia, this is a self-service restaurant is a popular place for Italian food, including excellent pasta, desserts and cappuccino.
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