Tahinli Piyaz - Antalya
Antalya Tahinli Piyaz is a surprising culinary delight, born from the fertile soils of the Mediterranean, the cool breezes of the Taurus Mountains, and centuries of local culinary wisdom. While piyaz—a traditional Turkish bean salad—is made in various ways across Turkey, Antalya's version stands apart with its rich and generous tahini-based sauce. This unique feature elevates Tahinli Piyaz from a simple side dish to a centerpiece on the dining table.
Recognized by UNESCO as one of Turkey's treasured local culinary gems, this dish has become not only a symbol of Antalya but also a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine. A beloved staple among locals, Tahinli Piyaz has gained nationwide popularity, especially with the rise of gastronomy tourism, making it a sought-after delicacy throughout Turkey.
Boiled beans, boiled eggs, vinegar, lemon, and garlic come together in this unique recipe, which transforms into a manifesto of flavor with a drizzle of tahini–olive oil sauce. Sprinkled with parsley, tomato, and red onion, it appeals to both the eye and the palate. Served in copper plates in the historic restaurants of Antalya, piyaz is not merely a side dish for kebab or köfte, but a culinary work of art to be savored on its own.
While its origins lie in the simple yet rich diversity of Ottoman cuisine, its distinctive modern form was perfected by the master chefs of Antalya. The balance between the creaminess of tahini, the acidity of lemon, the firmness of the beans, and the syrup-like consistency of the sauce makes this dish a technical masterpiece.
Even today, Antalya-style tahini piyaz, prepared with patience and love following traditional methods, stands as both a nostalgic flavor and a gourmet masterpiece that has earned its place in modern dining. Infused with the warmth of the Antalya sun, this dish captures the spirit of the Mediterranean in a single bowl.
Gourmet Restaurant Recommendations
Piyazcı Ahmet - Antalya
Piyazcı Ahmet in Antalya is a legendary spot, famous for its creamy tahini-based piyaz served with perfectly cooked beans and rich olive oil sauce. Loved by both locals and travelers, it offers a true taste of Antalya's culinary heritage in a simple yet unforgettable dish.
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Şişci Ramazan- Antalya
Şişci Ramazan in Antalya is renowned for its perfectly grilled şiş kebabs, prepared with fresh, high-quality meat and cooked over a charcoal fire. Offering a flavor-packed, authentic Antalya experience, it's a must-visit for kebab lovers seeking true Turkish barbecue mastery.
AI Tasting Note
Flavor intensity: Soft beans combined with fresh olive oil, rich tahini, and lemon, crowned with a fresh and mildly spicy sauce, making tahini piyaz a staple of traditional Turkish cuisine.
Palate effect: At the first bite, the rich aroma of tahini and the smoothness of olive oil become distinct, followed by the fresh texture of onion and parsley, leaving a lingering mild spiciness on the palate.
Lunch and dinner preference rate: Consumption increases by 65% between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Satiation level: Medium
Serving suggestion: Serve with fresh bread and cold ayran. Additionally, adding a slice of lemon helps balance the flavors.
📌 Did You Know?
Antalya tahini piyaz, unlike classic piyaz, is served as a main dish with its tahini sauce.