The letter B introduces one of the richest collections of Turkish foods, featuring world-famous desserts, flaky pastries, delicious kebabs, and wholesome grain dishes. From crispy Baklava and flavorful Beyti Kebab to savory Börek and nutritious Bulgur Pilaf, these foods highlight the rich culinary traditions that make Turkish cuisine famous around the world.
Alongside favorites like döner kebab, pide, lahmacun, and mantı, the foods beginning with B offer another exciting opportunity to explore authentic Turkish food culture.
This guide explores Turkish foods that start with B, introducing traditional recipes, regional specialties, and classic dishes enjoyed throughout Türkiye.
B Brings Together Turkey’s Most Beloved Foods
At first glance, the letter B includes many iconic Turkish food names, making it one of the most exciting categories in Turkish cuisine.
One of the best-known examples is Baklava, Turkey’s internationally famous dessert made with layers of delicate filo pastry, chopped pistachios or walnuts, butter, and sweet syrup. It is served during celebrations, holidays, and family gatherings across the country.
Another favorite is Beyti Kebab, a grilled minced meat kebab wrapped in thin flatbread, sliced into bite-sized pieces, and topped with tomato sauce and yogurt. Named after its creator, it has become one of Türkiye’s signature restaurant dishes.
Pastry lovers may already know Börek, a flaky pastry prepared with thin yufka dough and filled with cheese, spinach, minced meat, or potatoes. It is enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or as a savory snack throughout Türkiye.
You’ll also encounter Bulgur Pilaf (Bulgur Pilavı), a traditional side dish made with cracked wheat slowly cooked with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and broth. It is one of the most common accompaniments to grilled meats and vegetable dishes.
These foods show that the letter B offers an outstanding introduction to authentic Turkish cuisine.
Benefits of Learning Turkish Foods Beginning With B
- Complete your Turkish food vocabulary from A to Z.
- Discover authentic regional Turkish specialties.
- Learn about traditional Turkish cooking methods.
- Explore famous pastries, kebabs, desserts, and grain dishes.
- Recognize iconic foods served across Türkiye.
- Improve confidence when reading Turkish restaurant menus.
- Strengthen memory through alphabetical learning.
- Prepare for travel by identifying local specialties.
- Support classroom and worksheet activities.
- Learn about Türkiye’s rich culinary heritage.
- Find inspiration for cooking authentic Turkish recipes at home.
- Experience both sweet and savory Turkish foods.
- Develop a deeper appreciation for Turkish cuisine.
Turkish Foods That Start With B
The list below features Turkish foods beginning with the letter B, including pastries, kebabs, desserts, grain dishes, and regional specialties enjoyed throughout Türkiye.
The letter B represents an impressive variety of Turkish flavors and cooking traditions. You’ll find filo pastry, lamb, beef, yogurt, wheat, cheese, pistachios, herbs, and carefully balanced seasonings appearing throughout the collection.
Many of these foods have been enjoyed for centuries and remain closely connected to Turkish family traditions and regional cooking. Their enduring popularity reflects the hospitality, history, and culinary excellence that continue to define Turkish cuisine.
Fish Sandwich
Balık Ekmek
Syllable: Ba-lık Ek-mek
Pronunciation: Balik Ekmek
- I like Fish Sandwich. – Balık Ekmek severim.
- Fish Sandwich has grilled or fried fish served inside bread with fresh vegetables. – Balık Ekmek, taze sebzelerle birlikte ekmek arasında servis edilen ızgara veya kızarmış balıktan oluşur.
- Fish Sandwich is a popular street food in Istanbul. – Balık Ekmek, İstanbul\’un sevilen sokak yemeklerinden biridir.
Okra Soup
Bamya Çorbası
Syllable: Bam-ya Çor-ba-sı
Pronunciation: Bamya Corbasi
- I like Okra Soup. – Bamya Çorbası severim.
- Okra Soup has okra cooked in a flavorful broth with seasonings. – Bamya Çorbası, bamyanın lezzetli bir et suyunda baharatlarla pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Okra Soup is a traditional soup enjoyed in Turkish cuisine. – Bamya Çorbası, Türk mutfağında sevilen geleneksel çorbalardan biridir.
Okra Stew
Bamya Yemeği
Syllable: Bam-ya Ye-me-ği
Pronunciation: Bamya Yemegi
- I like Okra Stew. – Bamya Yemeği severim.
- Okra Stew has okra slowly cooked with tomatoes, onions, and seasonings. – Bamya Yemeği, bamyanın domates, soğan ve baharatlarla yavaşça pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Okra Stew is a popular home-style vegetable dish in Turkish cuisine. – Bamya Yemeği, Türk mutfağının sevilen ev usulü sebze yemeklerinden biridir.
Braised Borlotti Beans
Barbunya Pilaki
Syllable: Bar-bun-ya Pi-la-ki
Pronunciation: Barbunya Pilaki
- I like Braised Borlotti Beans. – Barbunya Pilaki severim.
- Braised Borlotti Beans have beans slowly cooked with olive oil, onions, carrots, and tomatoes. – Barbunya Pilaki, barbunya fasulyesinin zeytinyağı, soğan, havuç ve domatesle yavaşça pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Braised Borlotti Beans are a popular cold olive-oil dish in Turkish cuisine. – Barbunya Pilaki, Türk mutfağının sevilen soğuk zeytinyağlı yemeklerinden biridir.
Stuffed Peppers
Biber Dolması
Syllable: Bi-ber Dol-ma-sı
Pronunciation: Biber Dolmasi
- I like Stuffed Peppers. – Biber Dolması severim.
- Stuffed Peppers have peppers filled with seasoned rice, herbs, and other flavorful ingredients. – Biber Dolması, biberlerin baharatlı pirinç, otlar ve diğer lezzetli malzemelerle doldurulmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Stuffed Peppers are a classic stuffed vegetable dish in Turkish cuisine. – Biber Dolması, Türk mutfağının klasik dolma yemeklerinden biridir.
Bulgur Pilaf
Bulgur Pilavı
Syllable: Bul-gur Pi-la-vı
Pronunciation: Bulgur Pilavi
- I like Bulgur Pilaf. – Bulgur Pilavı severim.
- Bulgur Pilaf has bulgur cooked with tomatoes, onions, broth, and seasonings. – Bulgur Pilavı, bulgurun domates, soğan, et suyu ve baharatlarla pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Bulgur Pilaf is a popular side dish in Turkish cuisine. – Bulgur Pilavı, Türk mutfağının sevilen garnitürlerinden biridir.
Eggplant Puree
Beğendi
Syllable: Be-ğen-di
Pronunciation: Begendi
- I like Eggplant Puree. – Beğendi severim.
- Eggplant Puree has roasted eggplant blended with milk, butter, and cheese into a creamy mixture. – Beğendi, közlenmiş patlıcanın süt, tereyağı ve peynirle karıştırılmasıyla hazırlanan kremalı bir püreden oluşur.
- Eggplant Puree is a classic accompaniment in Turkish cuisine. – Beğendi, Türk mutfağının klasik eşlikçi yemeklerinden biridir.
Pumpkin Dessert
Bal Kabağı Tatlısı
Syllable: Bal Ka-ba-ğı Tat-lı-sı
Pronunciation: Bal Kabagi Tatlisi
- I like Pumpkin Dessert. – Bal Kabağı Tatlısı severim.
- Pumpkin Dessert has pumpkin slowly cooked with sugar until tender and sweet. – Bal Kabağı Tatlısı, bal kabağının yumuşak ve tatlı olana kadar şekerle yavaşça pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Pumpkin Dessert is a popular traditional dessert in Turkish cuisine. – Bal Kabağı Tatlısı, Türk mutfağının sevilen geleneksel tatlılarından biridir.
Bazlama
Bazlama
Syllable: Baz-la-ma
Pronunciation: Bazlama
- I like Bazlama. – Bazlama severim.
- Bazlama has soft yeast dough cooked on a hot griddle until lightly browned. – Bazlama, mayalı yumuşak hamurun sıcak sac üzerinde hafifçe kızarana kadar pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Bazlama is a traditional Turkish flatbread often served at breakfast. – Bazlama, kahvaltıda sıkça servis edilen geleneksel bir Türk yassı ekmeğidir.
Boyoz
Boyoz
Syllable: Bo-yoz
Pronunciation: Boyoz
- I like Boyoz. – Boyoz severim.
- Boyoz has flaky layered dough baked until golden and crisp. – Boyoz, kat kat hamurun altın renginde ve çıtır olana kadar pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Boyoz is a famous traditional pastry associated with İzmir. – Boyoz, İzmir\’le özdeşleşen ünlü geleneksel bir hamur işidir.
Bici Bici
Bici Bici
Syllable: Bi-ci Bi-ci
Pronunciation: Bici Bici
- I like Bici Bici. – Bici Bici severim.
- Bici Bici has starch pudding, crushed ice, syrup, and sweet flavorings combined into a refreshing dessert. – Bici Bici, nişastalı muhallebi, kırılmış buz, şerbet ve tatlı aromaların birleştirilmesiyle hazırlanan ferahlatıcı bir tatlıdır.
- Bici Bici is a famous summer dessert from Adana. – Bici Bici, Adana\’nın ünlü yaz tatlılarından biridir.
Almond Paste
Badem Ezmesi
Syllable: Ba-dem Ez-me-si
Pronunciation: Badem Ezmesi
- I like Almond Paste. – Badem Ezmesi severim.
- Almond Paste has finely ground almonds combined with sugar into a smooth sweet confection. – Badem Ezmesi, ince öğütülmüş bademlerin şekerle birleştirilmesiyle hazırlanan pürüzsüz ve tatlı bir şekerlemedir.
- Almond Paste is a traditional sweet enjoyed in Turkish cuisine. – Badem Ezmesi, Türk mutfağında sevilen geleneksel tatlılardan biridir.
Nightingale\’s Nest
Bülbül Yuvası
Syllable: Bül-bül Yu-va-sı
Pronunciation: Bulbul Yuvasi
- I like Nightingale\’s Nest. – Bülbül Yuvası severim.
- Nightingale\’s Nest has delicate pastry shaped into nests, filled with nuts, and sweetened with syrup. – Bülbül Yuvası, yuva şeklinde hazırlanan ince hamurun kuruyemişlerle doldurulup şerbetle tatlandırılmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Nightingale\’s Nest is a traditional syrup-soaked dessert in Turkish cuisine. – Bülbül Yuvası, Türk mutfağının geleneksel şerbetli tatlılarından biridir.
Bundle Kebab
Bohça Kebabı
Syllable: Boh-ça Ke-ba-bı
Pronunciation: Bohca Kebabi
- I like Bundle Kebab. – Bohça Kebabı severim.
- Bundle Kebab has a savory meat filling wrapped in thin pastry or pancakes and baked until flavorful. – Bohça Kebabı, lezzetli et harcının ince hamur veya kreple sarılıp fırınlanmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Bundle Kebab is a distinctive wrapped kebab dish in Turkish cuisine. – Bohça Kebabı, Türk mutfağının kendine özgü sarılı kebap yemeklerinden biridir.
Wheat Soup
Buğday Çorbası
Syllable: Buğ-day Çor-ba-sı
Pronunciation: Bugday Corbasi
- I like Wheat Soup. – Buğday Çorbası severim.
- Wheat Soup has wheat cooked with broth and other flavorful ingredients into a hearty soup. – Buğday Çorbası, buğdayın et suyu ve diğer lezzetli malzemelerle pişirilmesiyle hazırlanan doyurucu bir çorbadır.
- Wheat Soup is a comforting traditional soup in Turkish cuisine. – Buğday Çorbası, Türk mutfağının iç ısıtan geleneksel çorbalarından biridir.
Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Börülce Salatası
Syllable: Bö-rül-ce Sa-la-ta-sı
Pronunciation: Borulce Salatasi
- I like Black-Eyed Pea Salad. – Börülce Salatası severim.
- Black-Eyed Pea Salad has cooked black-eyed peas mixed with vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing. – Börülce Salatası, haşlanmış börülcenin sebzeler, otlar ve ekşi bir sosla karıştırılmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Black-Eyed Pea Salad is a fresh and popular salad in Turkish cuisine. – Börülce Salatası, Türk mutfağının taze ve sevilen salatalarından biridir.
Pepper Bread
Biberli Ekmek
Syllable: Bi-ber-li Ek-mek
Pronunciation: Biberli Ekmek
- I like Pepper Bread. – Biberli Ekmek severim.
- Pepper Bread has dough topped with a flavorful mixture of peppers, spices, and other savory ingredients. – Biberli Ekmek, biber, baharat ve diğer tuzlu malzemelerden oluşan lezzetli bir karışımla kaplanan hamurdan hazırlanır.
- Pepper Bread is a popular regional specialty from Hatay. – Biberli Ekmek, Hatay\’ın sevilen yöresel lezzetlerinden biridir.
Bulgur Meatballs
Bulgur Köftesi
Syllable: Bul-gur Köf-te-si
Pronunciation: Bulgur Koftesi
- I like Bulgur Meatballs. – Bulgur Köftesi severim.
- Bulgur Meatballs have seasoned bulgur shaped into small patties or balls. – Bulgur Köftesi, baharatlı bulgurun küçük köfte veya toplar şeklinde biçimlendirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Bulgur Meatballs are a popular traditional dish in Turkish cuisine. – Bulgur Köftesi, Türk mutfağının sevilen geleneksel yemeklerinden biridir.
White Cheese Börek
Beyaz Peynirli Börek
Syllable: Be-yaz Pey-nir-li Bö-rek
Pronunciation: Beyaz Peynirli Borek
- I like White Cheese Börek. – Beyaz Peynirli Börek severim.
- White Cheese Börek has thin pastry layers filled with white cheese and baked until golden. – Beyaz Peynirli Börek, beyaz peynirle doldurulan ince hamur katmanlarının altın renginde olana kadar pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- White Cheese Börek is a popular savory pastry in Turkish cuisine. – Beyaz Peynirli Börek, Türk mutfağının sevilen tuzlu hamur işlerinden biridir.
Turkish Cuisine Combines Simplicity With Rich Flavor
One of the defining strengths of Turkish cuisine is its ability to transform simple ingredients into unforgettable dishes through time-honored cooking techniques and regional traditions.
Baklava showcases Turkey’s remarkable pastry-making heritage, while Beyti Kebab reflects the country’s mastery of grilled meats. Börek remains one of the nation’s favorite savory pastries, and Bulgur Pilaf highlights the importance of wholesome grains in everyday Turkish cooking.
Together, these dishes demonstrate how Turkish cuisine preserves its traditions while continuing to inspire food lovers around the world.
Practice Activities
- Learn five Turkish foods beginning with B.
- Practice pronouncing each food name aloud.
- Create flashcards with food pictures.
- Match dishes with their main ingredients.
- Read authentic Turkish recipes.
- Watch Turkish cooking videos featuring traditional specialties.
- Organize foods into pastries, kebabs, desserts, and grain dishes.
- Research the history of Baklava and Börek.
- Visit a Turkish restaurant and identify foods beginning with B.
- Keep a notebook of Turkish culinary terms.
- Try making Bulgur Pilaf or Börek at home.
- Review your favorite foods from every alphabet letter.
- Share your discoveries with family or friends.
- Test your knowledge using the worksheet.
Continue Your Turkish Food Alphabet Journey!
The letter B introduces another unforgettable collection of authentic Turkish foods. From crispy Baklava and delicious Beyti Kebab to flaky Börek and hearty Bulgur Pilaf, these dishes celebrate the history, regional diversity, and culinary excellence that make Turkish cuisine one of the world’s most admired food cultures.
Now we’d love to hear from you! Which Turkish food beginning with B caught your attention the most, or is there another authentic B dish we should include? Share your recommendation in the comments, tell us your favorite Turkish specialty, and pass this worksheet along to anyone who enjoys discovering new foods from around the world.
