The letter C introduces a flavorful collection of Turkish foods, featuring charcoal-grilled kebabs, refreshing yogurt dishes, traditional sweets, and regional specialties. From the famous Cağ Kebab and cooling Cacık to delicious Ciğer Kebabı and sweet Cevizli Sucuk, these foods showcase the diversity and centuries-old traditions that make Turkish cuisine one of the world’s finest.
Alongside favorites like baklava, döner kebab, pide, and mantı, the foods beginning with C offer another exciting opportunity to explore authentic Turkish food culture.
This guide explores Turkish foods that start with C, introducing traditional recipes, regional specialties, and classic dishes enjoyed throughout Türkiye.
C Celebrates Classic Turkish Specialties
At first glance, the letter C may seem to include only a handful of Turkish food names, but it actually features several iconic dishes that represent the country’s rich culinary heritage.
One of the best-known examples is Cağ Kebab, a famous specialty from Erzurum made with marinated lamb slowly roasted on a horizontal spit over a wood fire. Thin slices are served on skewers alongside lavash bread, onions, and grilled peppers.
Another favorite is Cacık, a refreshing yogurt dish prepared with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, mint, and herbs. It is commonly served as a side dish or appetizer with grilled meats and rice dishes, especially during the summer.
Meat lovers may already know Ciğer Kebabı, a traditional liver kebab prepared by grilling seasoned lamb liver over charcoal. Popular in southeastern Türkiye, it is often served with onions, parsley, and warm flatbread.
You’ll also encounter Cevizli Sucuk, a traditional Turkish sweet made by threading walnuts onto string and repeatedly dipping them into thickened grape molasses before drying. It is a popular snack throughout eastern Türkiye.
These foods show that the letter C offers an excellent introduction to authentic Turkish cuisine.
Benefits of Learning Turkish Foods Beginning With C
- Complete your Turkish food vocabulary from A to Z.
- Discover authentic regional Turkish specialties.
- Learn about traditional Turkish cooking methods.
- Explore famous kebabs, yogurt dishes, desserts, and snacks.
- 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 C
The list below features Turkish foods beginning with the letter C, including kebabs, appetizers, desserts, snacks, and regional specialties enjoyed throughout Türkiye.
The letter C represents an impressive variety of Turkish flavors and cooking traditions. You’ll find lamb, yogurt, cucumbers, walnuts, grape molasses, herbs, spices, and carefully balanced seasonings appearing throughout the collection.
Many of these foods have been enjoyed for generations and remain closely connected to the regions where they originated. Their lasting popularity reflects the history, hospitality, and culinary excellence that continue to define Turkish cuisine.
Cağ Kebab
Cağ Kebabı
Syllable: Cağ Ke-ba-bı
Pronunciation: Cag Kebabi
- I like Cağ Kebab. – Cağ Kebabı severim.
- Cağ Kebab has marinated lamb roasted horizontally over a wood fire and served in thin slices. – Cağ Kebabı, marine edilmiş kuzu etinin odun ateşinde yatay olarak çevrilip ince dilimler halinde servis edilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Cağ Kebab is a famous traditional specialty from Erzurum.
Yogurt and Cucumber Dip
Cacık
Syllable: Ca-cık
Pronunciation: Cacik
- I like Yogurt and Cucumber Dip. – Cacık severim.
- Yogurt and Cucumber Dip has yogurt mixed with cucumber, garlic, herbs, and water. – Cacık, yoğurdun salatalık, sarımsak, otlar ve suyla karıştırılmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Yogurt and Cucumber Dip is a refreshing side dish in Turkish cuisine.
Liver Skewers
Ciğer Şiş
Syllable: Ci-ğer Şiş
Pronunciation: Ciger Sis
- I like Liver Skewers. – Ciğer Şiş severim.
- Liver Skewers have seasoned pieces of liver grilled on skewers until tender and flavorful. – Ciğer Şiş, baharatlanmış ciğer parçalarının şişlere dizilip yumuşak ve lezzetli olana kadar ızgarada pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Liver Skewers are a popular specialty in southeastern Turkish cuisine.
Walnut Baklava
Cevizli Baklava
Syllable: Ce-viz-li Bak-la-va
Pronunciation: Cevizli Baklava
- I like Walnut Baklava. – Cevizli Baklava severim.
- Walnut Baklava has thin layers of pastry filled with walnuts and sweetened with syrup. – Cevizli Baklava, ince hamur katlarının cevizle doldurulup şerbetle tatlandırılmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Walnut Baklava is a popular traditional dessert in Turkish cuisine.
Walnut Börek
Cevizli Börek
Syllable: Ce-viz-li Bö-rek
Pronunciation: Cevizli Borek
- I like Walnut Börek. – Cevizli Börek severim.
- Walnut Börek has thin pastry layers filled with a flavorful walnut mixture. – Cevizli Börek, ince hamur katlarının lezzetli bir ceviz karışımıyla doldurulmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Walnut Börek is a distinctive pastry enjoyed in Turkish cuisine.
Walnut Noodles
Cevizli Erişte
Syllable: Ce-viz-li E-riş-te
Pronunciation: Cevizli Eriste
- I like Walnut Noodles. – Cevizli Erişte severim.
- Walnut Noodles have homemade noodles combined with butter and crushed walnuts. – Cevizli Erişte, ev yapımı eriştenin tereyağı ve dövülmüş cevizle birleştirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Walnut Noodles are a comforting traditional dish in Turkish cuisine.
Walnut Pepper Spread
Cevizli Biber
Syllable: Ce-viz-li Bi-ber
Pronunciation: Cevizli Biber
- I like Walnut Pepper Spread. – Cevizli Biber severim.
- Walnut Pepper Spread has peppers blended with walnuts, spices, and other flavorful ingredients. – Cevizli Biber, biberlerin ceviz, baharat ve diğer lezzetli malzemelerle karıştırılmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Walnut Pepper Spread is a flavorful appetizer in Turkish cuisine.
Walnut Turkish Delight
Cevizli Lokum
Syllable: Ce-viz-li Lo-kum
Pronunciation: Cevizli Lokum
- I like Walnut Turkish Delight. – Cevizli Lokum severim.
- Walnut Turkish Delight has soft, chewy confection filled or coated with crunchy walnuts. – Cevizli Lokum, yumuşak ve çiğnenebilir lokumun çıtır cevizlerle doldurulması veya kaplanmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Walnut Turkish Delight is a popular traditional Turkish sweet.
Cızlak
Cızlak
Syllable: Cız-lak
Pronunciation: Cizlak
- I like Cızlak. – Cızlak severim.
- Cızlak is made from a simple batter cooked in a pan until soft and lightly browned. – Cızlak, basit bir hamurun tavada yumuşak ve hafif kızarmış olana kadar pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Cızlak is a traditional regional pancake-like dish in Turkish cuisine.
Grilled Meatballs
Cızbız Köfte
Syllable: Cız-bız Köf-te
Pronunciation: Cizbiz Kofte
- I like Grilled Meatballs. – Cızbız Köfte severim.
- Grilled Meatballs have seasoned minced meat shaped into patties and cooked on a hot grill. – Cızbız Köfte, baharatlı kıymanın köfte şeklinde hazırlanıp sıcak ızgarada pişirilmesiyle yapılır.
- Grilled Meatballs are a popular meat dish in Turkish cuisine.
Sautéed Liver
Ciğer Kavurma
Syllable: Ci-ğer Ka-vur-ma
Pronunciation: Ciger Kavurma
- I like Sautéed Liver. – Ciğer Kavurma severim.
- Sautéed Liver has pieces of liver cooked with oil, onions, and seasonings until tender. – Ciğer Kavurma, ciğer parçalarının yağ, soğan ve baharatlarla yumuşayana kadar kavrulmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Sautéed Liver is a flavorful traditional meat dish in Turkish cuisine.
Cıvıklı Pide
Civikli Pide
Syllable: Cı-vık-lı Pi-de
Pronunciation: Civikli Pide
- I like Cıvıklı Pide. – Cıvıklı Pide severim.
- Cıvıklı Pide has thin dough topped with seasoned minced meat and baked until crisp. – Cıvıklı Pide, ince hamurun baharatlı kıymayla kaplanıp çıtır olana kadar pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Cıvıklı Pide is a traditional regional specialty from Kayseri.
Turkish Poached Eggs
Çılbır
Syllable: Cıl-bır
Pronunciation: Cilbir
- I like Turkish Poached Eggs. – Çılbır severim.
- Turkish Poached Eggs have poached eggs served over garlicky yogurt and topped with melted butter. – Çılbır, poşe yumurtaların sarımsaklı yoğurt üzerinde servis edilip eritilmiş tereyağıyla tamamlanmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Turkish Poached Eggs are a classic breakfast dish in Turkish cuisine.
Walnut Halva
Cevizli Helva
Syllable: Ce-viz-li Hel-va
Pronunciation: Cevizli Helva
- I like Walnut Halva. – Cevizli Helva severim.
- Walnut Halva has a rich sweet mixture combined with crunchy walnuts. – Cevizli Helva, zengin ve tatlı helva karışımının çıtır cevizlerle birleştirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Walnut Halva is a popular traditional sweet in Turkish cuisine.
Walnut Kadaif
Cevizli Kadayıf
Syllable: Ce-viz-li Ka-da-yıf
Pronunciation: Cevizli Kadayif
- I like Walnut Kadaif. – Cevizli Kadayıf severim.
- Walnut Kadaif has shredded pastry layered with walnuts and sweetened with syrup. – Cevizli Kadayıf, tel kadayıfın cevizle katmanlanıp şerbetle tatlandırılmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Walnut Kadaif is a popular syrup-soaked dessert in Turkish cuisine.
Walnut Rolls
Cevizli Sarma
Syllable: Ce-viz-li Sar-ma
Pronunciation: Cevizli Sarma
- I like Walnut Rolls. – Cevizli Sarma severim.
- Walnut Rolls have thin pastry wrapped around a rich walnut filling and baked until golden. – Cevizli Sarma, ince hamurun zengin cevizli harcın etrafına sarılıp altın renginde olana kadar pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Walnut Rolls are a popular traditional pastry in Turkish cuisine.
Walnut Cookies
Cevizli Kurabiye
Syllable: Ce-viz-li Ku-ra-bi-ye
Pronunciation: Cevizli Kurabiye
- I like Walnut Cookies. – Cevizli Kurabiye severim.
- Walnut Cookies have a buttery dough mixed with crunchy walnuts and baked until golden. – Cevizli Kurabiye, tereyağlı hamurun çıtır cevizlerle karıştırılıp altın renginde olana kadar pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Walnut Cookies are a popular homemade treat in Turkish cuisine.
Walnut Pastry
Cevizli Çörek
Syllable: Ce-viz-li Çö-rek
Pronunciation: Cevizli Corek
- I like Walnut Pastry. – Cevizli Çörek severim.
- Walnut Pastry has soft dough filled or topped with a flavorful walnut mixture. – Cevizli Çörek, yumuşak hamurun lezzetli bir ceviz karışımıyla doldurulması veya üzerinin kaplanmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Walnut Pastry is a popular baked treat in Turkish cuisine.
Heaven Soup
Cennet Çorbası
Syllable: Cen-net Çor-ba-sı
Pronunciation: Cennet Corbasi
- I like Heaven Soup. – Cennet Çorbası severim.
- Heaven Soup is a warm and flavorful soup prepared with a creamy mixture of simple ingredients. – Cennet Çorbası, basit malzemelerin kremalı ve lezzetli bir karışımıyla hazırlanan sıcak bir çorbadır.
- Heaven Soup is a comforting soup enjoyed in Turkish cuisine.
Walnut Bulgur Pilaf
Cevizli Bulgur Pilavı
Syllable: Ce-viz-li Bul-gur Pi-la-vı
Pronunciation: Cevizli Bulgur Pilavi
- I like Walnut Bulgur Pilaf. – Cevizli Bulgur Pilavı severim.
- Walnut Bulgur Pilaf has cooked bulgur combined with crunchy walnuts and flavorful seasonings. – Cevizli Bulgur Pilavı, pişmiş bulgurun çıtır cevizler ve lezzetli baharatlarla birleştirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Walnut Bulgur Pilaf is a hearty side dish in Turkish cuisine.
Walnut Hummus
Cevizli Humus
Syllable: Ce-viz-li Hu-mus
Pronunciation: Cevizli Humus
- I like Walnut Hummus. – Cevizli Humus severim.
- Walnut Hummus has chickpeas blended with tahini, walnuts, lemon, and seasonings. – Cevizli Humus, nohutun tahin, ceviz, limon ve baharatlarla karıştırılmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Walnut Hummus is a rich and flavorful appetizer.
Walnut Kısır
Cevizli Kısır
Syllable: Ce-viz-li Kı-sır
Pronunciation: Cevizli Kisir
- I like Walnut Kısır. – Cevizli Kısır severim.
- Walnut Kısır has fine bulgur mixed with walnuts, herbs, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. – Cevizli Kısır, ince bulgurun ceviz, otlar, sebzeler ve lezzetli baharatlarla karıştırılmasıyla hazırlanır.
- Walnut Kısır is a fresh and satisfying salad-style dish.
Walnut Fig Dessert
Cevizli İncir Tatlısı
Syllable: Ce-viz-li İn-cir Tat-lı-sı
Pronunciation: Cevizli Incir Tatlisi
- I like Walnut Fig Dessert. – Cevizli İncir Tatlısı severim.
- Walnut Fig Dessert has sweet figs filled or combined with walnuts and cooked until tender. – Cevizli İncir Tatlısı, tatlı incirlerin cevizle doldurulması veya birleştirilip yumuşayana kadar pişirilmesiyle hazırlanır.
- Walnut Fig Dessert is a rich traditional dessert in Turkish cuisine.
Turkish Cuisine Preserves Regional Traditions
One of the defining strengths of Turkish cuisine is the way each region contributes its own signature dishes while preserving centuries-old recipes and cooking techniques.
Cağ Kebab showcases the grilling traditions of eastern Türkiye, while Cacık remains one of the country’s most refreshing side dishes. Ciğer Kebabı highlights the bold flavors of southeastern Turkish cuisine, and Cevizli Sucuk reflects the nation’s rich tradition of fruit- and nut-based sweets.
Together, these dishes demonstrate how Turkish cuisine combines regional identity, fresh ingredients, and culinary craftsmanship into unforgettable meals.
Practice Activities
- Learn five Turkish foods beginning with C.
- 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 regional specialties.
- Organize foods into kebabs, appetizers, desserts, and snacks.
- Research the history of Cağ Kebab and Cacık.
- Visit a Turkish restaurant and identify foods beginning with C.
- Keep a notebook of Turkish culinary terms.
- Try making Cacık or Cevizli Sucuk 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 C introduces another remarkable collection of authentic Turkish foods. From smoky Cağ Kebab and refreshing Cacık to flavorful Ciğer Kebabı and sweet Cevizli Sucuk, 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 C caught your attention the most, or is there another authentic C 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.





