2-Day Gastronomy Route in Afyonkarahisar

Afyonkarahisar was included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2019 in the gastronomy category with its spicy, rich, and authentic culinary culture. From soups and main dishes to appetisers and desserts, the city sets a table for its guests by bringing together unique and distinctive flavours that are truly its own.

Here is a guide to help you discover and savour Afyonkarahisar’s unique and world-renowned cuisine. This two-day route includes the city’s delicious dishes and local delicacies:

6 Points

10 km

1 h

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The first day will be full of gastronomic discovery if you’re looking for authentic flavours and interested in gastronomy. For breakfast, you should try mercimekli haşhaşlı bükme (a local pastry filled with lentils and poppy seeds). This pastry is made in many Anatolian cities, but Afyonkarahisar offers a unique take on this pastry with its original and rich filling.

Then, visit the Afyon Gastronomy Museum to learn more about the city’s culinary culture. The museum promotes local foods unique to the city by exhibiting some items and historical objects related to gastronomy that are made of beeswax.

You can also visit the historic Afyonkarahisar Castle and the Great Mosque of Afyon near the museum. The mosque is a remarkable example of 13th-century Seljuk woodworking with its preserved wooden and brick architecture. It stands as a unique structure from the Seljuk Period and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

During the day, you must try the famous Turkish delight as a little treat. After visiting these two sites in the city, you will be refreshed with the unique dishes of Afyon. At dinner, sample another unique soup of Afyonkarahisar, Sakala Çarpan Soup. The soup is mainly made of green lentils and erişte (hand-cut pasta).

End your evening with the unforgettable taste of Afyon Kebap. The flavour of the meat comes mostly not from the spices, but from the cooking technique and the natural aroma from the livestock of the city.

Start the second day in Afyonkarahisar with authentic local delicacies for breakfast. You must try the sucuk and kaymak, as these are probably the most famous delights of the city and its culinary culture.

Afyon’s sucuk is made from high-quality beef and seasoned with a balanced mix of spices. It is traditionally air-dried and does not contain any additives. The kaymak is prepared from milk and has a thick, velvety texture and a mildly sweet taste. While eating these, the traditional Afyon village bread will be a perfect companion.

Then, wander through the city to find lovely gifts and explore local handcrafted objects. You must see the famous and historic Bedesten Bazaar in the centre. Wander through Taşhan (Hoca Üveys Hanı), a historic caravanserai right by the bazaar, and visit Afyon Taş Madrasa, built in 1273.

At dinner, start with a cosy Paçık Soup, made with lamb, butter, yogurt, and flour. Then, you can try a light and milky dish from Afyon, known as Keşkek. Lastly, end the day with the famous Ekmek Kadayıfı (Turkish syrup-soaked bread dessert). Its smooth texture adorned with the kaymak’s milky taste would be a perfect gastronomical experience for you.

You can buy and take home some of the long-lasting foods you taste, such as sucuk and Turkish delight, as perfect gifts for your loved ones and to share your stories with them.