With its European city texture, the Porsuk River flowing through its center, and a vibrant student population, Eskişehir is a city that captivates you from the very first moment. You've taken a journey through history among the bay houses of Odunpazarı and enjoyed a gondola ride on the Porsuk that rivals Venice. But when hunger strikes, the famous question comes to mind: What to eat in Eskişehir? Get ready, because in this city, not only delicious food awaits you, but also a migration story stretching from Crimea to Anatolia in every bite.

There are three legends that are the cornerstones of Eskişehir's cuisine: the legendary Çibörek, the famously filling Balaban Köfte, and the sweetest gift to take home, Met Halva. It would be a shame to leave the city without tasting this trio of flavors. If you're ready for this culinary adventure, buckle up, we're starting!

Taste the Famous Çibörek, a Legacy of the Crimean Tatars, in an Authentic Restaurant

When you think of Eskişehir, the first flavor that undoubtedly comes to mind is Çibörek. But wait, let us tell you a little secret: don't ever call it çiğ börek (raw börek)! The correct name for this delicacy is Çibörek, and there's a wonderful meaning behind it. In the Kipchak dialect, the word çi means tasty, so what you're actually eating is a tasty börek. According to another rumor, its original name was Şırbörek because of the shirrr sound it makes when dropped into hot oil.   

So what makes this Çibörek so special? This delicacy, gifted to the city by the Crimean Tatars who migrated to Anatolia in the 19th century, is prepared by placing a filling of raw minced meat, onion, and spices into unleavened dough, closing it in a half-moon shape, and frying it in hot oil for just seconds. Don't be intimidated; a Çibörek made by a master never absorbs oil, despite being fried. The outside is crispy, while the inside remains so juicy that the meat's juices burst into your mouth with the first bite.   

There are countless places in Eskişehir to experience this flavor. Places like Kırım Tatar Kültür Çi Börek Evi or Has Kırım Çibörekçisi in Odunpazarı are fantastic options to taste this delicacy in an authentic atmosphere. When you walk into a restaurant and confidently say, May I have a portion of Çibörek? you show that you're not just a tourist, but a traveler who respects the city's culture. Believe us, this small detail will come back to you in the form of warmer smiles.   

Try the Legend Considered a Rival to İskender: “Balaban Köfte”

If you're saying, I'm looking for something meaty, filling, and with plenty of sauce, then your destination is clear: Balaban Köfte! Considered a strong competitor to Bursa's İskender, this dish is another Tatar heritage of Eskişehir. Its name is as bold as its taste; it comes from the Tatar word balaban, which means very large. Legend has it that the portions were so filling that the dish eventually became known by this name.   

Let's paint a picture for you: At the bottom of the plate are cubed tırnak pides, lightly soaked in warm bone broth. On top of that is a layer of yogurt, followed by a special tomato sauce. And at the very top, those famous flat meatballs made from beef ribs, cooked on the grill. The final touch is a drizzle of hot butter and roasted peppers on the side, turning this plate into a true feast of flavors.   

One of the most well-known addresses to taste this legend is Fahrettin Usta Balaban Kebap, famous for its technique of cooking the meat with an iron. Yes, you heard that right, they use old charcoal irons to cook the meat until it's tender as a Turkish delight! Another classic spot is the timeless Abdüsselam Balaban Kebap Salonu. After enjoying this hearty meal, you can take a walk through the historic streets of Odunpazarı in Eskişehir to burn off some energy.   

The Sweetest Gift to Take Home: Buy the Unique Met Halva of Eskişehir

If you want to end your Eskişehir trip with a sweet memory and bring a taste of this city to your loved ones, what you're looking for is definitely Met Halva. Although it resembles pişmaniye (cotton candy), this dessert, with its unique texture and wonderful story, is one of the city's most special products. It gets its name from an old street game played with a stick (met) and an anklebone.   

The tradition of the game is quite delightful: the loser of this game, played on winter nights, was punished by having to make halva for the winning side. This fun tradition has given rise to Eskişehir's most famous dessert today. Prepared by skillfully pulling flour, oil, and sugar into fine strands, Met Halva has a harder, more compressed, and dense structure compared to pişmaniye. The taste it leaves as it melts in your mouth is truly unique.   

You can find different varieties of this halva, including cocoa and plain, at nut shops and halva makers in the city center. Products from well-established brands like Eriş Helva stand out for their quality. Easy to transport and guaranteed to be delicious, Met Halva will keep your memory of Eskişehir alive in the sweetest way.   

While You're Here...

We are sure that after tasting these three legendary flavors of Eskişehir, you will have a pleasant fullness in your stomach and a big smile on your face. If you want to continue exploring the city after this delicious break, you can head to the historic Odunpazarı district. Here, you can visit the Lületaşı (Meerschaum) Museum and buy handmade souvenirs from the Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar. In the evening, having a coffee by the Porsuk River or visiting the Fairy Tale Castle at Sazova Park with your family would be a great idea. Don't forget to check out our Eskişehir Local Tourspage to discover all the beauties Eskişehir has to offer.

Source: For more official information about the cultural richness of Eskişehir's cuisine, you can visit the T.R. Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Eskişehir promotional page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the most famous dish in Eskişehir? The first flavor that comes to mind when thinking of Eskişehir is definitely Çibörek, a legacy of the Crimean Tatars. However, Balaban Köfte, which is just as famous and filling, is also one of the city's symbols.

Are Çibörek and çiğ börek the same thing? No, they are not the same. The correct name is Çibörek, which means tasty börek in Kipchak Turkic. Çiğ börek is a common misconception. Although the minced meat filling is placed raw, it is fully cooked in hot oil.

What should I buy as a gift from Eskişehir? The sweetest gift to buy from Eskişehir is Met Halva, which gets its name from a traditional game. Additionally, handmade meerschaum products, which you can find in Odunpazarı, are also wonderful souvenirs and gift options.