Are you looking for a unique weekend getaway that's both close to Istanbul and soul-satisfying? How about setting your route to Adapazarı, a city you've probably seen on highway signs but perhaps never stopped to explore? Some cities hide their stories not in their stones and soil, but in their steaming, delicious dishes. Adapazarı is exactly that kind of place. To understand its spirit, you first need to sit down at its table.

So, what should be at the top of your things to do in Adapazarı list? The answer is simple: treat yourself to a feast. And the menu for this feast is already set: the city's pride and joy, the legendary Islama Köfte, and its inseparable companion, the mouth-watering Pumpkin Dessert. If you're ready, let's embark on a flavor-filled journey to the heart of Sakarya!

Eat Adapazarı's famous islama köfte at one of its historic restaurants

As you approach the center of Adapazarı, especially around the old bazaar, a familiar yet incredibly tempting aroma will greet you: the irresistible dance of charcoal fire and spices. This scent calls you to the city's greatest secret, islama köfte. Don't mistake this for any meatball you've had before, because the magic here lies less in the meatball itself and more in the moist, flavor-soaked slices of bread that accompany it.

So what's the deal with this islama köfte? The meatball itself is quite simple, made of ground meat, breadcrumbs, and black pepper. But the main event, the ıslama (soaking) part, changes everything. Sliced stale bread is dipped into a rich bone broth infused with red pepper and spices. Then, those flavor-soaked slices are grilled to a perfect crisp on the same grill where the meatballs are cooked. After the meatballs are cooked, they are placed on top of these bread slices, and the delicious steam adds a final touch of flavor to the bread.   

Behind this delicacy lies a poignant story of 'scarcity.' During the difficult days of the Balkan Wars and the subsequent World War I, a Bosnian immigrant named Köfteci Mustafa came up with this ingenious solution to avoid wasting stale bread. Today, it has become the symbol of the entire city. So, every bite you take tells a century-old story of creativity and survival.   

Tasting this dish on-site is like taking a journey through Sakarya's Famous Dishes. Here are the best stops for this journey:

Taste Sakarya's iconic pumpkin dessert with walnuts or tahini

If there's a culinary ritual in Adapazarı, it's the famous pumpkin dessert that arrives at the table right after the islama köfte. It's even said that having pumpkin dessert after islama köfte is a local custom. Following the spicy and hearty meatballs, this Turkish-delight-like dessert is the perfect final note in a symphony of flavors.   

But don't confuse this with just any pumpkin dessert. Adapazarı Kabak Tatlısı is a geographically indicated product, meaning it's an officially registered treasure unique to this region, just like Antep baklava or Malatya apricots. The secret to its flavor lies in the special Adapazarı Beyaz Kestane Kabağı (Adapazarı White Chestnut Pumpkin), a type of pumpkin that grows only in this region and is also geographically indicated. This means the flavor of the dessert you're eating comes directly from the fertile lands of Sakarya.   

So, how would you like your dessert? It's generally served in three different ways, each offering a unique feast of flavors. It's crowned with a generous drizzle of tahini, coarsely ground walnuts, or a spoonful of buffalo cream. Our recommendation, if possible, is to try them all! Some innovative places have even taken this classic a step further and made baklava from pumpkin, calling it kabaklava. This is proof of how valued pumpkin is in this region.   

Discover other local delicacies like the regional Circassian cheese

Islama köfte and pumpkin dessert may be the stars of Adapazarı, but the city's cuisine tells a much deeper and richer story. Sakarya is a city shaped by migrations from the Balkans and the Caucasus throughout its history. This cultural richness is most evident at the dinner table. Every dish you eat here is actually a memory, a cultural heritage brought from the homeland of a family, a people.   

One of the must-try items on this flavor exploration is the famous Circassian cheese. Made using traditional methods, especially by Circassian families around Hendek and Düzce, this cheese is known for its low-salt, slightly elastic texture that makes a unique sound when you chew it. You can enjoy it fresh for breakfast, add it to your salads, or lightly pan-fry it for a completely different taste. Both fresh and smoked (füme) varieties are available.   

There are many more treasures waiting to be discovered on Adapazarı's flavor map. Here are a few more delicacies you should save room for:

Dartılı Keşkek: This isn't like any keşkek you know. What makes it special is a local sauce called dartı, made from boiling down milk, which is drizzled over the dish. This sauce adds an incredibly rich and unique flavor to the keşkek.   

Kaşnuka: This savory cake-like dish made with cornmeal and leeks is a staple, especially during tea time. It's like a fusion of Balkan and Black Sea cuisines.   

Pekmezli Ayva Dolması (Quince Dolma with Molasses): This dessert, with roots in Ottoman palace cuisine, is the sweetest proof of the region's deep-rooted gastronomic culture.   

While You're Here...

After you've had your fill in Adapazarı, it's the perfect time for a little exploratory tour to digest all those delicious flavors. The city and its surroundings offer fantastic alternatives.

To Connect with Nature: You can take a peaceful walk along the shores of Sapanca Lake, just a few minutes' drive away, enjoy a picnic at Poyrazlar Lake, or experience one of Turkey's rare ecosystems by walking on the wooden platform at Acarlar Longozu (floodplain forest).   

A Touch of History: You can see the 1,500-year-old Justinianos Bridge (Beşköprü), built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, standing majestically over the Sakarya River. If you have time, we highly recommend getting lost in the streets of the quiet and historic town of Taraklı, which features some of the finest examples of Ottoman civil architecture.   

A Bit of Sea Air: If you're visiting in the summer, a half-hour drive will take you to Karasu, one of the longest and most beautiful beaches on the Black Sea, where you can go for a swim.   

If you wish to learn more about the multi-layered structure of Sakarya's cuisine, we highly recommend checking out the academic work Topraktan Sofraya Sakarya Mutfağı (From Soil to Table: Sakarya Cuisine). This study is a fantastic resource for understanding the cultural and historical connections behind the food you eat.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time for a one-day food tour to Adapazarı? Any season is suitable for tasting the flavors of Adapazarı. However, if you want to combine your trip with nature activities, the spring and autumn months are ideal. In winter, there's nothing like a hot bowl of islama köfte and a steaming soup.

What is the most important feature that distinguishes Islama Köfte from other meatballs? The main difference is not the meatball itself, but the bread served with it. This bread, soaked in a special peppery bone broth and then grilled, gives the dish its name and unique flavor.

Can I reach the recommended restaurants in downtown Adapazarı without a car? Yes, especially the historic venues around Yenicamii, like Köfteci Mustafa, are in the city center and within walking distance. You can also easily reach the other recommended places by city public transport or taxi.