A Taste Tour Through Eskişehir: 4 Local Stops You Shouldn’t Miss
Eskişehir has a charm of its own: like a European-style village…
A small but elegant city where universities thrive and student spirit fills every street.
A canal runs through its heart, giving it a touch of Venice.
Yes, the heat can be a bit challenging at times, but it’s still beautiful.
A developed town where tradition and modern life blend in harmony — perfect for peaceful moments.
Stop 1: Balaban Kebab – Abdusselam Balaban Kebab Restaurant
My first stop in Eskişehir was the famous Abdusselam Balaban Kebab Restaurant.
This isn’t just any restaurant — it’s one of the city’s most well-known and frequently recommended spots.
Thick slices of pita soaked in yogurt, grilled meat layered on top, and rich butter sauce poured generously over it… a true Eskişehir classic.
With every bite, I understood more and more why everyone had recommended it.
Stop 2: Papağan Çiğ Börek (Fried Pastry)
The next morning, I chose to try one of Eskişehir’s other famous flavors for breakfast: raw pastry.
And I went to one of the most iconic places for it: Papağan Çiğ Börek
Though I had to wait in line a bit, the hot, crispy pastry filled with juicy minced meat was absolutely worth it.
With its thin dough, non-greasy texture, and soft savory filling, it was a different but satisfying taste.
It matched my palate perfectly.
If you ever come to Eskişehir, I highly recommend trying this traditional dish.
Stop 3: Mazlumlar Pudding House – Water Pudding
To end on a sweet note, I headed to Mazlumlar Pudding House , a dessert shop serving locals since 1927.
Tucked away in a cozy spot inside the bazaar, this place is a hidden gem.
I’ve always preferred light desserts — not too sugary or heavy — and this water pudding was exactly what I was looking for.
It was cool, smooth, and refreshing. Not overly sweet, not overwhelming — just right.
The first spoonful made me think: “This is it.”
It helped me cool off on a warm day and left a lasting taste of satisfaction.
Stop 4:Ahmet’s Liver House
If you’re looking for a local and traditional atmosphere, Ahmet’s Liver House offers a different kind of experience.
The tent-like structure, interior decoration, and southeastern Turkish touches make it visually striking.
As you step inside, the music welcomes you into a nostalgic ambiance.
However, when I visited, the portion sizes felt a bit small to me, and the taste was rather average.
The ambiance was pleasant, and it’s clearly a popular place among locals in Eskişehir.
The presentation was impressive, but overall, it didn’t fully meet my expectations.
Bringing these three flavors together was a wonderful way to experience Eskişehir’s culture, cuisine, and character.
If you ever visit this lovely city, make sure to try them — I promise, you won’t regret it.