Yozgat is home to the rich and varied dishes of Anatolian cuisine. This province is especially known for its meat and grain-based dishes. In addition to traditional Turkish cuisine, local specialties also play a big role in the food culture.
One of the prominent dishes in Yozgat cuisine is jug kebab. This dish consists of meat and vegetables cooked in specially prepared jugs. The jug preserves the aromas of the ingredients during the cooking of the dish and offers a unique flavor. Another popular dish is arabasi soup, which is unique to Yozgat; this soup is a chicken meat soup prepared with yogurt and a flour-based marinade and is usually served with dough.
Other traditional dishes of Yozgat include leaf rolls, manti and flatbread, which are popular throughout Turkey. While Yaprak sarma is prepared with a mixture of rice and spices wrapped in vine leaves, manti is a dish made by putting minced meat into small pieces of dough and served with yogurt, garlic and butter. Gözleme is a thin pastry stuffed with various fillings and cooked on a baking sheet.
Various desserts also have an important place in Yozgat. Baklava with walnuts, milk desserts and halva varieties are appreciated by locals and visitors. Especially baklava is made by placing a lot of walnuts between layers of phyllo pastry and then pouring syrup. These desserts are generally preferred on holidays and special occasions or for entertaining guests.
Tea and Turkish coffee are frequently consumed in Yozgat. In addition, ayran, one of the local beverages, is also a preferred option to cool off and to be consumed with meals, especially in summer. Since the food culture is generally shaped around hospitality and family meals, such drinks are an integral part of the table culture.
As a result, Yozgat's food and beverage culture combines the traditional flavors of Anatolia with modern presentations and is appreciated by both locals and visitors. Eating in the city also offers a cultural experience and gives the opportunity to get to know the rich history and social structure of Yozgat more closely.