The 15 Most Delicious Types of Fish You Must Taste During Your Trip to Turkey

Turkey's culinary culture offers a rich variety ranging from kebabs to salads, desserts to seafood. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, this country delights the palates of both local and foreign tourists with its delicious fish species. While exploring Turkey, you can taste different fish depending on the region and embark on a unique gastronomic journey with each one. Here are 15 wonderful fish species that you should definitely try during your trip to Türkiye.

Red Mullet (Milki Bean)

Red mullet also attracts attention visually with its red color and yellow fins. Despite its small size, it offers a great taste with salads and appetizers. Mediterranean Don't forget to try red mullet when it is in season in coastal towns and restaurants in the Aegean.

Sea Bream (Sea Bream)

Commonly caught on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, sea bream is a favorite fish, especially on summer evenings, with its filling meat and flavor. You can taste sea bream prepared on the grill in the Aegean coastal towns and in many restaurants in the Mediterranean. Also, İstanbulIt is possible to find this delicious fish in many fishermen in .

Sole Fish

Drawing attention with its asymmetrical appearance and camouflage ability, sole fish is one of the prominent fish of the Aegean. You can consume this fish in every season, especially when grilled or baked. Enjoy this delicious fish on the Aegean coast and in the Mediterranean.

Anchovy

Black Sea The first fish that comes to mind when you think of anchovy, anchovy is prepared in different ways all over Turkey. You can try anchovy in a wide range of ways, from frying to steaming, from grilling to pilaf. The most delicious periods are December and January. Do not forget to taste the anchovy dishes prepared by the local people, especially in the Black Sea region.

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish, which is immediately noticeable on the counters with its red color, is found in the Mediterranean and Black Sea waters. Scorpionfish offers a delicious alternative in different recipes such as soup, steamed, and stew. You can discover a different taste by trying this fish, which should be handled with care due to its spines when caught.

Stavrit

Horse mackerel, which is frequently caught on the shores of Istanbul and Marmara, is also a favorite of amateur fishermen. You can try horse mackerel, which is at its most delicious between November and February, and discover flavors that are unique to the Marmara Sea.

Shield

Known for its flat structure and delicious meat, turbot is one of the most expensive fish species in Turkey. Turbot, usually served pan-fried, is frequently caught around the Bosphorus. If you want to have a special dining experience, you should definitely try turbot.

Perch

Sea bass is a light fish option caught in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea and known for its low-fat meat. Sea bass, recommended to be consumed fresh in the summer months, offers a delicious taste both grilled and steamed. You can enjoy sea bass to your heart's content, especially in summer coastal resorts.

bluefish

Known for its sharp teeth and the name “queen of the seas”, bluefish is widely caught in the Bosphorus. Bluefish is usually caught with bright baits and is famous for its deliciousness. You can catch the most delicious bluefish in fish restaurants in Istanbul during the autumn months.

Coral Fish

With its soft meat and mild flavor, coral fish is an ideal option for those on a diet. You can try coral, which immediately draws attention with its pink color, in the oven or steamed. Coral is frequently consumed in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.

Whiting

Whiting, which resembles chicken meat with its soft texture, is a light fish that especially children will enjoy. Whiting is fried after being coated in corn flour and is frequently consumed on the Black Sea coast. It is an ideal option for those who want a light fish.

Bonito

Bonito, the affordable and delicious fish of the winter months, is especially abundant in November and December. Bonito, a member of the mackerel family, is a delicious option prepared on the grill or in the oven. You should try this satisfying fish in the Black Sea and Mediterranean coastal towns.

Sardine

Sardines from the North Aegean are an affordable and delicious fish option. You should try sardines, which are preferred in canned, stewed and grilled form, especially on summer evenings. They are also a healthy alternative with their high nutritional value.

toric

Bonito, known as the larger bonito, is especially preferred in canning. This delicious fish, which is widely caught in the Marmara and Black Seas, is consumed frequently while preserving its freshness. Bonito is among the indispensable dishes of the tables during the fish season.

Mackerel

Mackerel is the leading role in fish and bread, a street food in Turkey. You can try mackerel, which is at its most oily and delicious in November and December, in Istanbul and enjoy fish and bread.

You can have unforgettable gastronomic experiences during your holiday with these fish species that you can discover all around Turkey. Discover the richness of Turkey's seafood by visiting restaurants to taste the fish species specific to each region!