Local cuisine

Of the local species of fish most tasty big sea bass. It is also very popular for small and medium-sized fish with red and white scales, which locals call «barbula». Another very delicious local fish (unfortunately rare) – a Mediterranean deep-sea bream.

Regarding the cheap and delicious meat dishes of Turkish and Lebanese cuisine, which are usually local residents use as a lunch, then they are generally called «kebab». But in reality there are a variety of kebab. The most simple and inexpensive called «Donner kebab». He can apply for a plate, and can put the pieces of meat with salad and sauce into the hot bread cakes, and then get «package Donner».

The second traditional hot «fast» Food of Northern Cyprus is «shish – kebab». In fact it is the usual garnish with skewers of roasted potatoes and salad. Incidentally, the Cyprus potato – the best in the Middle East. According to tradition, barbecue is extremely fry lamb. This is followed by «jacket». This is a very tasty lamb chops. «Shish – jacket» – oblong kotletki lamb on a spit. The most delicious of kebab – «Iskender kebab». At a large bowl, put the hot cakes, at the top – bits of meat swimming complex sauce based on sour and sharp pepper seasonings, garnish served on potato chips and salad from fresh vegetables.

A separate type of hot fast foods – «moussaka» of Greek cuisine. These pieces of meat and vegetables baked in a special sauce «beshamel».
Along with traditional Cypriot cuisine restaurants, North Cyprus there are many restaurants with various national and international cuisine. Some of them are local sights.

For example, all the tourists going to visit in Famagusta, be sure to visit the restaurant – Confectionery «Petek» (Hive). This restaurant is located next to the «tower Otello». In «Peteke» a huge selection of oriental sweets, soft drinks, ice cream for every taste and more – a good Turkish cuisine. In the center of the large halls of the restaurant offers a swimming pool and a fountain with a golden fish, and the upper terrace with a great panorama of the old Famagusta.

Cozy atmosphere, hospitable owner and his excellent culinary works, made this place one of the most popular among tourists.
In the area Gyuzelyurta there are some small inexpensive restaurants by the sea, the owners of which have not yet forgotten how to prepare fish in the days of Ancient Rome!

Unlike Turkey and Arab countries, many of Northern Cyprus restaurants prepare dishes from pork.
On North Cyprus there are virtually all types of alcoholic beverages from all over the world. But they drink only tourists. Sami Turkish – Cypriots all spirits prefer to «Raky». This is a very strong Anisova grape vodka. Neat «Raky» drink is not accepted. Typically, the high glass with ice, poured «Raky» on three fingers, then up to the edge of a glass of cold water. Mixture «Raky» water becomes milky color, which gave reason to Levantine and Cyprus to name it «Lion’s milk».

In any restaurant you can order the famous local cocktail «Brandy – Sauri», which is in vogue in the thirties entered the British. It is fascinating to taste a mixture of brandy, lemon and orange juice with carbonated wine. Generally, in the original, at receptions in the gubernatorial residence for the British used a cocktail of champagne, and in bars – Champagne first ball replaced carbonated wine, and then carbonated fruit water.

But even with soda «Brandy – Sour» very good on a hot afternoon on the terrace of the Cyprus restaurant by the pool, especially if the bartender does not skimp on the part of the brand. In Turkey «Brandy – Sour» not served, it is purely a local attraction. And Cypriots are very jealously refer to foreigners who are preparing «Brandy – Sour», believing that only they can truly make this cocktail, which is a kind of symbol of the island.

Superb white, pink and red wines of Cyprus, referred to even in the Bible. Suffice it to say that the vine to the famous Burgundy and Champagne wine was exported by French crusaders from Cyprus. The most famous sweet dessert wine is considered “Kommandariya” (or “Namasskoe wine”) – a variety of the Cahors wine, which is better buy in the monastery Kikkos on Troodos. Also good white wine “Aghios Andronikos, Tisbi, Keo Hawk,” “Aphrodite,” “Palomino” and “White Lady” pink wine “Rose Lady” and “Roselló” red wine “Keo Claret, Domain D `Ahella, Olympus claret” and “Otello.”

The cost of lunch at most restaurants of Northern Cyprus does not exceed 10 -15 dollars per person. Wines from 5 to 8 dollars, beer $ 2. Beer restaurants Turkish «Efes», good quality.

According to the Cyprus customs of hospitality, where you would not come to visit, you offer a cup of Turkish coffee.

Turkish coffee is of three types – no sugar, moderately sweet, and sweet, it has always served a glass of cold water. The contrast of hot coffee and cold water creates an unusual taste sensation. A number of restaurants serving Turkish coffee at the end of lunch, free of charge – «Owner».