Dishes you should try in Şahinbey: Gaziantep Baklavası, Küşleme (Kuzu Tandır) (whole lamb cooked in a clay oven), Lahmacun and Menengiç Kahvesi (terebinth coffee). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Şahinbey is famous for.
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Baklava baked with pistachios spread between 40 layers of thin dough and sweetened with syrup, is Gaziantep's world-famous delicacy. Historic baklava makers in Şahinbey continue this tradition from generation to generation.
Küşleme, prepared by cooking a whole lamb in a clay tandır oven for 4-5 hours, is one of Gaziantep's most prestigious dishes. It is served at special occasions and holidays.
Gaziantep lahmacun, baked in stone ovens in Şahinbey's traditional bakeries, is known across the country for its thin dough and generous toppings.
A traditional drink made from the fruit of the menengiç (terebinth) tree, served mixed with milk. Caffeine-free menengiç coffee is one of Gaziantep's original beverages.
These dishes are known throughout Gaziantep province; see the provincial food guide for details.
Made with green pistachios and clarified butter, the first Turkish product to receive EU registration, in 2013.
A registered dessert made with pistachios and clotted cream, eaten in the morning.
A spicy soup made with lamb, rice and garlic, drunk at breakfast.
A lahmacun with minced meat on thin dough, registered as a geographical indication.
A registered festive dish of yoghurt with chickpea-sized meatballs.
Kebab on a bed of yoghurt with smoked aubergine; registered as a geographical indication.
The district takes its name from Şahin Bey, who was martyred in 1920 while fighting against the French occupation during the War of Independence. Şahin Bey is one of the symbolic figures of the defence of Gaziantep.
In 2015 Gaziantep was included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy. The historic restaurants, baklava makers and kebab chefs of Şahinbey are the living representatives of this title.
Şahinbey is known for 4 local dishes, above all Gaziantep Baklavası, Küşleme (Kuzu Tandır) (whole lamb cooked in a clay oven), Lahmacun and Menengiç Kahvesi (terebinth coffee). Baklava baked with pistachios spread between 40 layers of thin dough and sweetened with syrup, is Gaziantep's world-famous delicacy. Historic baklava makers in Şahinbey continue this tradition from generation to generation.
Şahinbey is known for Gaziantep Baklavası, Antep Fıstığı (Antep pistachio) and Şahin Bey's Heroism. Its best-known sights include Zeugma Mosaic Museum and Historic Gümrük Han.
Local products and souvenirs to buy in Şahinbey include Antep Fıstığı (Antep pistachio) and Gaziantep Handicrafts.