foodistanbul: Çorba (chorba:soup)

Çorba (Chorba: soup) means “soup” or “broth” in Turkish. It’s a common tradition in Turkiye to start the day with çorba. The diverse varieties of çorba can be enjoyed at any meal, from breakfast to lunch and dinner.

One of the most popular soups in Turkiye is Mercimek Çorbası(lentil soup). It has a rich and smooth flavor, making it especially popular in winter. Another is Işkembe(ishkembe) Çorbası, made from tripe (sheep or cow stomach), known for its strong flavor and reputed to help with hangovers.

And we can’t forget Beyran. The main ingredients include lamb or beef, rice, and various spices. The meat is simmered for a long time to create a rich broth, which is then combined with the meat and rice, topped with chili powder, garlic, and lemon for a spicy kick. Its strong heat makes it a favorite among those who love spicy food. Beyran is also popular among Turks for alleviating hangovers and is often enjoyed as a warming dish in winter.

Additionally, Kelle Paça(pacha) is a traditional Turkish soup made primarily from the head (kelle) and legs (paça) of sheep or cattle. The meat is boiled for a long time until it becomes tender and easily separates from the bone. The rich broth is flavored with chili, garlic, and vinegar according to taste. This soup is known for its intense and rich flavor, making it especially popular for hangovers. It’s often eaten for breakfast and is considered a healthy food. Kelle Paça may seem a bit unfamiliar to those trying it for the first time due to its strong taste and unique texture, but it is a beloved traditional dish for many.

But we’re not done yet! ☺️ Next is Ezogelin Çorbası. Ezogelin is one of Turkiye’s traditional soups, and the name “ezogelin” is generally a woman’s name, said to be derived from a legendary female chef. The main ingredients include red lentils, rice, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. It’s typically spiced with chili powder and a hint of mint. The broth is thick and creamy, with a rich flavor and high nutritional value, making it particularly popular in winter. Ezogelin Çorbası is widely loved throughout Turkiye for its simple yet deep taste, easy to make at home, and usually enjoyed warm before meals.

There are also various kinds that may be harder to find in restaurants but are frequently made at home by Turkish people, such as Yogurt Çorbası (soup made with yogurt) and Tarhana Çorbası (a traditional soup made by mixing fermented flour and yogurt).

For Turks, çorba is a warm comfort food and a humble joy shared with family.

Now, let’s take a look at where you can enjoy delicious çorba! 😋

European Side:

1. Lezzet-i Şark Antep Sofrası

Good place to eat Beyran.

Address: Rüstem Paşa, Hasırcılar Cd. No:38, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul

2. Gaziantep Közde Künefe ve Kebap Salonu

Good place to eat Beyran.

Address: Hobyar, Şeyhülislam Hayri Efendi Cd. No:4, 34000 Fatih/İstanbul

3. Sarıhan Şişli

Good place to eat Kelle Pacha, Mercimek, Ishkembe. In addition, there are various types of çorba, such as country chicken soup, brain çorba (beyin) made from sheep or cow brains, and leg çorba (ayak pacha) made from the legs of sheep or cattle. For reference, “sheep” in Turkish is “kuzu,” and “cow” is “dana.”

Address: Merkez, Abide-i Hürriyet Cd No: 126, 34400 Şişli/İstanbul

Asian Side

1. Dürümcü Emmi (Closed on Mondays)

Good place to eat Kelle Pacha, Mercimek, Beyran.

Address: Hasanpaşa, Mahmut Baba Sk. 11/1, 34722 Kadıköy/İstanbul

2. Seyithan İşkembe

Good place to eat Kelle Pacha, Mercimek, Beyran, Ishkembe, Ayak Paça, Ezogelin.

Address: 19 Mayıs, Kozyatağı O2 Bağlantısı No:80, 34736 Kadıköy/İstanbul

3. Sarıhan İşkembe

Good place to eat Kelle Pacha, Mercimek, Beyran, İşkembe, Ayak Paça, Ezogelin.

Address: Tepeüstü, Alemdağ Cd 538/A-B, 34771 Ümraniye/İstanbul