Have you ever heard of Turkish pide? If not, you are in for a delicious surprise. Turkish pide is a popular dish from Turkey that looks a bit like pizza, but it has its special shape and taste. It is boat-shaped, with crispy edges and soft, chewy bread in the middle. It is baked in an oven with tasty toppings like cheese, meat, or vegetables.
People in Turkey eat pide all the time. You can find it in small bakeries, fancy restaurants, or even from street food vendors. And now, thanks to places like Finjan in Ontario, you can enjoy real Turkish pide without travelling far.
In this article, we will show you ten types of Turkish pide that are so good that you will want to try them all.
1. Kıymalı Pide – Ground Meat Pide
This is one of the most popular rides in Turkey. It is topped with finely ground beef or lamb mixed with onions, tomatoes, parsley, and some spices. The meat is cooked right on the dough, which makes every bite juicy and full of flavour.
This pide is filling and very satisfying. If you enjoy meat dishes, this one is a great choice. At Finjan, we use high-quality halal beef and fresh vegetables to make our kıymalı pide taste just like it does in Turkey.
2. Kaşarlı Pide – Cheese Pide
If you love cheese, this one will make you happy. Kaşarlı pide is simple but very tasty. It is covered with Turkish melting cheese, similar to mozzarella but with a richer flavour. Some versions even have a bit of butter on top for extra taste.
When it comes out of the oven, the cheese is melted and golden, and the smell is amazing. This is a great choice for kids or anyone who wants something cheesy and comforting.
3. Sucuklu Pide – Pide with Turkish Sausage
Sucuk is a spicy Turkish sausage made with beef, garlic, and red pepper. When it is baked on top of pide with cheese, it melts and becomes rich and flavorful. This pide has a strong, smoky taste that many people love.
It is perfect if you like bold flavours. The crispy bread, melted cheese, and spicy sausage work really well together.
4. Peynirli Pide – White Cheese and Herbs
This pide is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a lighter meal. It is topped with Turkish white cheese, similar to feta, and mixed with fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Some versions include olives or tomatoes for extra taste. It is fresh, salty, and very aromatic. At Finjan, we make this pide with real Turkish cheese and garden herbs to keep it authentic and delicious.
5. Karışık Pide – Mixed Pide
Karışık means mixed, and this pide gives you a little bit of everything. It often includes ground meat, sausage, cheese, eggs, and vegetables. If you cannot decide which pide to try, this is a great option.
This one is popular for families or groups who want to share. Every slice is different, and you get to enjoy many flavours in one dish.
6. Pastırmalı Pide – Pide with Cured Beef
Pastırma is a type of Turkish cured beef that has a very rich and deep flavour. It is made by drying and seasoning the beef with garlic and spices. When it is baked on pide with cheese, it becomes soft and full of taste.
This pide is more traditional and is loved by people who want to try something special. The cured beef gives it a unique flavour that is different from anything else.
7. Ispanaklı Pide – Spinach Pide
This is another great vegetarian option. It is topped with cooked spinach, onions, and cheese. Some versions also include an egg on top, which adds a creamy texture.
It is light but still very filling. Many people enjoy this one for breakfast or lunch. The spinach gives it a fresh taste, and the cheese adds creaminess.
8. Kuşbaşılı Pide – Diced Meat Pide
This pide is topped with small pieces of beef or lamb, cooked with peppers, tomatoes, and onions. Kuşbaşı means small cubes, so the meat is in bite-sized chunks instead of ground.
It has a deep, roasted meat flavour, and the vegetables add a nice sweetness. It is a little chewy and very satisfying. This pide is great for meat lovers.
9. Yumurtalı Pide – Pide with Egg
Yumurtalı means with egg, and this pide is usually topped with cheese or meat, and then an egg is cracked on top before baking. The egg cooks just enough in the oven, and the yolk stays soft and creamy.
This is a favourite for breakfast or brunch. It is rich and soft, and the egg adds a special touch that makes it different from other pies.
10. Lahmacun – A Delicious Cousin of Pide
Lahmacun is not exactly a pide, but it is very similar and often eaten the same way. It is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a spicy mixture of ground meat, onions, tomatoes, and herbs. It is often rolled up with fresh parsley and lemon juice and eaten like a wrap.
Lahmacun is light, fast, and full of flavour. It is a popular street food in Turkey and a great addition to your meal if you are trying Turkish cuisine for the first time.
Why People Love Turkish Pide
Pide is more than just a dish. It is a big part of Turkish food culture. In Turkey, families gather to eat pide during holidays, Ramadan, or just a regular evening. It is made with love, shared with others, and always brings people together.
Each region in Turkey makes it a little different. Some places add spicy peppers; others use wood ovens to give the bread a smoky flavour. No matter how it is made, pide always feels like home.
Where to Try These Turkish Pide?
If you’re ready to experience these delicious Turkish pides for yourself, you don’t have to travel far. You can enjoy authentic, freshly baked pides at Finjan Turkish Restaurant, located in Oakville, Ontario. Our menu features all the traditional favourites, made with the finest ingredients and true Turkish techniques. Whether you are craving a cheesy kaşarlı pide, a hearty kıymalı pide, or a spicy sucuklu pide, Finjan is the perfect place to taste the real flavours of Turkey.
Final Thoughts
Turkish pide is one of those foods that you will fall in love with after just one bite. Whether you choose a simple cheese pide or a mixed one with many toppings, each version is full of flavour and tradition.
Pide is a dish that brings people together, whether in Turkey or right here in Canada. So, if you are curious about Turkish food or just want something different and tasty, give it a try.