Discovering Eskisehir: A Journey Into History, Culture And The Irresistible Etli Ekmek
Photo: Bıçak Arası Etli Ekmek: A mouthwatering fusion of minced meat, vegetables, and cheese, baked to perfection in a wood-fired brick oven.
Eskisehir: A Cultural Gem Awaiting Exploration
Eskisehir delights visitors with history, vibrant culture, and incredible gastronomy. Chef Ali Usta’s Etli Ekmek is a perfect marriage of Konya tradition and Eskişehir’s modern charm.
If you’re looking for a destination that blends cultural heritage, culinary wonders, and youthful energy, Eskisehir might just be the hidden gem in Turkey waiting to be discovered. My recent week-long visit to this vibrant city, nestled just an hour away from Ankara and a few hours from Istanbul, left me enamored not only by its charm but by one unforgettable local dish from Konya — Etli Ekmek — that has found a new home in Eskisehir at Konya Etli Ekmek Ali Usta.
Eskisehir is often overshadowed by its better-known neighbors like Konya, home to the famed Mevlana Rumi, and Istanbul, the beating heart of Turkish culture. But this city holds its own with its rich blend of old and new. The serene Porsuk River snakes through the heart of Eskisehir, offering picturesque boat tours reminiscent of Parisian canals. The Odunpazarı district, a UNESCO-recognized gem, enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, colorful wooden houses, and cultural landmarks like the Eskisehir Archaeological Museum. And don’t even get me started on the city’s vibrant arts scene, its thriving university culture, or its delectable array of local cuisine.
But my purpose for visiting Eskisehir was far from ordinary or touristy — I came for dental implants, a practical reason that transformed into a culinary adventure.
Etli Ekmek: A Culinary Legend Reimagined
For anyone unfamiliar, Etli Ekmek translates to “meat bread,” though this description barely does justice to its magnificence. Essentially a borderless, elongated pita topped with minced meat and vegetables, it’s a dish tied deeply to the Konya region but adored throughout Turkey. The art of creating Etli Ekmek requires precision, history, and passion — something Konya Etli Ekmek Ali Usta delivers spectacularly, even from its new home in Eskisehir.
Chef Ali Usta, originally from Konya, brought his decades-long expertise in crafting this delicacy to Eskisehir. His commitment to authenticity shines through every bite. The Etli Ekmek here is baked in a brick oven fueled with oak wood, which imbues the dish with a smoky, earthy aroma that elevates its flavors. The dough is stretched thin, almost impossibly so, yet sturdy enough to carry the topping without compromising texture or taste.
I chose a variety called Bıçak Arası, which immediately won my heart. A silky blend of finely chopped meat, vegetables, cheese, and a whisper of spices rests atop the thin bread like a masterpiece. The moment it arrived steaming at the table, its tantalizing aroma filled the air. A single bite revealed layers of flavors that danced together seamlessly — the savory meat, the freshness of the vegetables, and the gooey, melted cheese all complemented each other perfectly.
Chef Ali Usta’s Etli Ekmek feels like more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a sensory journey that captures the essence of Konya’s tradition while embracing Eskisehir’s modern flair. For the lucky few who venture to Eskisehir, skipping this culinary delight would truly be a missed opportunity.
More Than Just Meat Bread
While Etli Ekmek stole my heart, the restaurant offers even more treasures for food lovers. One standout was Kuzu Tandır, a dish made of tender lamb cooked slowly over eight hours in a low-fire oven. The result? Meat so succulent it practically melts in your mouth. Served alongside flavorful accompaniments, this dish is another testament to the culinary mastery that Chef Ali Usta has brought to Eskisehir.
A Gastronomic Farewell
As my week in Eskisehir came to a close, I found myself reminiscing not only about the city’s scenic rivers, historic streets, and lively cultural pulse but also about the unforgettable dining experience at Konya Etli Ekmek Ali Usta. It’s rare to find a dish that lingers in your memory long after the plate is empty, but Ali Usta’s versions of Etli Ekmek and Kuzu Tandır will surely haunt my taste buds back in the UK.
If you’re visiting Eskisehir and crave an authentic taste of Turkey’s culinary tradition, this eatery must top your list. Whether you’re a fan of pizza, pide, lahmacun, or simply adventurous in your food choices, diving into a plate of Etli Ekmek here is a decision you won’t regret.
Eskisehir, with its rich blend of history, gastronomy, and youthful ambiance, proves itself worthy of any traveler’s time. Whether you’re discovering the city’s cultural treasures, basking along its riverbanks, or savoring a thin, oak-fired meat bread at Ali Usta’s, Eskisehir surprises and delights at every turn. Count this city as one of Turkey’s not-so-hidden treasures — and don’t forget to bring your appetite!
