Mediterranean Treasure: Antalya's Piyaz Masters

Piyaz is Antalya's signature dish, a white bean salad that locals treat as a full meal rather than a side. The base is tender white beans, traditionally a specific variety grown in the Mediterranean region, mixed with hard-boiled eggs, fresh tomatoes, and crisp onions. What sets the Antalya version apart is the dressing: a generous amount of tahini, thinned and seasoned, that coats everything in the bowl. The dish is served at room temperature so the flavors settle together, usually with fresh bread, and it pairs well with köfte and other grilled meats. Most lokantas around the city prepare their own version fresh each day. Ask for extra tahini sauce; locals always do.

What it is

• The beans: soft white beans, the heart of the dish.
• The dressing: tahini thinned with lemon juice, vinegar and garlic, poured generously over the beans.
• The toppings: boiled egg, tomato, onion, parsley and chilli flakes.

Where to try it

• Köfte restaurants: piyaz and şiş köfte are served together all over Antalya.
• Local lunch restaurants in the city centre

Tips

• Order it with köfte: that is how locals eat it.
• Mop up the tahini with bread.
• It is filling, so share if you are ordering several dishes.

More in Antalya

Explore the old town of Kaleiçi, where many traditional restaurants are, or read our Antalya guide. A food tour is the easiest way to taste many local dishes in one afternoon.

Photo: Basak, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons