If you have just landed at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), welcome to one of the world’s great culinary destinations! Before exploring the historic streets of Sultanahmet or the lively avenues of Taksim, you can enjoy your first memorable Turkish meal much closer to the airport.

Many travelers immediately search for “what to eat in Istanbul” or “the best traditional Turkish food” after landing. Instead of traveling to the city center on an empty stomach, you can visit a hidden local favorite located only 5 kilometers from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

Here is why Sivaslı Etli Ekmek should be one of your first food stops after arriving at SAW Airport.

🍕 Beyond the Usual: Discover Authentic Turkish Etli Ekmek

When international visitors think of Turkish cuisine, kebabs and lahmacun usually come to mind. However, if you are searching for unique food to try in Istanbul, you should not miss Etli Ekmek.

Originating from Sivas, a historic city in Central Anatolia, Etli Ekmek is made with an exceptionally thin and crispy dough topped with freshly prepared, perfectly seasoned minced meat. It is then baked in a traditional stone oven until the edges become wonderfully crisp.

It is sometimes described as an authentic Turkish-style pizza, but Etli Ekmek has its own distinctive preparation, flavor and centuries-old culinary identity. It is thinner, crispier and deeply connected to the traditional food culture of Anatolia.

🥩 Do Not Leave Without Trying the World-Famous Sivas Köftesi

Etli Ekmek may be the restaurant’s signature attraction, but it is not the only traditional Sivas specialty worth discovering.

The menu also includes the famous Sivas Köftesi, one of Türkiye’s most celebrated regional meat dishes. Known far beyond its hometown, this world-famous Turkish meatball is admired for its simplicity, distinctive texture and rich natural flavor.

Unlike heavily seasoned meatballs, authentic Sivas Köftesi allows the quality of the meat to take center stage. It is traditionally prepared with carefully selected minced beef, salt and a time-honored preparation method before being grilled until beautifully browned on the outside and juicy on the inside.

For visitors who want to experience the true culinary heritage of Central Anatolia, ordering Etli Ekmek and Sivas Köftesi together is the perfect introduction. One offers the crispness and aroma of a traditional stone oven, while the other presents the pure, satisfying flavor of expertly grilled Turkish meat.

🍽️ Why Travelers Should Visit Sivaslı Etli Ekmek Excellent location: The restaurant is located only 5 kilometers from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, making it an ideal stop after landing or before your return flight. Fresh and traditional food: Dishes are prepared daily with fresh ingredients, while Etli Ekmek and pide varieties are baked in a traditional stone oven. The famous Sivas Köftesi: Visitors can taste one of Sivas’s most iconic specialties without traveling all the way to Central Anatolia. More than one local specialty: In addition to Etli Ekmek and Sivas Köftesi, the restaurant serves traditional Turkish soups and several delicious varieties of pide. Comfortable for travelers: The restaurant offers free private parking, a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere and the warm hospitality for which Türkiye is famous. 🗺️ How to Get There

Instead of settling for expensive airport fast food, search for “best restaurants near Sabiha Gökçen Airport” on your map. This authentic local restaurant is only a short 5-to-10-minute taxi or car ride from the terminal.

It is an excellent choice whether you want to relax after your flight, enjoy a traditional meal with a cold glass of ayran or pick up takeaway food for your hotel near the airport.

Your journey into authentic Turkish food culture can begin as soon as you land—with crispy Etli Ekmek, delicious Sivas Köftesi and genuine Anatolian hospitality.

👉 Explore the complete menu, read verified traveler reviews and get direct directions on TurkTravelRadar’s Sivaslı Etli Ekmek page!