Must Eats in Antioch
After my first visit to Antioch I came up with a list of four foods you must try!
1—Künefe
Antioch is known for a mouthwatering dessert called künefe (qu-nah-fay). This unique treat consists of a spun pastry paired with a sweet syrup. They most commonly are layered with a creamy cheese in the middle. The treat remains on the stove until the outside is golden brown, then is frequently topped with ice cream, cream, or pistachios. The stringy pastry is made by pouring batter into an appliance that then distributes it on a circle-shaped stove. Künefe is unlike any dessert I have tried before and Antioch definitely knows how to do it!
2—Rose Ice Cream
Haytalı Dondurma (hi-tah-leh dohn-door-mah), a rose-flavored ice cream creation, is made up of three unexpected and delicious layers. The bottom layer is a kind of syrup pudding with a gelatin-like consistency. The middle layer is a vibrant and subtle rose water that has a hint of bubblegum flavor. The top is one or two scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream. Sharing this treat with one or two friends is a must if you find yourself in Antioch. Haytalı Dondurma looks as if it came out of a fairytale book and is especially appealing on a warm Antakya (as it is called in Turkish) day!
3—Hummus
My time in Turkey has revealed that my desired food groups are hummus, hummus, and hummus! This restaurant in Antioch is run by two brothers who have mastered the art of hummus making. The classic hummus is made by grinding chickpeas into a smooth, paste-like substance, followed by adding ground sesame paste (tahini) and olive oil. Lemon juice, garlic, paprika and other ingredients accentuate the rich flavor of the hummus. If you are ever in Antioch, grab some pita bread and enjoy the variety of homemade hummus!
4—Coffee (Mali Cups Coffee)
My love for coffee is anything but discouraged in Turkey. While in Antioch, I recommend visiting Mali Cups Coffee. This quaint coffee joint has high quality coffee, a lively environment, and a vintage aesthetic. They also have coffee beans available for purchase, so you can take the experience home with you. The abstract artwork and sunshine coming through the windows make the understated establishment all the more inviting. Although it generally does not take much convincing for me to buy an americano, it definitely does not take any if it’s Mali Cups Coffee!
To our friends in the West, keep looking East!
Becca Conner
Becca spent her childhood between Virginia and California, before settling down in Huntsville, Alabama. She attends school in Louisville, Kentucky, where she is pursuing a degree in Global Studies. Becca loves learning about different cultures, and spending time with people from all different backgrounds. She can frequently be found watching Gilmore Girls, eating granola bars or apples and peanut butter, or on a hike with her little brother/best friend, Charlie. She is obsessed with musical theater, particularly Newsies, and has been known to burst into song at completely random times. Becca is as adaptable as they come, spending four months living in Guatemala before she was even 18. She is always down for a new adventure, whether it involves exploring a new place or meeting new people.