Hatay is one of the ancient lands where humanity first adopted a settled life and began agriculture. Hosting 13 of the 23 known civilizations and located at the crossroads of the Silk and Spice Roads, the city has long been a meeting point of cultures, religions, and peoples throughout history.
With its rich nature, four-season climate, and fertile lands, Hatay’s cuisine offers a remarkable diversity of more than 600 dishes, 300 mezes, and hundreds of desserts and jams. Local flavors such as zahter (thyme), pomegranate molasses, Karakılçık wheat, sürk cheese, and künefe bring together the fresh and healthy elements of Mediterranean cuisine with the rich and spicy traditions of the Middle East.
The culture of coming together, producing, and sharing through food has made gastronomy an integral part of the city’s social memory. Reflecting the philosophy of “living to eat,” this lifestyle has been passed down from Hatay’s millennia-old history to the present.
In 2017, Hatay was designated a UNESCO “City of Gastronomy.” With this title, the city has advanced projects focused on sustainable agriculture, hygiene, quality products, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Today, Hatay draws strength from its past as it moves forward, and as a member of The Food Capitals Network, it aims to promote its gastronomic heritage internationally while focusing on sustainability, collaboration, and the development of gastronomic tourism.
Hatay’s cuisine, shaped by the meeting of countless cultures over thousands of years, offers hundreds of unique dishes. Among them, Kabak Borani holds a special place as one of the city’s most distinctive flavors. Borani is a traditional dish with roots in Middle Eastern and Anatolian cuisines; however, the use of Hatay’s white zucchini gives it a unique identity. Blended with yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and spices, this dish is both light and nourishing, making it a staple on local tables.
Kabak Borani is more than just a meal; it reflects the fertile lands of Hatay, the diversity offered by its Mediterranean climate, and the enduring tradition of local food culture. Enjoyed as a refreshing dish in summer and a comforting one in winter, it continues to hold a cherished place in Hatay’s rich culinary heritage.
The devastating earthquake of February 6, 2023, left deep scars on Hatay’s social and cultural life. Yet in its aftermath, gastronomy has played a vital role in the city’s recovery. The economic vitality, tourism potential, and cultural unity that cuisine brings have contributed to Hatay’s rebuilding process.
Preserving this unique gastronomic heritage and passing it on to future generations is one of the city’s foremost priorities. The tables of Hatay, representing the common heritage of civilizations, are ready to welcome the world.
