Kayseri has a rich cuisine mainly around meat, vegetable and pastry products. Pastirma is a local delight which essentially includes dried salted beef covered with caraway, i.e. fennel seed paste, called cemen. This dish is usually served as a spicy starter or as stuffing for the main course. Iskendar Kebabs are famous Turkish meat kebabs, easily accessible in Kayseri. Another speciality of Kayseri includes Pita bread topped with hot tomato sauce, melted sheep's milk butter, yogurt, and pieces of döner kebab meat. Finally, Mantisi, usually served with a spicy sauce and yogurt, is like a boiled wrap filled with minced meat.
For drinks, you can try the authentic Gilaburu, also known as guelder-rose.
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