Last reviewed: · Prices in Turkish Lira (₺ TRY) and Euros (€ EUR) are approximate and for orientation only.
Why visit Hatay (Hatay (31))
Hatay (Hatay (31)) is a metropolitan hub (büyükşehir / i̇l) in Hatay Province (Mediterranean & Turquoise Coast Region), Türkiye, with a population of approximately 1,562,185 at an elevation of 1255 m. Hatay is a key destination and district in Hatay Province (Mediterranean), positioned at 1255 m elevation and 119 km from Gaziantep Gar & Gaziray.
Getting to Hatay & local transit
From Istanbul & Ankara: Accessible via TCDD YHT high-speed rail, domestic flights through Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport (GZT), and intercity coaches.
Nearest Airport & Rail Hub: Gaziantep Oğuzeli Airport (GZT) (119 km) · Rail / Intercity Bus: Gaziantep Gar & Gaziray.
Recommended Transit & Museum Cards: Contactless city transit card & Museum Pass Türkiye (€165). Compare fares with our TCDD YHT Rail vs. Flight Calculator, Istanbulkart & City Transit Calculator, and Museum Pass Türkiye Calculator.
Top things to see & do in Hatay
- Hatay Merkez Çarşısı & Historic Mosque
- Hatay Kent Müzesi & Cultural Square
- Hatay Regional Bazaar & Tea Gardens
- Hatay Panoramic Viewpoint & Park
Neighborhoods & quarters
Hatay Merkez (Old Quarter)
Historic quarter, local bazaar, and dining district in Hatay.
Cumhuriyet Meydanı & Bazaar District
Historic quarter, local bazaar, and dining district in Hatay.
Yeni Mahalle & Promenade
Historic quarter, local bazaar, and dining district in Hatay.
What to eat in Hatay — Local Specialties & Turkish Culinary Guide
Dining in Hatay reflects the culinary heritage of Mediterranean & Turquoise Coast, combining fresh market produce, wood-fired pide and kebabs, cold olive-oil meze, and traditional Turkish tea house culture.
Signature Local Dishes
Hatay Must-Try Specialties
- Traditional regional kebabs, wood-fired pide & seasonal meze
- Turkish breakfast (serpme kahvaltı) & Rize black tea
- Adana Kebap & Antalya Tahinli Piyaz — Hand-minced zırh lamb kebab grilled over oak charcoal, and Antalya white bean salad dressed in rich sesame tahini.
- Hatay Künefe & Tepsi Kebabı — Crisp shredded kadayıf pastry filled with stretchy Antakya cheese soaked in light blossom syrup.
- Mersin Tantuni & Mediterranean Lagos — Spiced diced beef stir-fried on a convex sac griddle wrapped in warm lavash with sumac onions.
Mediterranean Regional Cuisine
Regional Staples & Drinks
Adana Kebap & Antalya Tahinli Piyaz (Hand-minced zırh lamb kebab grilled over oak charcoal, and Antalya white bean salad dressed in rich sesame tahini.) Hatay Künefe & Tepsi Kebabı (Crisp shredded kadayıf pastry filled with stretchy Antakya cheese soaked in light blossom syrup.) Mersin Tantuni & Mediterranean Lagos (Spiced diced beef stir-fried on a convex sac griddle wrapped in warm lavash with sumac onions.)
Local Drinks: Şalgam Suyu (fermented purple carrot drink), Fresh Finike Orange & Pomegranate Juice, Yayık Ayranı, Taurus Mountain Wild Thyme Tea (Kekik Çayı)
Where to Eat in Hatay: Lokantas, Meyhanes & Markets
Explore the central çarşı (market quarter) of Hatay alongside regional culinary landmarks including Antalya Kaleiçi & Doğu Garajı Bazaar, Adana Kazancılar Çarşısı, Antakya Uzun Çarşı for local cheeses, olives, spices, and freshly baked simit and pide.
Recommended Dining Areas: Antalya Kaleiçi & Doğu Garajı Bazaar · Adana Kazancılar Çarşısı · Antakya Uzun Çarşı
Local Turkish Drinks & Pairings: Şalgam Suyu (fermented purple carrot drink) · Fresh Finike Orange & Pomegranate Juice · Yayık Ayranı · Taurus Mountain Wild Thyme Tea (Kekik Çayı)
Dining Etiquette & Ordering Tips: In Türkiye, midday esnaf lokantası (tradesmen's restaurants) display bubbling trays at the counter where you can order half-portions (yarım porsiyon). Evening meyhanes and ocakbaşı grill houses serve cold meze first; bread and tulip-glass Rize black tea (çay) after meals are typically complimentary. Use our Turkish Phrasebook & Restaurant Allergy Show-Cards to order confidently in Turkish.
Closest neighboring Turkish towns to Hatay
- Belen — 5.1 km away
- İskenderun — 13.6 km away
- Kırıkhan — 16.9 km away
- Kumlu — 23.7 km away
- Antakya — 28.8 km away