Hittite Menu at Deraliye Restaurant

At Deraliye Restaurant in Sultanahmet, a new chapter in Anatolian gastronomy has begun with the introduction of the Hittite Menu. Known for its expertise in Ottoman palace cuisine, Deraliye now also presents dishes inspired by one of Anatolia’s most ancient civilizations, the Hittites.

This special menu takes guests on a culinary journey back more than 3,000 years, combining historical research, archaeological findings and modern culinary techniques to recreate flavors from the era of Hittite kings and feasts.

A Journey into Ancient Anatolia

The Hittite Menu at Deraliye is meticulously crafted by Executive Chef Necati Yılmaz and his team. Drawing on cuneiform tablets and archaeological discoveries, they have designed dishes that remain faithful to the spirit of Hittite cuisine while being slightly adapted to today’s tastes and dietary habits.

The menu is available on selected evenings and served in specially designed clay tableware reminiscent of artifacts found in museums in Çorum, Boğazköy and Alacahöyük. This attention to detail reinforces the sense of traveling back in time, turning dinner into both a gastronomic and cultural experience.

Highlights from the Hittite Menu

Hittite cuisine is built on high-quality local ingredients such as lamb, grains, vegetables and herbs. The menu at Deraliye showcases this heritage through slow-cooked and carefully seasoned dishes, including:

• Iskilip Dolması: a traditional preparation where beef is slow-cooked with local rice, resulting in very tender, flavorful meat and rich, aromatic rice.
• Kistanziye: lamb neck slow-cooked with bone marrow and spices, served with a tangy plum sauce that enhances both sweetness and acidity.
• Hattusa Soup: a hearty soup made with milk tarhana, mutton and herbs, offering warmth and sustenance reminiscent of ancient kitchens.
• Malak Dessert: a dessert prepared with roasted flour, hot water and molasses, finished with walnuts for a sweet and comforting end to the meal.
• Honey Bread (Ninda.Lal): freshly baked sourdough bread enriched with honey, reflecting the symbolic importance of bread in Hittite daily life and rituals.

Why Choose the Hittite Menu

Deraliye’s Hittite Menu is designed for guests who are curious about the deeper layers of Anatolia’s food heritage. It offers a rare chance to taste dishes inspired by ancient texts and traditions, prepared with modern care in the heart of Istanbul.

The presentation of the dishes in pottery inspired by Hittite artifacts adds to the immersive quality of the experience. Each plate is meant to evoke the atmosphere of a long-lost civilization while remaining enjoyable and accessible for contemporary diners.

Reservations and Availability

The Hittite Menu is offered only on specific days and at limited times, with reservations required due to high interest and limited seating. Guests are encouraged to book in advance to secure their place at this unique culinary event.

For those interested in history, culture and gastronomy, Deraliye’s Hittite Menu is an exceptional opportunity to taste the legacy of Anatolia in an elegant setting overlooking the historic streets of Sultanahmet.