Ayran
"Ayran is a savory yogurt drink made by mixing yogurt, water, and salt until frothy. It's served cold and is the traditional accompaniment to kebabs, döner, and heavy meat dishes—the salt and probiotics help with digestion. Ayran is found everywhere from street carts to restaurants. It's an acquired taste for some foreigners but beloved by Turks."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Refreshing, Salty, Traditional
Duration
5 minutes
Best For
Foodies
The Backstory
Ayran's origins trace back to ancient Turkic nomads in Central Asia who discovered that diluted, salted yogurt stayed fresh longer during travel. The drink migrated to Anatolia with the Seljuks and Ottomans. In Ottoman army campaigns, ayran was a staple ration. The modern bottled ayran industry began in the 1950s-60s as Turkey industrialized. Today, Turkey is the world's largest ayran consumer, drinking over 1 billion liters annually.
Local Secret
"Fresh ayran from restaurants and street vendors is far superior to bottled versions—it should be frothy on top and not too watery. Always drink it with greasy food like döner or lahmacun; it cuts the richness. If you find it too salty, ask for 'az tuzlu' (less salt)."