Manti (Turkish Ravioli)

Manti has been the subject of debate among foodies – is it pasta? Is it dumpling? A little bit of both, perhaps? While the preparation appears to largely be of Chinese influence, the way it is served is unmistakably a lot like pasta.

Just like its history, manti preparation varies from place to place. Turkish manti is boiled and rather smaller in size than elsewhere, where it is steamed and significantly bigger. All over Istanbul, the most common variant you’ll find is generously stuffed with lamb and chickpeas, drizzled with yogurt, and finished off with hot butter, chili powder, and ground sumac. It’s also easy to find vegetarian options such as potato- or chickpea-stuffed.

Here are the best places to have manti in Istanbul:

• KARDESIM MANTI | Sariyer
  For fresh, handmade manti without additives
  What to order: Manti, Yaprak Sarma, Erise
  Price range: 12 to 30 TRY ($3.42 to $8.56)
  When: 10:00 – 23:00 Daily
  Where: Emirgan Mahallesi, Dogru Muvakkithane Caddesi, No. 14/1, Sariyer, Istanbul
• AGA KAPISI | Fatih
  For one of Istanbul’s best-kept secrets
  What to order: Tiramisu, Manti, Tavuklu Salata
  Price range: 8 to 20 TRY ($2.28 to $5.71)
  When: 08:00 – 01:00 Daily
  Where: Demirtas Mahallesi, Nazir Izzet, Efendi Sokak, No. 11, Fatih, Istanbul
• HINGAL MANTI | Uskudar
  For manti of assorted flavors and colors
  What to order: Kiymali manti, Karisik manti, Sebzeli manti
  Price range: 15 to 40 TRY ($4.28 to $11.41)
  When: 11:30 – 20:30 Daily
  Where: Kisikli Mahallesi, Kisikli Caddesi, No 132, Uskudar, Istanbul