What Is Testi Kebab?
Pottery Kebab (Testi Kebab) is on every Cappadocia visitor's "must-try" list. It takes its name from the small earthenware pot it cooks in, the testi. The meat and vegetables cook inside this pot for hours in their own steam, with no water added. The result: melt-in-your-mouth meat, a rich sauce infused with the flavor of the vegetables, and a moment at the table you will never forget.
From Avanos Clay to Your Table
The pots are handmade in Avanos, Cappadocia's pottery center, from the red clay of the Kizilirmak River. Clay spreads heat slowly and evenly, so food cooked in the pot turns out tender without losing its juices. Cooked for centuries at grape harvests, weddings and tables set for guests, this dish is a symbol of the region's culinary culture.
How Is It Prepared at Gurme Kebab?
- Prep: Diced meat or chicken goes into the clay pot with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and butter.
- Sealing: The mouth of the pot is sealed tightly with dough so the steam stays inside.
- Cooking: The sealed pot cooks slowly over embers or in a stone oven for at least 3–4 hours.
- Service: The pot arrives sealed at your table and is opened before your eyes; it is served with lavash or rice pilaf.
Meat or Chicken?
Meat Testi Kebab, with its rich, traditional flavor, is the classic choice; it is the quintessential Cappadocia experience for red meat lovers. Chicken Testi Kebab offers a lighter flavor and is ideal for families with children and guests who don't eat red meat. Can't decide? We suggest ordering one of each for your table and sharing.
Opening at the Table: A Small Ceremony
What makes Pottery Kebab (Testi Kebab) special is not just the flavor but the moment it is served. The sealed clay pot arrives piping hot at your table; when the dough lid is opened, the rising steam and the aroma of buttery vegetables fill the whole table. It is the moment most of our guests reach for their phones, and one of the most shared photos of any Cappadocia vacation. It is an unforgettable experience for kids, too.
What Goes Well with It?
Pottery Kebab (Testi Kebab) is a hearty main course on its own; the lavash or rice served alongside lets you enjoy every drop of the sauce. To round out your meal, our seasonal salads, meze such as ezme and haydari, and a warm lentil soup make great companions. After your meal, finish on a sweet note with künefe or baked rice pudding.
For Families and Groups
Our restaurant uses no non-halal products and serves no alcohol, so families can dine with complete peace of mind. With our spacious seating area, we can prepare several pots at once for tour groups, family gatherings and celebrations. For large groups, simply enter your party size on the reservation form; our kitchen will put the pots on the fire to match your time.
Why Book in Advance?
Testi Kebab is not a dish prepared in a few minutes; it requires hours of cooking. If you choose Testi Kebab when making your reservation, our kitchen starts preparing in advance and serves it without delay when you arrive. We especially recommend booking ahead for dinners and large groups.
Gurme Kebab is located in the center of Göreme, on Müze Street. After a day among the fairy chimneys, your Testi Kebab awaits.
