Antalya International Airport

Antalya International Airport may be one of Turkey's busiest gateways, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to eating. The international terminal — Terminal 1 — is where most long-haul and charter travelers spend their time, and it hosts a solid spread of options beyond the usual fast-food suspects. Look for Köfteci Yusuf, a beloved Turkish chain that does grilled köfte and pide with genuine flavour, and TAV Göktürk, which offers a sit-down experience with warm meze platters and properly brewed Turkish tea served in those elegant tulip glasses.

For something more authentically regional, keep an eye out for gözleme stations scattered through the departure halls — thin, griddle-toasted flatbreads stuffed with spinach, cheese, or minced meat, eaten fresh off the pan. It's the kind of snack that feels almost too good for an airport setting. The domestic terminal has a quieter café culture vibe, with simpler börek pastries and strong filter coffee that'll keep you sharp for whatever connecting leg awaits. Simit — those sesame-crusted bread rings Turkey does better than anywhere — are usually sold from small carts and make a perfect low-cost, high-satisfaction bite.

Don't overlook the duty-free food hall on the departures level, which stocks an impressive range of Turkish delight, baklava, and regional honey from the Taurus mountains — ideal for edible souvenirs, but equally tempting to crack open before boarding. If you have a lounge pass or Turkish Airlines status, the CIP lounge offers a genuinely impressive spread of hot and cold Turkish dishes, including mercimek çorbası (lentil soup) that tastes like someone's grandmother made it. For an airport, that's high praise.