Akıtma: Turkish Style Pancake or Crepe

If you’re planning a trip to Türkiye and love exploring local cuisine, don’t miss out on akıtma — a traditional Turkish breakfast favorite that deserves a spot on your foodie checklist.

Turkish style pancake crepe
Akıtma


What is Akıtma?

Akıtma is best described as Türkiye’s answer to pancakes or crepes. It’s a soft, slightly spongy flatbread made with a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, water, and a pinch of salt. While it looks similar to a French crepe or American pancake, akıtma has its own unique texture and charm — light, airy, and slightly elastic, perfect for rolling or folding.

How is Akıtma Served?

Traditionally, akıtma is served at breakfast, often accompanied by a spread of local flavors. You might enjoy it with:

Honey and butter for a sweet touch

White cheese and olives for a savory twist

Homemade jams or tahini with grape molasses for a rich, authentic experience


Want it to be a little more filling? Would you like it to replace dinner? Roasted minced meat with drippings would be great.


Some families even serve it with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a cup of strong Turkish tea on the side. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort, often associated with village life and homemade meals. 

Hazelnut Spread

Where to Try Akıtma

You can find akıtma in traditional Turkish homes, small village restaurants, and breakfast spots across the country — especially in the Black Sea region and Central Anatolia. If you’re staying at a local guesthouse (pansiyon) or experiencing a village breakfast (köy kahvaltısı), there’s a good chance akıtma will be on the menu.

Why You Should Try It

Akıtma isn’t just food — it’s a taste of Turkish hospitality. It’s simple yet satisfying, and it perfectly reflects the cozy, homemade nature of Turkish breakfasts. For travelers looking to dive deeper into the culinary culture of Turkey, starting your morning with akıtma is a must.

Differences between Akıtma, Pancake and Crepe

1. Akıtma

Origin: Türkiye

Texture: Thin but slightly thicker than a crêpe

Ingredients: Flour, milk, eggs, salt, sometimes yeast or baking soda

Taste & Use:

Slightly elastic and soft

Can be sweet or savory

Often eaten plain, with cheese, honey, or jam

No added sugar in the batter, unlike Western pancakes


Note: Akıtma means “pourable” in Turkish—describing the batter consistency.

Comparison of akitma and similar
Comparison of akıtma and similar


2. Pancake (American/English style)

Origin: USA/UK

Texture: Thick and fluffy

Ingredients: Flour, milk, eggs, baking powder, sugar, butter

Taste & Use:

Sweet, sometimes with vanilla

Typically served stacked with syrup, butter, fruit, etc.

The batter is thicker and rises more due to baking powder

3. Crepe

Origin: France

Texture: Very thin and delicate

Ingredients: Flour, eggs, milk, salt (and sometimes butter or sugar for sweet crêpes)

Taste & Use:

Can be sweet or savory (galette for savory)

Filled or rolled with toppings like Nutella, ham and cheese, etc.

No leavening agent, so they stay flat


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