Every restaurant in Turkey serves it, every household makes it, and it is the first thing anyone orders when the weather in Prague turns.

What is mercimek çorbası (Turkish lentil soup)?

Mercimek çorbası is made from red lentils cooked down with onion and carrot until they collapse completely, then blended until there is no texture left at all — it should be velvety, not rustic. It is finished with a spoon of butter warmed with dried mint or red pepper, and it is always served with a wedge of lemon. The lemon is not a garnish: squeezing it in sharpens the whole bowl and is the difference between a good version and a dull one.

How we prepare it at Anatolia Grill

Ours is pureed properly smooth and seasoned lightly, so the lemon and the pepper butter do the work. It comes with bread and lemon. 129 CZK — the least expensive thing on our menu that still counts as a proper meal, and a reliable lunch on a cold Prague afternoon.

Lentil Soup on our menu

• Dish: Lentil Soup
• Menu section: Soups
• Price: 129 CZK
• Allergens: A — see the allergen key printed on our menu

Frequently asked questions

Where can I eat Turkish lentil soup in Prague?

At Anatolia Grill Restaurant on Na Poříčí, a few minutes from Náměstí Republiky, every day from 08:00 to midnight.

Is Turkish lentil soup vegetarian?

Our lentil soup is made without meat stock. It is finished with butter, so it is vegetarian rather than vegan — ask and the kitchen will tell you what is possible on the day.

Why is lentil soup served with lemon?

The acidity lifts the earthiness of the lentils. In Turkey the lemon is considered part of the dish, not an optional extra — squeeze it in before your first spoonful.

Is it spicy?

No, it is mild. Dried mint and red pepper flakes are usually on the table if you want to adjust it.

Visit Anatolia Grill Restaurant

We are on Na Poříčí, a few minutes’ walk from Náměstí Republiky, in the centre of Prague. The kitchen is open every day from 08:00 to 00:00, so breakfast, a late lunch and a midnight plate are all on the table.

• Address: Na Poříčí 1933/36, 110 00 Praha 1 – Nové Město
• Open: every day, 08:00 – 00:00
• Restaurant: +420 777 946 662  |  Meat Market: +420 727 974 844

See the full Anatolia Grill menu, book a table by phone, visit the Anatolia Meat Market next door, or order online for delivery and pickup.