Lahmacun is a paper-thin, crispy Turkish flatbread topped with finely spiced minced meat, tomato, pepper and fresh herbs. It's baked briefly at high heat, sprinkled with lemon, filled with parsley and eaten rolled up. It's commonly called "Turkish pizza", though it's lighter and more aromatic than an Italian pizza.
Where does lahmacun come from?
The name comes from the Arabic lahm bi ajin ("meat with dough"). Lahmacun is ancient and popular across Turkey, Syria and the Middle East. In south-eastern Turkey, such as Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa, it's considered a regional speciality. It's both street food and home cooking: quick, affordable and full of flavour.
What goes into a good lahmacun?
The topping makes the difference: lean halal minced meat (lamb or beef), finely chopped tomato and pepper, onion, garlic, parsley and Turkish spices such as paprika, cumin and sometimes a touch of pul biber. The dough stays thin so the topping takes centre stage. Real lahmacun is thin but not dry; freshly baked, it stays supple.
How do you eat lahmacun?
Squeeze fresh lemon over it, add parsley and, if you like, tomato, onion or salad, roll it up and eat it by hand. Delicious with a glass of ayran or a fresh salad on the side.
Lahmacun: make it yourself or order it fresh?
Making it yourself takes time and practice. No time or not in the mood? Yasemin delivers fresh, 100% halal Turkish dishes chilled-fresh and never frozen to your door – warm on the table in 5 minutes. View the menu and taste authentic Turkish cuisine.
Frequently asked questions about lahmacun
Is lahmacun the same as pizza?
No. Lahmacun has a much thinner dough, no cheese and a spiced minced-meat topping. The nickname "Turkish pizza" mainly refers to its round shape.
Is lahmacun halal?
That depends on who prepares it. At Yasemin, all meat is 100% halal.
How do you reheat lahmacun?
Briefly in a hot oven or a dry pan, so the edges stay crispy.
Last updated: June 2026.