Turkish Lentil Soup Near Me: Homemade Mercimek Corbasi at Pita House
Looking for authentic Turkish lentil soup near you on Long Island? Pita House in Medford has been simmering homemade mercimek corbasi — Turkey's beloved red lentil soup — from scratch every day since 1993.
What Is Mercimek Corbasi (Turkish Lentil Soup)?
Mercimek corbasi is the undisputed national soup of Turkey. Made from red lentils slow-simmered with onions, carrots, and a blend of Turkish spices — then blended until silky smooth — it's the first course served at nearly every Turkish meal. The name literally translates to "lentil soup" (mercimek = lentil, corba = soup), and it's been a cornerstone of Turkish home cooking for centuries.
What makes Turkish lentil soup different from other lentil soups is the technique: the lentils are cooked until they completely break down, creating a velvety, creamy texture without any cream or dairy. A drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (pul biber) finish the bowl. At Pita House Long Island, our mercimek corbasi recipe has been the same since owner Jeff Sahin brought it from Turkey over 30 years ago — and it's still our most-ordered soup.
Why Our Mercimek Corbasi Is Special
- ✓Made fresh every morning — never reheated from yesterday, simmered from scratch daily
- ✓Authentic Turkish spices — cumin, paprika, and pul biber imported from Turkey
- ✓100% vegan & gluten-free — no cream, butter, or flour. Just lentils, vegetables, and olive oil
- ✓Served the Turkish way — with a fresh lemon wedge and warm crusty bread
Turkish Soup Culture: Why Soup Is Sacred in Turkey
In Turkey, soup (corba) isn't just a starter — it's a way of life. Turkish people begin nearly every meal with soup, and there's even an old Turkish saying: "Bir tas corba icin" (drink a bowl of soup), meaning "take care of yourself." From street-side soup shops (corbaci) open 24 hours to home kitchens where grandmothers simmer lentils every morning, soup is the heart and soul of Turkish cuisine.
Turkish cuisine boasts over 100 distinct soup recipes — from the creamy red lentil mercimek to the tangy yogurt yayla corbasi, from the hearty bride's soup ezogelin to the rich trotter soup iskembe. At Pita House we keep four on all day — red lentil, turkey orzo, spinach and chicken lemon — so there's always something warm and nourishing waiting for you.
Our Turkish Soup Menu
All soups made fresh daily. Prices as of 2026.
Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi)
PopularPureed red lentil in a mixture of meat broth, topped with chopped parsley and mint. Served with pita bread.
Turkey Orzo Soup
Turkey and orzo with a tomato base and Turkish spices. Served with pita bread.
Spinach Soup
Pureed spinach with yogurt, meat broth and special spices from Turkey. Served with pita bread.
Chicken Lemon Soup
PopularSmall cubes of chicken with mushrooms and carrots, lemon flavour and fresh dill. Served with pita bread.
Health Benefits of Turkish Lentil Soup
High in Plant Protein
One bowl of mercimek corbasi provides approximately 15-18g of plant-based protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to boost protein intake without meat.
Rich in Fiber
Red lentils are packed with dietary fiber that supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and keeps you feeling full longer. A single serving provides about 30% of your daily fiber needs.
Iron & Folate
Lentils are one of the best plant sources of iron and folate (vitamin B9). The lemon juice served with Turkish lentil soup actually boosts iron absorption — a tradition that's both delicious and nutritionally smart.
Low Fat & No Dairy
Traditional mercimek corbasi uses olive oil instead of butter or cream, making it naturally low in saturated fat. It's vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free — suitable for almost every dietary preference.
Where to Find Turkish Lentil Soup Near You on Long Island
Hours
- Monday-Thursday: 11 AM - 9 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11 AM - 10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM - 9 PM
Dine-in, takeout & delivery available
We Serve Turkish Soup to All of Long Island
Pita House is conveniently located in Medford, serving fresh homemade Turkish soups to customers from across Suffolk County and beyond:
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Lentil Soup
Where can I get Turkish lentil soup near me on Long Island?▼
What is mercimek corbasi?▼
Is Turkish lentil soup healthy?▼
Is the lentil soup at Pita House vegan?▼
How much does Turkish lentil soup cost at Pita House?▼
Why do Turkish people squeeze lemon into lentil soup?▼
Ready to Try the Best Turkish Lentil Soup on Long Island?
Join the thousands of Long Islanders who've discovered authentic mercimek corbasi at Pita House. Simmered fresh daily, made with love since 1993.
2016 Route 112, Medford, NY 11763 • 4.6★ from 2,000+ Google reviews
