Ilgaz Senin on Mercimek Çorbası (Turkish Lentil Soup) and Late-Night Comfort

Ilgaz Sen is an Event Producer at Great Performances. For our Food Festival Series, she shares Mercimek Çorbası, a Lentil Soup from Turkey.

Dish: Mercimek Çorbası (Turkish Lentil Soup)
Country: Turkey

The soup is a traditional Turkish soup, naturally vegan, rich in protein and fiber, made with pantry staples, and is incredibly delicious.

In this conversation, Ilgaz talks about this dish that she comes back to often — especially late at night.

Try Ilgaz’ Mercimek Çorbası (Turkish Lentil Soup) Recipe

GP: Tell me about this dish.

Ilgaz: It’s something I eat when I actually need food. Not just a snack. It’s filling, it’s warm, and it makes you feel taken care of. That’s really what it is for me.

GP: When do you usually have it?

Ilgaz: A lot of times it’s late. Sometimes it’s after going out, after clubbing. You get home, you’re tired, maybe a little wired, and you’re hungry. You don’t want to think too much — you just want something that works.

GP: Why this dish?

Ilgaz: Because it does what it’s supposed to do. It has nutrients, it gives you energy, but it’s also comforting. It’s not just about being full. It makes you feel better. Especially after a long night, or a long day.

GP: Is it something you plan for?

Ilgaz: Not really. My schedule isn’t very regular, so I don’t plan meals the same way other people do. This is just something I know I can make easily. I don’t measure anything. I don’t follow a recipe exactly. I just make it how I like it.

GP: And you don’t get tired of it.

Ilgaz: No, because I’m not trying to make it special. It’s not a big thing. It’s just good food that fits into my life. Sometimes you need food that nourishes you — not just your body, but your mood. This does that for me.

GP: Is it something you’d share?

Ilgaz: If someone’s there, of course. But most of the time it’s just for me. It’s not fancy. It’s not performative. It’s just something that feels good to eat.

This conversation took place as part of Great Performances’ 2026 Food Festival series.