The cool yogurt drink that is a staple of Turkish cuisine and is often served with kebabs is ayran.
Ayran is made by mixing yogurt with cold water and salt. It is usually lightly foamy when whisked or blended, and its savory taste distinguishes it from sweet yogurt beverages. In Turkey, ayran is commonly served alongside grilled meats, pide, döner, and other substantial foods.
The drink belongs to a wider family of salted yogurt beverages found across the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Balkans. Related drinks include doogh in Iran and tan in Armenia, although recipes and carbonation can differ.
Ayran is not the same as lassi, which is associated with South Asia and may be sweet or spiced. Its saltiness and simple yogurt-water base make it particularly effective with rich or heavily seasoned dishes.