Best Street Foods to Try in Istanbul

Begin your culinary exploration with simit, often referred to as the Turkish bagel. This sesame-encrusted bread ring is both crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Best paired with a cup of çay (Turkish tea), you can find vendors selling fresh simit in almost every corner of the city.

As you stroll alongside the Bosphorus, the aroma of grilled mackerel will beckon you. Balık ekmek, or fish sandwich, is a classic Istanbul street food. Freshly grilled mackerel is placed between a loaf of bread, usually accompanied by lettuce and onions. The taste is a harmonious blend of the sea and the city’s zest.

Thin slices of meat (often beef or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie – that’s the delectable döner kebap for you. Wrapped in bread with tomatoes, onions, and a splash of sauce, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

For seafood enthusiasts, midye dolma is a treat not to be missed. These are mussels stuffed with spiced rice and served with a squeeze of lemon. As you pop one into your mouth, the rich flavors are bound to make your taste buds dance.

Ortaköy, with its breathtaking view of the Bosphorus Bridge, is famous for kumpir, a baked potato stuffed with a range of fillings like olives, corn, sausages, and more. Customized to your liking, it’s comfort food that mirrors the warmth of Turkish hospitality.

This simple yet delicious combo of chicken and rice is often considered the fast food of Istanbul. Vendors serve it with a side of pickles and a spicy sauce, making it a quick and hearty meal option.

For the adventurous foodie, kokoreç is a must-try. Made from seasoned and skewered lamb intestines, it’s grilled to perfection. The result? A crispy exterior and a tender interior. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!

Think of içli köfte as the Turkish version of meatballs. Made of bulgur wheat and filled with minced meat, spices, and nuts, these deep-fried delights are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Often dubbed as ‘Turkish pizza,’ lahmacun is a thin crust topped with minced meat, vegetables, and flavorful spices. Roll it up with some fresh greens and a squeeze of lemon, and you’ve got yourself a delightful snack!

No culinary trip to Istanbul is complete without indulging in its famous desserts. Turkish Delight (lokum) offers a chewy and sweet experience, while baklava layers phyllo pastry with honey and nuts to deliver a heavenly crunch.