What Are the Most Popular Street Food Options in Istanbul?
Istanbul is a paradise for food lovers, with a various street food that represents the spirit of the city. From markets to narrow streets, tourists can try Turkish cuisine. This guide helps you identify the types of street food that will make your visit enjoyable.
Simit – The Classic Turkish Bagel
The simit is round in shape, covered with sesame. It is perfect to eat with Turkish tea. This is a common sight in almost every street in Istanbul. It is quite cheap. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is usually consumed with cheese or jam for breakfast by the locals.
Balık Ekmek – Fresh Fish Sandwich
This is one of the most popular street foods in Istanbul. It is prepared from mackerel, onions, and lettuce, placed inside a bread roll. The best place to try this is at the waterfront near Galata Bridge where fishermen prepare their catch on the boats.
Kumpir – The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potato
Kumpir is much more than baked potatoes. The inside is mashed with butter and cheese. Then garnished with olives, corn, sausages, and pickles. The best location to test this rich meal is in the Ortakoy district. It is famous for its restaurants.
Midye Dolma – Stuffed Mussels
Midye Dolma is must try for seafood lovers. It is mussels filled with spiced rice, pine nuts, and currants. Stuffed Mussels provided by street food sellers. They serve them accompanied by a slice of lemon. Most of the sellers sell their goods by piece.
Lahmacun – Turkish Flatbread with Minced Meat
Lahmacun is a minced meat placed on a thin and crispy crust. It is like a Turkish pizza. It is rolled up in fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon before it is consumed.
Kokoreç – Grilled Offal Delicacy
For the heroes who want to try something new, kokorec is a must try. This is a street food product from lamb intestines. It is seasoned and then grilled on charcoals. After that chef cuts and places it into a bread with spiciness.
Dürüm – Wraps Full of Flavor
Durum is one of the most available and practical street foods in Turkey. It is a wrap which can contain chicken or lamb, vegetables and sauces. It is a perfect food for travelers who have a lot of work to do in the city.
Tavuk Pilav – Chicken Rice Combo
Tavuk pilav is a simple delicious dish. It is made from buttery rice with shredded chicken. It is often served with pickles or chickpeas by street sellers.
Börek – Savory Pastry
Borek is a pastry with layers of phyllo. It can be filled with cheese, ground meat or spinach. It is often taken for breakfast together with Turkish tea. The best samples can be bought at the small family-owned cafes and food stands.
Turkish Desserts – Sweet Treats on the Go
No food tour without trying some of the traditional Turkish sweets. Lokma is fried dough carbonate in syrup. Halka Tatlısı is a similar to churros. They can be found almost everywhere.
From the popular fast foods such as simit and lahmacun, to the more specific kokoreç and midye dolma, each of the dishes has its own story to tell. For a real experiance, it is worth to book the food tour. With the help of it you can discover the real culinary secrets of the city.
Planning a Trip? Just contact us and we will be glad to help you organize your perfect food tour in the best places in the city!