Are you ready for a culinary love affair with Istanbul street food?
Over the years we’ve visited Istanbul quite a few times (it’s a short flight from Georgia our home these days) and when it comes to food we’ve been there, done that, and let us tell you, every visit to this mesmerizing city deepens our infatuation with its edible offerings. Istanbul isn’t just a city with magnificent landmarks; it’s a paradise for food lovers like us who crave the experience of authentic local cuisine. It really is Food Worth Traveling For.
We’ve crafted this drool worthy guide from our many adventures through the city, taking you straight to the heart of the action where the simit is always freshly baked, where you can grab a balık ekmek by the Bosphorus, and get that döner kebab bite that is simply irresistible.
So, join us as we reminisce and guide you through the bustling streets to the tastiest bites you absolutely must try during your trip to Istanbul and some of our favourite places to eat!
Heading to Istanbul?
Here are our insider picks for the best food tours and local hotels:
Taste of Two Continents: Istanbul Food Tour – TOP PICK (we loved this tour)
Istanbul Foodie Tour by Night: Traditional Meyhane & Street Foods
PRIVATE Istanbul Food Tour – 10 Tastings including Raki & Padi
Hotels
Henna Hotel Istanbul
Nuru Ziya Suites – Top Pick (Great location, friendly hotel cat to make friends with)
Exploring Istanbul’s Street Food Scene
Like the city itself, Istanbul’s popular street food scene is a delicious melting pot of flavours, a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary tastes that caters to food lovers and travelers alike. Will you get completely lost as you weave through streets lined with carts, stands, and peddlers, each offering a taste of Turkey’s rich culinary heritage? YES! But honestly this is the best part of Istanbul, getting lost, never knowing what delicious Turkish street foods you might come across.
No visit to Istanbul is complete without sampling these street food delights, so get your walking shoes and comfy pants on, cause we’re going eating!
Side note: I mean it about walking shoes. I genearlly get about 15k+ steps in per day when visiting Istanbul. It’s an incredible city for walking, which means you also burn off the food you eat. Win Win!
1. Simit, the Turkish Bagel
Take a stroll down any street in Istanbul and you’re bound to encounter the aroma of freshly baked simit wafting through the air. This circular bread, encrusted with sesame seeds, is often likened to a Turkish bagel and has been a staple in the city since 1525. Whether enjoyed for breakfast with cheese and Turkish tea, or as a quick bite on the go, the simit is a symbol of Turkish tradition that can be enjoyed by all (well unless you are celiac), with a typical simit costing just 1.50 Turkish Liras.
Our favourite place to pick up a Turkish bagel is right in front of Mısır Çarşısı the Spice Market.
2. Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
If you find yourself by the bustling Eminönü shore, make sure to try Balık Ekmek, an iconic fish sandwich that’s a favourite among locals and tourists alike. This simple yet flavour filled dish is made with fried or grilled mackerel sandwiched in a bun of Turkish bread, accompanied by lettuce, onions, and tomatoes.
As a non fish lover i took a pass on eating the classic fish sandwich – but Tommo said it was great!
Often prepared on boats and served amidst the vibrant atmosphere near the Galata Bridge – it’s certainly a bustling place especially in the evenings.
3. Turkish Ice Cream (Dondurma)
No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a taste of Dondurma, the unique Turkish ice cream known for its stretchy consistency. Made with a combination of salep (ground-up orchid tuber), mastic (plant resin), milk, and sugar, Dondurma is a sweet and chewy delight that is as entertaining to watch being served as it is to eat.
Particularly popular during Istanbul’s warmer seasons, enjoy a scoop of Dondurma as you wander around Taxim doing a bit of shopping along the way.
4. Turkish Pide & Lahmacun
One of our MUST HAVE’s when in Istanbul is “Turkish pizza”. From Lahmacun, a thin base of dough topped with minced meat, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, to Pide, a flatbread topped with anything from ground beef to spinach and cheese, these freshly made breads are incredible. It’s hard not to eat them every day!
And for the vegetarians out there, fret not! Turkish pizza comes in many vegetarian-friendly versions, topped with tomatoes, onions, peppers, parsley, cheese, and various vegetables.
Our all time favourite place is Yöremiz Pide Lahmacun – it was hard not to eat there every single day!
5. Adana Kebab on Turkish Pita Dough
For a fiery taste of Turkey, look no further than the Adana Kebab. This spicy delicacy, originating from the city of Adana, is a tasty blend of hand-minced meat mixed with red pepper and other spices. The rich flavours of the Adana Kebab are traditionally balanced by serving it over a thin layer of freshly baked Turkish pita, known as ‘lavash’, often accompanied by fresh vegetables and herbs.
So if you’re a fan of spice and all things nice, make sure to add Adana Kebab to your Istanbul street food checklist! Drop into Adana Kebap for some of the best street food in Istanbul.
6. Gözleme, Türkiye’s Savoury Pancake
If you’re in the mood for something cheesy and comforting (my answer is always yes), Gözleme is the street food for you. This traditional Turkish flatbread is made by:
Rolling dough into a thin layer
Filling it with ingredients such as spinach, turkish cheese, potatoes, or minced meat
Sealing it
Cooking it on a griddle.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat-lover, Gözleme offers a satisfying snack that caters to all tastes. Not very central but Hanım Ağa’nın Gözleme Evi cooks some of the best in the city, for an option closer to the ‘touisty’ area of Istanbul head to Yiğit Sofram Gözleme ve Kahvaltı.
Istanbul’s Must-Try Meaty Treats
If you’re a meat lover, Istanbul’s street food scene won’t disappoint. From the succulent meatballs of Köfte Ekmek to the flavourful skewers of Cağ Kebab, Istanbul offers a smorgasbord of treats that promise a meaty and satisfying experience.
7. Köfte Ekmek
One bite of Köfte Ekmek and you’ll understand why this juicy meatball sandwich is a beloved street food delight in Istanbul. Made with succulent meatballs seasoned with an aromatic blend of black pepper, cumin, and allspice, and tucked into a fluffy bread roll with:
fresh sliced tomatoes
onions
parsley
grilled green peppers
Köfte Ekmek is a hearty and delicious street food option that’s not to be missed. Head to Tarihi Ekmek İçi Sokak Köftecisi to try this delicious street food.
8. Döner Kebab (Iconic Street Food)
While strolling the streets of Istanbul, you’re sure to come across Döner Kebab, a classic choice for a satisfying meal. Made from lamb, beef, or chicken, which is roasted on a rotating vertical skewer, Döner Kebab can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, whether wrapped with pita and accompanied by salads or vegetables, or simply savoured for the succulent meat with seasoning, döner kebab is a must-try on any Istanbul street food adventure.
Vegetarian Friendly: Istanbul’s Plant-Based Street Eats
Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking to try something new, (we are very much not vegetarians and think cig kofte is great!) Istanbul’s plant-based street eats are worth checking out.
9. Çiğ Köfte Wrap
If you’re up for a meat-free, spicy indulgence, the Çiğ Köfte Wrap is your go-to street food in Istanbul. This vegetarian delight (actually it’s even vegan) is a mix of bulgur, tomato paste, and a medley of spices, all wrapped up in a flatbread with fresh greens and a dash of lemon. It’s a healthy, protein-rich snack, perfect for a quick, tasty bite on the move.
10. Kestane Kebap (Roasted Chestnuts)
During the colder months in Istanbul, keep an eye out for street vendors selling warm and nutritious Kestane Kebap (roasted chestnuts). These delectable chestnuts are roasted to perfection and offer a comforting snack that’s also vegetarian and vegan-friendly. And with a standard bag of Kestane Kebap costing around 10 Turkish Liras (.30 cents USD), this tasty treat is as affordable as it is delicious.
11. Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)
Someting for the pescetarians….
Seafood-loving vegetarians are in for a treat with Midye Dolma, mussels stuffed with a mixture of spiced and herbed rice. This popular street food reflects Istanbul’s coastal location and offers a pretty unique street food experience. While many people might feel hesitant to eat street mussles – I certainly was – I found everything to be incredibly fresh and the rich flavours of the stuffing, combined with a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice, make Midye Dolma a must-try. Honestly!
We found the best vendors on the Asia side of Istanbul at Asmalı Pera Midye in Karakoy.
Istanbul’s Delicious Dishes: Desserts to Die For
As the savoury journey of Istanbul’s street food comes to a close, the sweet chapter begins with an array of desserts that are not just treats but a glimpse into the city’s history and culture. Istanbul’s dessert scene is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth, offering everything from the syrupy layers of baklava to the creamy, dreamy Turkish delight.
12. Baklava: A Layered Masterpiece
Baklava, the pinnacle of Turkish desserts, a symphony of thin phyllo dough layers, rich nuts, and sweet swet sweet syrup. Istanbul’s baklava is not a one-size-fits-all dessert. Here’s a rundown of the different types you might encounter as you navigate the city’s sweetest foodie spots:
Classic Walnut Baklava: The traditional choice, with layers of phyllo and a generous helping of ground walnuts, all soaked in honey syrup.
Pistachio Baklava: A luxurious variant, this one’s packed with vibrant green pistachios for an extra nutty flavor and a splash of colour.
Chocolate Baklava: A modern twist on the classic, where chocolate is either drizzled on top or incorporated within the layers for a decadent treat.
Roll Baklava (Saray Sarması): This rolled version is filled with nuts and cut into bite-sized pieces, perfect for on-the-go indulgence.
Cream Baklava (Şöbiyet): A creamy surprise awaits in these baklavas, which include a layer of thick cream alongside the nuts, adding a rich and velvety texture.
Carrot Slice Baklava (Havuç Dilimi): Shaped like triangles and resembling carrot slices, these are often larger and have a crunchier texture due to their shape and baking method.
Each type offers a unique taste and texture, and I’ll admit I had no idea there were so many different varieties to choose from until I first visited Istanbul. The question is which one to try first?
13. Turkish Delight
Lokum, better known as Turkish delight, is a confectionery jewel that has been seducing sweet lovers since the Ottoman era. These small, cube-shaped treats are a symphony of flavours and textures, often filled with nuts, fruits, or flavored with rosewater, mastic, or lemon.
One little secret we were told while on a food tour was that they keep the best Turkish delights in the back, so make sure you actually go into a store and hit them up for the good stuff – not just the piles and piles of turkish delights they keep out front.
Head to the Spice Market for LOTS of options or drop into the oldest producers of Turkish delights in Turkey at Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir. They’ve been making these turkish delicacies since 1777.
Refreshing Beverages to Wash Down Your Street Feast
What’s a feast without a refreshing beverage to wash it all down? From the cool and creamy Ayran to the warming sips of Turkish tea and coffee, traditional Turkish beverages are an essential part of the street food experience.
14. Ayran (Salty Yogurt Drink)
In the heart of Istanbul’s bustling streets, amidst the sizzle of grills and the aroma of freshly baked bread, you’ll find vendours serving Ayran. This salty yogurt drink, traditionally served frothy, provides a cool and creamy contrast to the rich flavours of Istanbul’s street food.
I’m honestly not a fan, but many locals insist that if you’re enjoying a spicy Adana Kebab or a hearty Köfte Ekmek, Ayran is the perfect accompaniment to balance out the flavours and refresh your palate.
15. Turkish Coffee & Tea
No visit to Istanbul would be complete without sampling Turkish tea and coffee, the lifeblood of Turkish hospitality. Turkish tea, known as “tavşan kanı” (rabbit blood) for its rich red hue, is served throughout the day and particularly after meals. You’ll see locals sitting outside drinking tea and chatting all day long, it’s a popular pastime.
On the other hand, Turkish coffee, boiled with fluffy foam and ground beans at the bottom of the cup, is a SUPER strong, full-bodied brew traditionally enjoyed after meals.
If you’ve never had Turkish coffee before prepare yourself – it can be a shock for first timers as it’s very thick and strong, but certainly worth giving it a try if you’re a coffee lover.
Where to Find the Best Street Food in Istanbul
The best part about Istanbul’s street food scene? It’s everywhere! From bustling districts like Besiktas and Kadıköy to historic markets like the Grand Bazaar, you’ll never be far from a taste of Istanbul’s culinary delights. It’s basically impossible to go hungry while visiting Istanbul!
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant hotspots of Taksim Square for a bit of shopping or venturing into less-traveled paths in Karakoy, there’s a street food adventure waiting for you at every corner.
Street Food Hotspots: Taksim Square and Beyond
Known for its vibrant atmosphere and bustling food scene, Taksim Square is a must-visit hub for street food enthusiasts in Istanbul. Here you’ll find a variety of food stalls and restaurants offering everything from succulent kebabs to sweet pastries, all ready to tantalize your taste buds.
And if you’re looking to explore beyond Taksim Square, areas like Kadıköy and Karaköy offer a diverse range of street food options. Actually, Karaköy is one of our favourite neighbourhoods to go out for food and drinks.
Not street food, but if you’re in the Taksim area drop into Mahzen Restaurant for some great traditional meze in an incredible old building. Outdoor seating, lively atmosphere, great food – 100% worth a visit.
Market Feasts: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
For a truly unique culinary experience, be sure to visit the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. These historic markets are a feast for the senses, offering a vibrant array of street food options amidst a bustling atmosphere of traders and shoppers.
From the succulent kebabs of Dönerci Şahin Usta to the artisanal köfte of Mustafa, these markets offer a taste of Istanbul’s rich culinary heritage that’s as varied and colourful as the market stalls themselves. It’s a great place for foodies and budding photographers, the stalls are so bright and with the historical backdrop of the bazaar – you’re sure to get some interesting shots.
Street Food Tours: A Guided Culinary Journey
If you’re looking to delve deeper into Istanbul’s culinary scene, why not embark on a guided street food tour? Companies like Culinary Backstreets offer a range of tours that take you through the heart of Istanbul’s food culture, from bustling markets to hidden food stalls, offering a taste of both continental flavours and nighttime nibbles.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, a street food tour is an unforgettable way to explore the culinary richness of Istanbul.
A Taste of Both Continents: Asian and European Flavuors
We took the “Taste of Two Continents” food tour in Istanbul a couple of years ago, and it was a tasty and really informative look at the range of food options available on both continents. Remember, Istanbul is unique as it’s located in both Europe and Asia.
We started in the bustling spice market and finished with experiencing the best of Kadikoy’s lively food scene. The tour was a great insight into the city’s diverse tastes and history.
Tour highlights included:
- Experiencing a lively spice market.
- Sampling traditional Turkish breakfast. THIS IS AMAZING!!!
- Exploring the flavours of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.
If this tantalises your taste buds and sparks your curiosity, don’t just read about it—experience it for yourself! Embark on your own culinary adventure in Istanbul and discover the city’s rich flavours and vibrant culture. Book your “Taste of Two Continents” tour now and prepare to be amazed by the diversity and deliciousness of Istanbul’s food scene. You can find more information and book your tour here.
Nighttime Nibbles: Evening Food Tours
As the sun sets and the city lights up, Istanbul’s street food scene takes on a whole new vibe and you can join a half-day food tour through Istanbul’s lively Beyoglu (Pera) neighborhood, a journey rich in flavours and cultural insights.
Tour Highlights:
- Sample a wide array of Turkish delights, from mezes to baklava and kebabs.
- Experience the local favourite, raki, an anise-flavored spirit that’s a staple in Turkish social gatherings. Raki tastes great and is really good for indigestion (so important after a food tour!)
- Visit bustling markets, street food stalls, and hidden backstreets, diving deep into the heart of Turkey’s food scene.
- Wander around with knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights into Turkish culture, history, and cuisine.
Find out more information on this Istanbul Foodie Tour by Night and book your spot.
Safety Tips for Eating Street Food in Istanbul
While street food in Istanbul is generally safe to eat, being aware of a few safety tips can help ensure that your street food adventure is a pleasant one. From selecting the right vendor to practicing good hygiene, these tips will help you enjoy the city’s street food scene to the fullest while minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Selecting the Right Street Vendor
Choosing the right street vendor is key to a safe and enjoyable street food experience. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice among street vendors:
Observe the cleanliness of the stall and the vendor area.
Make sure the food being served appears fresh.
Opt for vendors who are popular with locals. Popularity in the community is a positive sign of the vendor’s food quality and safety standards.
Hygiene Hacks for Street Food Aficionados
Practicing good hygiene when eating street food can go a long way in preventing foodborne illnesses. Here are some tips to follow:
Use hand sanitizer before eating, especially after touching money or surfaces around the city.
Opt for foods that are cooked in front of you and reach a safe internal temperature.
Be cautious with street foods containing raw ingredients, like salads or garnishes, as these might harbour bacteria if not handled or washed correctly.
If you have a sensitive stomach, it’s always good to have a remedy on hand, just in case.
Oh, Istanbul! What a feast for the senses it is.
Everywhere you look, there’s something to sip, nibble, or devour. Whether you’re rubbing shoulders with the locals in a bustling district, haggling in the historic markets, or just soaking up the vibes at a hip hotspot, the street food here is a never-ending banquet that’s as wallet-friendly as it is delicious.
Trust me, when you hit the streets of Istanbul, you’re in for a culinary adventure that’s as rich and layered as the city’s own history. So, next time you’re there, throw out the map, follow your nose, and let the streets guide you to your next unforgettable meal.
