7 Irresistible Turkish Street Foods You Must Try

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and has many impressive landmarks. In addition to being the center of the nation's economy, history, and culture, Istanbul is also a wonderful place to sample the delicious variety of Turkish cuisine. The city's street food offers delectable treats made with fresh ingredients, such as lahmacun and döner kebab. It is an unforgettable experience that you should not miss!

The only issue is that there are so many mouthwatering options! To assist you in making your decision, Turkey Immigration Services have compiled a list of the top 7 street Turkish foods in Istanbul, along with their locations.

7 Best Street Food Turkey

Istanbul is a foodie's dream come true. From döner kebab to lahmacun, the city's street food offerings are varied and mouthwatering, all made with fresh ingredients and served from carts, peddlers stands on street corners, street vendors, or restaurants all over the city.

1. Simit

Turkish simit is a circular bread that is typically eaten for breakfast with fruit preserves or in savory combinations with cheese, pastırma (salt-cured beef), and fresh vegetables. The name "simit" comes from the Arabic word "samīd," which means "white bread" or "fine flour."

The dough is similar to bagel dough except that instead of boiling, the proofed dough is shaped and dipped into fruit molasses with water before baking. The top is topped with toasted sesame seeds.

In addition to being sold on enormous trays balanced on itinerant vendors' heads, simit is available throughout Turkey on elegant carts coated in glass.

Turkish simit is a circular bread that is typically eaten for breakfast

2. Köfte Ekmek

Köfte ekmek, grilled meatballs served on bread with fresh sliced tomatoes, onions, parsley, and grilled green peppers, is a lesser-known street snack that originated in Western Turkey and expanded throughout the country during the Ottoman times.

The addition of black pepper, cumin, and allspice to the meatballs is what gives this street meal its wonderful flavor.

Köfte ekmek is the best Turkish street food to eat when watching a football game. Do not pass up the opportunity to eat this mouthwatering dish that is sold by street vendors near football stadiums.

3. Döner Kebab

Another popular street food Turkey that is frequently eaten by the locals is döner kebab, which is prepared with lamb, chicken, beef, or turkey as the main ingredient and slowly roasted using a rotating vertical skewer. The roasted kebab is then wrapped in a pita along with some vegetables, including lettuce, tomato, onion, cabbage, sumac, fresh or pickled cucumber, and different kinds of sauces. 

It has evolved from a short nibble to an average filling fast food in Turkey. The meaty dish can now also serve as a satisfying lunch or a favorite dinner for those looking to have something filling yet healthy on their plate at any time of the day.

Experience More: 8 Best Types of Turkish Kebabs You Have to Try

Döner kebab is popular street food Turkey that is frequently eaten by locals

4. Midye Dolma

Istanbul is surrounded by the Black and Marmara Seas, which contributes to the abundance and popularity of stuffed mussels throughout the city. Street carts and restaurants alike sell their own versions of this dish, ranging in heat from mild to spicy. Some have even opened restaurants dedicated to serving only stuffed mussels!

Rice, cinnamon, onion, black pepper, allspice, sautéed pine nuts, and steam-cooked mussels are the stuffing that goes into the mussels.

This is a traditional Turkish street food that is best enjoyed with freshly squeezed lemon juice on top to keep the rice and mussels from drying up and to bring out the flavor of the spices. It is available 24/7.

5. Lahmacun

Lahmacun is the ultimate street food and a favorite lunchtime snack in Turkey; although it is sometimes referred to as Turkish pizza, the name really does not do credit to what this crispy, doughy delight covered with spicy minced beef truly signifies.

You'll encounter it across various street vendors, almost every traditional Turkish eatery, and especially at kebab joints where mini lahmacuns are often presented as starters. Crafting the perfect lahmacun involves shaping a robust semolina dough into a thin, delicate disc, lightly topped with minced lamb or beef, blended into a paste with chili, onions, and assorted spices.

Lahmacun is the ultimate street food and a favorite lunchtime snack in Turkey

6. Kokoreç

Kokoreç is roasted on charcoal (like döner) and traditionally seasoned with spices like oregano, cumin, and chili flakes. It is typically preferred as a midnight meal and can be described as skewered offal wrapped in sheep or goat intestines served chopped and spiced inside a bread loaf. Although many are hesitant to approach this dish, the sellers make sure all parts are thoroughly cleaned so you have nothing to worry about!

If you think you are ready, go for it—kokoreç will not let you down!

 7. Kumpir

Kumpir is the Turkish version of baked potatoes.

It is a baked potato that is been cut in half, seasoned with r, and whipped until smooth and creamy. You can then top it with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, beans, carrots, corn, peas, and various condiments—the options are endless! Just be sure to pay attention when they ask you what toppings you prefer!

Kumpir is the Turkish version of baked potatoes

Where To Eat Street Food In Istanbul?

Here are some top areas and specific places to explore for an unforgettable street food experience in Istanbul:

• Kadıköy Market on the Asian Side: Take a ferry to Kadıköy and stroll through the market for a diverse selection of street food, including regional specialties and unique breakfast experiences like Simit.

• Sultanahmet Area: Visit this historic districts for carts selling Simit, Balık Ekmek (fish sandwiches), Döner Kebab, and classic Turkish treats.

• Ortaköy Square by the Bosphorus: Enjoy Kokoreç, Kumpir with various toppings, and sweet treats amidst the picturesque Bosphorus setting.

• Consider Street Food Tours: Join guided tours to explore multiple spots and hidden eateries, or visit markets like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar for an assortment of street food stalls.

Conclusion

As you wander through Istanbul's bustling streets and historic alleys, each bite of these 7 must-try street Turkish foods orchestrates a sensory and unforgettable journey. From the irresistible crunch of simit to the succulent flavors of döner kebabs, surely these quintessential dishes will not disappoint you.

Travelers can easily apply for a Turkey eVisa through the Turkey Immigration Services website for a seamless journey into this culinary paradise. By applying for a Turkey eVisa through our website, travelers can access a simplified and efficient application process. This electronic visa system enables individuals to secure their travel authorization from the comfort of their homes or while on the go, eliminating the need for traditional paper applications or visits to embassies or consulates.