7 Must-Try Turkish Street Foods for Travelers
Istanbul, Turkey's biggest city, is not just full of amazing sights and old tales, but also a dream spot for those who love good food. It is the center of the country's money and culture, and the city's food scene is full of life. From busy road stands to small, warm food places, the road food here is a treat for all your senses, with well-known foods like lahmacun and döner kebab made from the best stuff. You just can't skip this!
But with so many great picks, where do you start? To help you pick, Turkey Immigration Services has made a list of the top 7 road foods in Istanbul and where to get them best.
- 7 Irresistible Turkish Street Foods Travelers Must Savor
- Turkish Street Foods Faqs for Travelers
- Where To Eat Street Food In Istanbul?
- What Are the Best Turkish Desserts Available as Street Food?
- Where Can I Find the Best Street Food in Istanbul?
- Is Turkish Street Food Safe to Eat?
- What Are the Best Drinks to Try with Turkish Street Food?
- How Much Does Turkish Street Food Cost?
- Can I Bargain When Buying Street Food in Turkey?
- Grab your Turkey eVisa and explore Turkish street food now!
7 Irresistible Turkish Street Foods Travelers Must Savor
Istanbul is a food lover's dream. From kebab to lahmacun, the city's street eats are many and tasty, all made fresh and sold from carts, stands on street corners, and shops all over town.
1. Simit
A Turkish simit is round bread, often had for breakfast with jam or with cheese, salt-cured beef, and fresh greens. The word "simit" is from the Arabic "samīd," meaning "white bread" or "fine flour."
The dough is like bagel dough but not boiled. The ready dough is shaped and dipped into fruit juice with water before it is baked. The top gets a coat of toasted sesame seeds.
Along with being sold on big trays on the heads of roaming sellers, you can find simit all over Turkey on nice carts with glass covers.
Turkish simit is a circular bread that is typically eaten for breakfast
2. Köfte Ekmek
Köfte ekmek, made of grilled meatballs put on bread with fresh cut tomatoes, onions, parsley, and grilled green peppers, is a less known street snack that comes from Western Turkey and grew all over the country back in the days of the Ottomans.
The mix of black pepper, cumin, and allspice in the meatballs is what makes this street food taste so good.
Köfte ekmek is the top Turkish street food to enjoy while you watch a football match. Don’t miss the chance to try this tasty dish sold by street sellers near football fields.
3. Döner Kebab
One more street food in Turkey that many locals eat is döner kebab. It is made with lamb, chicken, beef, or turkey and cooked slow on a tall, spinning stick. The cooked kebab is then put in a pita with some veggies like lettuce, tomato, onion, cabbage, sumac, fresh or pickled cucumber, and many types of sauces.
It has grown from a small snack to a big, fast meal in Turkey. This dish with meat can now be a good lunch or a top pick for dinner for those who want something full yet good for you on their plate any time in the day.
Döner kebab is popular street food Turkey that is frequently eaten by locals
4. Midye Dolma
Istanbul is ringed by the Black and Marmara Seas, which help make stuffed mussels a big hit all over the city. Both street carts and places to eat offer their take on this dish, with levels of heat from mild to hot. Some places are even set up just to serve stuffed mussels!
Rice, cinnamon, onion, black pepper, allspice, fried pine nuts, and cooked mussels make up the filling for the mussels.
This dish is a classic Turkish street food best had with a squeeze of fresh lemon on top. The lemon stops the rice and mussels from getting dry and brings out the taste of the spices. You can get it any time, day or night.
5. Lahmacun
Lahmacun is the top street food and a loved lunch bite in Turkey; even if some call it Turkish pizza, the name does not show what this thin, crisp joy with hot minced beef is all about.
You can find it at many street stalls, most old-style Turkish food spots, and at kebab places where small lahmacuns are served as first bites. To make the best lahmacun, you shape strong semolina dough into a slim, fine round, with a light layer of minced lamb or beef, mixed into a paste with chili, onions, and mixed spices.
Lahmacun is the ultimate street food and a favorite lunchtime snack in Turkey
6. Kokoreç
Kokoreç gets cooked over hot coals (like döner) and is often spiced with stuff like oregano, cumin, and hot chili bits. It's a good pick for a late-night bite and is made of skewered insides wrapped in sheep or goat guts, cut up and spiced, then stuffed in a bread. Even though some might be slow to try this meal, the folks who sell it make sure it's well cleaned, so no need to stress!
If you're up for it, give kokoreç a try—it won't let you down!
7. Kumpir
Kumpir is a Turkish take on baked potatoes.
It's a potato that's been baked, cut in half, spiced up, and whipped till it's smooth and creamy. Then, you can add all sorts of stuff on top, like cheese, beans, carrots, corn, peas, and various sauces—the choices keep going! Just make sure you tell them what you want on top!
Kumpir is the Turkish version of baked potatoes
Turkish Street Foods Faqs for Travelers
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:
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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.
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Sultanahmet Area: Visit this historic districts for carts selling Simit, Balık Ekmek (fish sandwiches), Döner Kebab, and classic Turkish treats.
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Ortaköy Square by the Bosphorus: Enjoy Kokoreç, Kumpir with various toppings, and sweet treats amidst the picturesque Bosphorus setting.
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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.
What Are the Best Turkish Desserts Available as Street Food?
- Baklava – Layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and soaked in syrup.
- Künefe – A warm dessert made of shredded pastry filled with melted cheese and topped with syrup and pistachios.
- Lokma – Deep-fried dough balls dipped in syrup, crispy on the outside and soft inside.
- Tavukgöğsü – A unique Ottoman dessert made with chicken breast, milk, and sugar (surprisingly delicious).
- Dondurma (Turkish Ice Cream) – A chewy, sticky ice cream served with a fun show by vendors.
- Kazandibi – A caramelized milk pudding with a slightly burnt top.
Where Can I Find the Best Street Food in Istanbul?
- Eminönü & Karaköy – Best for balık ekmek (fish sandwiches) and local snacks near the waterfront.
- Ortaköy – Famous for kumpir (loaded baked potatoes).
- Kadıköy (Asian Side) – A hotspot for lahmacun, dürüm, and kokoreç.
- Taksim & Istiklal Street – The go-to place for islak burgers, döner, and street vendors selling chestnuts and corn.
- Beşiktaş & Çarşı Market – Ideal for trying midye dolma and kokoreç.
- Fatih & Aksaray – Great for authentic Ottoman street food and pide.
Is Turkish Street Food Safe to Eat?
Yes, Turkish street food is generally safe as long as you follow these tips:
- Choose stalls that have long lines of locals—a sign of freshness.
- Avoid street food sitting out for too long.
- Stick to grilled or freshly prepared foods.
- Drink bottled water instead of tap water.
- Watch how the vendor handles hygiene and food preparation.
What Are the Best Drinks to Try with Turkish Street Food?
- Ayran – A refreshing, salty yogurt drink that pairs well with grilled meat dishes.
- Salep – A warm, thick, and creamy drink made from orchid root, popular in winter.
- Turkish Tea (Çay) – The most common drink in Turkey, served in small tulip-shaped glasses.
- Turkish Coffee (Türk Kahvesi) – Strong, unfiltered coffee with a thick foam on top.
- Boza – A unique, slightly fermented winter drink made from bulgur.
- Şalgam Suyu – A spicy, fermented turnip juice that goes well with kebabs.
How Much Does Turkish Street Food Cost?
Turkish street food is affordable compared to restaurant dining. Here’s a rough price guide:
- Simit – 10-15 TRY
- Balık Ekmek – 80-120 TRY
- Midye Dolma (per piece) – 10-15 TRY
- Kumpir – 100-150 TRY
- Lahmacun – 40-70 TRY
- Döner Wrap (Dürüm) – 80-150 TRY
- Islak Burger – 50-80 TRY
- Turkish Ice Cream – 50-100 TRY
- Ayran or Tea – 10-30 TRY
Prices may vary depending on the location and vendor.
Can I Bargain When Buying Street Food in Turkey?
No, street food prices are usually fixed. However, if you're shopping at a bazaar or market, you can negotiate prices for bulk items.
Grab your Turkey eVisa and explore Turkish street food now!
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.
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