6 Must-Try Street Foods in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a city that is full of delicious street food. From savory to sweet, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are six of the best street foods that you should try when you're in Istanbul:

  1. Balık Dürüm is a grilled fish wrap that is made with fresh fish, vegetables, and spices. It is a popular snack or light meal that can be found all over the city.

  2. Midye Dolma are mussels that are stuffed with a mixture of rice, spices, and sometimes ground beef. They are then grilled and served with a squeeze of lemon juice.

  3. Lahmacun is a Turkish pizza that is made with a thin dough that is topped with a mixture of minced meat, onion, and red pepper. It is then baked in a wood-fired oven and served with parsley and lemon juice.

  4. İşkembe çorbası is a tripe soup that is a popular late-night snack or hangover remedy. It is made with tripe, milk, flour, butter, and egg yolks, and is typically seasoned with garlic and vinegar.

  5. Turşu is a pickled juice that is made from a variety of pickled vegetables, such as beets, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and garlic. It is a refreshing and healthy snack that can be found at most street food stalls.

  6. Simit is a sesame-crusted bagel that is a Turkish staple. It is a popular breakfast food, but can also be enjoyed as a snack or light meal at any time of day.

These are just a few of the many street foods that you must try in Istanbul.

Where to find these street foods in Istanbul:

  • Balık Dürüm can be found at most street food stalls near the waterfront.

  • Midye Dolma can be found in carts all over the city, but they are especially popular in Eminönü and Karaköy.

  • Lahmacun can be found at restaurants and street food stalls all over the city.

  • İskembe çorbası can be found at most soup kitchens and restaurants in the city.

  • Turşu can be found at most street food stalls and grocery stores in the city.

  • Simit can be found at bakeries and street food stalls all over the city.

street food in istanbul

Tips for trying street food in Istanbul:

  • Be sure to bargain with the vendors. This is especially common for street food, and you can often get a good deal if you're willing to haggle.

  • Book a food tour in Istanbul. We booked this food tour in Istanbul to make sure we tried a variety of foods. Istanbul is a city with a rich culinary history, so be sure to try as many different street foods as you can.

  • Be adventurous. Turkish street food can be a bit different from what you're used to, so be open to trying new things.

  • Enjoy! Street food is a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine in Istanbul.

What do you think? Do any of these sound good to you?

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Traditional Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul