Olivia and Nathan here! We tried 14 incredible Turkish street foods in Istanbul!
Istanbul is a city that tantalizes the senses with its rich history, vibrant culture, and, of course, its incredible food.
From the bustling Grand Bazaar to the charming cobblestone streets of Sultanahmet, the aromas of freshly grilled meats, sizzling spices, and sweet pastries fill the air, beckoning passersby to indulge in a culinary adventure.
On a recent trip to Istanbul, we were determined to experience the best of the city’s street food scene.
We embarked on a mission to try as many delicious treats as we could, venturing into hidden alleyways, bustling markets, and lively squares in search of authentic Turkish flavors.
1. Simit: Our journey began with a quintessential Turkish staple: simit. These circular bread rolls, encrusted with sesame seeds, are a ubiquitous sight in Istanbul.
We savored the warm, slightly chewy texture of the simit, perfectly complemented by the nutty flavor of the sesame seeds.
2. Balik Ekmek: Next, we headed to the Galata Bridge, where we indulged in balik ekmek, a classic Istanbul street food.
Grilled fish, fresh off the boat, is sandwiched in a crusty roll and served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of salt.
The succulent fish, bursting with flavor, was a true testament to Istanbul’s culinary heritage.
3. Lahmacun: We couldn’t resist the allure of lahmacun, thin flatbread topped with a savory mixture of minced meat, onions, peppers, and spices.
The crispy crust, the symphony of flavors, and the aroma of freshly baked bread made lahmacun an unforgettable experience.
4. Dürüm: For a quick and satisfying meal, we tried dürüm, a Turkish wrap filled with grilled meat, vegetables, and sauces.
We watched in fascination as the skilled vendors expertly rolled the dürüms, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite.
5. Tantuni: Venturing into the bustling Beyoğlu district, we discovered tantuni, a specialty of Mersin, Turkey.
Thin slices of marinated meat are grilled and rolled into a flatbread, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
The juicy meat, the tangy spices, and the soft bread made tantuni a true gem of Istanbul’s street food scene.
6. Midye Dolma: For a taste of the sea, we indulged in midye dolma, stuffed mussels.
These plump mussels, filled with a flavorful rice and spice mixture, were cooked to perfection, retaining their delicate texture and briny goodness.
7. Kokoreç: For the adventurous foodies, we tried kokoreç, grilled lamb intestines.
Skewered and seasoned with aromatic spices, kokoreç had a surprisingly tender and flavorful bite.
The smoky aroma and the unique texture made kokoreç a true Istanbul original.
8. Kumpir: In search of a hearty snack, we stumbled upon kumpir, a baked potato extravaganza.
Mashed with butter and cheese, kumpir is then topped with a variety of ingredients, from grilled sausage and corn to olives and pickles.
Each bite was a burst of flavors and textures, making kumpir a true crowd-pleaser.
9. Doner Kebab: No trip to Istanbul would be complete without trying döner kebab, a culinary icon.
Succulent meat, slowly roasted on a vertical spit, is shaved off and served in a warm pita bread with salad, onions, and sauces.
The tender meat, the symphony of flavors, and the aroma of freshly grilled meat made döner kebab a true culinary delight.
10. Çiğ Köfte: For a vegetarian option, we tried çiğ köfte, raw meatballs. Bulgur wheat, minced vegetables, and spices are combined to create a flavorful and protein-packed treat.
The unique texture and the burst of spices made çiğ köfte a refreshing addition to our culinary adventure.
11. Islak Burger: We couldn’t resist the temptation of ıslak burger, a “wet burger” in Turkish.
A grilled burger patty is sandwiched in a soft bun and drenched in a savory tomato sauce, creating a juicy and flavorful experience.
12. Gozleme: For a taste of traditional Turkish flatbread, we tried gozleme.
Thin sheets of dough are filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings, from cheese and spinach to potatoes and fruit.
The crispy exterior, the flavorful filling, and the aroma of freshly baked dough made gozleme a true delight.
13. Lokma: For a sweet treat, we indulged in lokma, fried dough balls soaked in a fragrant syrup.
The warm, fluffy lokma, coated in the sweet syrup, were a perfect ending to our culinary adventure.
14. Baklava: No trip to Turkey would be complete without trying baklava, a phyllo pastry
