16 Turkish Street Foods in Istanbul To Try Right Now
Fact checked by Yaren Coşkun
Strolling through the streets of Istanbul searching for the local authentic Turkish food might seem like a flavorful journey that can bring anyone closer to the heart of Turkish culture. From the tempting aroma of fresh baklava and the heavenly taste of künefe (kunefe) to the traditional Marash Turkish Ice-creams and satisfying crunch of simit—there’s no shortage of delectable delights to devour in the Turkish streets of Istanbul.
But it’s not just the streets of Istanbul where you can find your street’s favorite Turkish food. You can also enjoy these delicious dishes in most restaurants, cafes, and local food shops around the city.
Here are the 16 best Turkish street foods in Istanbul you should try right now.
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Best Street Food in Istanbul (Meat Option)
1. Kokoreç (Grilled Lamb Intestines)
If you’re feeling adventurous and eager to dive into the world of famous street food dishes in Istanbul, your tastebuds will be tickled by the tantalizing Kokoreç.
It consists of grilled lamb intestines that have been stuffed with spices and then grilled until crispy—it doesn’t get much better than that! The grilled intestines are chopped and usually served on bread as a sandwich with oregano, salt, cumin, fresh tomato, chili flakes, and red pepper. You probably wouldn’t think to eat a plate of grilled intestines unless you were really hungry… but trust us: it’s worth trying at least once in your life!
Where to Eat
2. Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)
Lahmacun, pronounced as “lah-ma-joun”, which comes from the Arabic “lahma bi’ajeen,” literally means “dough with meat.” One of the most popular varieties of lahmacun is found in Şanlıurfa as “Şanlıurfa lahmacun.”
Lahmacun is a thin and crispy flatbread pizza, topped with spiced and minced meat, vegetables, and herbs mixture. Generally, you won’t find the usual toppings that you would have seen in famous chain restaurants. In Istanbul, this is among the most popular street foods that you can enjoy as an evening snack with some Turkish black tea, what a hit combo!
Where to Eat
- Öz Kilis Kebap and Lahmacun Restaurant
- Halil Lahmacun
- KADIKÖY LAHMACUN DÜKKANI
- Balat lahmacun ve kebap salonu
3. Tantuni (Beef Wraps)
Tantuni Wraps, hailing from the town of Mersin, have taken Turkey by storm and now proudly hold a place among the popular traditional street foods in Istanbul, delighting taste buds with every scrumptious bite!
Have it as a quick breakfast, as a refill in between sightseeing, or as an evening snack—it is for anyone who is looking for a blast of taste in a matter of a few minutes for sure.
Lavash, or a Middle Eastern flatbread, serves as the base for the wraps. Minced and seasoned meat, generally lamb or beef, is prepared with onions, tomatoes, herbs, and spices. If you’re a fan of sauces, just ask for them at the stall! Tantuni is usually cooked on a unique pan called Tantuni Tavasi. Try your hands on this refreshing and quick meal.
Where to Eat
4. Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)
If you’re enjoying your time near the coasts in Istanbul, then you’ll be thrilled to know that the area serves some amazing seafood. One of the most accessible delicacies is Midye Dolma.
It is a preparation in which spiced and herbed rice is stuffed inside the plump orange mussels. There is also a distinct way of devouring this dish.
You slowly take off the top shell and squeeze some lemon juice on top of the stuffed mixture. The top shell serves as a spoon to dig into the flavorful stuffing. Pair it with some beer to peak the experience.
Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure as you explore the Galata area, where countless mobile stalls serve up Istanbul’s most popular street foods, including the irresistible Midye dolma!
Where to Eat
5. Balık-Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
Istanbul is the place where European and Asian cultures come together and bring some interesting street foods to explore. The Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara make it a great spot to try a local fish sandwich. With its beautiful setting and mix of European and Asian styles, you can enjoy fresh fish between two slices of bread while soaking up the sea scenery around.
Known as “Balık-Ekmek,” this is one of the most common and popular street food in Istanbul. It’s a traditional Turkish dish meaning “fish on bread” or “fish sandwich.” Usually made with oily fish like mackerel, it’s grilled until tender, seasoned with local spices, and served with lettuce, onions, grilled hot pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice between crispy bread.
It’s one of the street food delicacies in Istanbul that delights everyone, especially students and busy folks craving something scrumptious on the go. Swing by the Eminonu side of the Galata Bridge, where you’ll find the tastiest fish sandwich stalls serving up local favorites with flair and excitement!
Where to Eat
6. Şiş Kebap
If you love Shish Kebab, then you will absolutely relish the flavors of Shashlik. It is a dish of spiced, skewered, and grilled meat. What differentiates it from the Shish Kebab is the size of the meat and the spices sometimes.
Shashlik has larger chunks of meat. Traditionally, Shashlik was made from lamb meat, but it has evolved to include other meat options, accommodating the choices of more and more people.
The meat is marinated overnight with some strong marinare. It is grilled over wood, charcoal, or coal fire, infusing the smoky flavors to complement the spices. The preparation may include some vegetables grilled along with the meat, but it totally depends on what you choose to eat and where.
Where to Eat
7. Islak Burger (Wet Burger)
After Kebab and Baklava, if you don’t want to miss out on something prominent, then Islak Burger is what you’ll hear often. If you are relating it to the French dip sandwich, then you are on the wrong track, as it differs from that.
The Islak Burger is a preparation in which a small beef patty is sandwiched between two white buns and is then dipped in a garlicky tomato-based sauce. The buns on this burger are incredibly soft and have a light feel thanks to the steaming technique used to prepare it.
Usually, the burger is served with a tasty sauce that goes well with the meat and makes it gooey and delightful. It might get a little messy while eating this on a street stall, so keep the tissues handy. And if you are not satisfied with just one Islak Burger, don’t shy away from getting one more to satisfy your taste buds.
Where to Eat
Best Street Food in Istanbul (Vegan Option)
IMPORTANT:
Before you eat at any of the vegan spots listed, always ensure that the food is entirely vegan. Be sure to confirm that no meat is used in any way to enhance the taste.
8. Yaprak Sarma
As we dived into the world of popular Turkish street foods in Istanbul, we found another delight, Yaprak Sarma, a unique and scrumptious wrapped treasure.
“Yaprak” means leaves, and “sarma” translates to wrap, so these tasty bites are wrapped in grape leaves. Also known as Zeytinyağlı Sarma when made with olive oil, this meatless wrap offers a flavor experience like no other.
Ideal for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone seeking a delicious alternative to chips and dip, Yaprak Sarma is a crowd-pleaser. The stuffing bursts with flavor from rice, vegetables like onions and tomatoes, herbs, and spices such as Sumac to add that extra pizzazz. Some chefs even toss in pine nuts for added texture. If you have a nut allergy, just let the cook know so they can accommodate your needs.
Where to Eat
9. Baklava
Turkish Baklava is a famous local pastry dessert and you can find these delicious desserts throughout Turkey, from wedding functions and parties to brunch dates and friend get-togethers.
For someone who has never had them before, Baklava is a sweet dessert made of layers of filo pastry and a filling of crushed nuts that is sweetened with şerbet, which is a liquid made by mixing sugar and water until dissolved. If you’re a lucky soul who has already enjoyed the heavenly delight of baklava, let us assure you that the street foods in Istanbul include some of the finest baklavas you’ll ever taste!
From bustling street shops to upscale restaurants, you’ll find these flaky, syrupy treats waiting to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Where to Eat
10. Pide (Turkish Pizza)
Often described as Turkish Pizza, Pide is a Turkish flatbread that is stuffed with various fillings, which include cheese, mushrooms, spinach, and red peppers, and prepared with some spices.
Just like the usual pizza, Pide has evolved over time to accommodate the different food choices of people, and today you’ll find a variety of stuffing options available for vegans, vegetarians, and those who prefer meat. A sharp contrast between the pizza and Pide though, is that there is no sauce in Pide.
Most locals buy pide instead of ordinary bread during the month of Ramadan in Turkey. So, if you find yourself in Istanbul close to dinner time during Ramadan, you’ll find people queuing outside the neon-lit street food shops to get their hands on this delicious preparation. This slow-cooked famous Turkish street food is enjoyed by the locals of Istanbul with some friends in the evenings.
Where to Eat
11. Nohutlu Pilav
Craving a budget-friendly dish that feels like a warm hug from the vibrant city itself? Look no further than Nohutlu Pilav, a bowl of delightful white rice and chickpea concoction that ranks among Istanbul’s best street food!
Nohutlu Pilav is cooked with some oil, butter, onion, and vegetable stock and served hot and fresh. Balance the dish with some Ayran (a traditional savory yogurt-based drink). It is very filling, and you may need a little rest after having a full plate of Nohutlu Pilav.
Sometimes vendors may add roasted meat on top of this delicious pilaf. If you’re a vegan, make sure to let the vendor know to omit the meat.
Where to Eat
12. Vegan Mantı
Manti are Turkish dumplings, traditionally stuffed with minced and flavored meat. Vegans and vegetarians, but, do not have to miss out on this Turkish delicacy as there is plenty of street shops that offer vegan options to their customers.
Your Vegan Manti may have soy, minced and roasted vegetables, or mushroom filling. The filling is flavored with some traditional Turkish spices. It is served hot and fresh with garlicky yogurt and a tomato and chili sauce.
If you’re on the lookout for some delicious and satisfying comfort food, then look no further than this street food option in Istanbul: the Vegan Manti! With a soft and pillowy exterior and a burst of flavor with every bite, this Turkish street food is a must-try for anyone with a love for hearty and healthy cuisine.
Where to Eat
13. Gözleme (Vegan Turkish Pancake)
Hold onto your taste buds, because we’ve got some mouth-watering news with Gözleme! Gözleme is made with dough rolled into a large, paper-thin circle and then filled with a variety of fillings before being folded in half.
The standard fillings generally include cheese, spinach, potatoes, pumpkin, tomatoes, or similar veggies. Like other preparations with a filling, Gözleme has also molded itself to fit the different demands of its consumers.
You will also find a meat option of Gözleme. Gözleme is a great way to start your day. Pair it with some Çay (Turkish Chai), and you are all set to kickstart your day. Street shops offer a great variety of fillings at a very affordable cost, and you must not miss one of the beloved breakfasts of the locals while in Istanbul.
Where to Eat
14. Turkish Çay (chai)
Nothing quite beats sipping on a cup of Çay (pronounced as Chai), especially when it’s served in a traditional tulip-shaped cup.
When you’re in Istanbul, you can pair Çay with some of your favorite Turkish flatbread dishes or have it on its own.
It’s always refreshing to have it hot and fresh. The Çay itself is brewed to perfection in a unique teapot known as Çaydanlık. These teapots are wonderful souvenirs to take home and enjoy the memories of Turkish culture while savoring a delicious cup of chai in the evening. Çay also plays a huge role in showing hospitality to the guests. When you visit someone’s home in Istanbul, you’ll usually be served with some hot and steaming Çay.
Where to Drink
15. Çiğ Köfte (Chee Kofta)
If you are a vegan or vegetarian and wish to enjoy the Turkish Köfte, then this is it. Çiğ Köfte is generally served as an appetizer, but you may have it as-is, prepared in batches by the street vendors in Istanbul.
It is made by kneading a preparation made up of bulgur (cracked wheat foodstuff), walnuts, onions, tomatoes, garlic, pomegranate concentrate, and Turkish spices. The recipe calls for the use of a special ingredient called isot (isot pepper) which has a smoky and unusual flavor: spicy, sweet, earthy, as well as intense.
Those who are feeling adventurous and looking to try some new and must-eat street food in Istanbul can’t go wrong with Çiğ Köfte – served on a lettuce leaf or with Turkish lava bread for a flavorful kick!
Where to Eat
16. Misir (Corn)
If you’re on the hunt for more delicious street food delicacies in Istanbul, then don’t forget, Misir—grilled corn! It’s a favorite among the locals and a popular street food option in Istanbul.
Whether you’re strolling through the charming streets of Istanbul or need a quick snack, Misir can be your perfect option. You’ll find street vendors selling both Köz Mısır, grilled corn on the cob, and Süt Mısır, boiled corn kernels. Served in cups and seasoned with condiments like salt, red pepper flakes, mayonnaise, or ketchup, it’s truly a flavorful treat.
Where to Eat
- Available throughout Istanbul | Best place to find: Eminönü
