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Wondering what to eat in Istanbul? Here’s the Top 14 must-eat in Istanbul!

Istanbul is hands down one of the best cities for food lovers! Seriously, you can’t spend a few days in Istanbul without constantly indulging in the amazing cuisine and piling on a few kilos, but trust me, it’s totally worth it!

During my trip, I pretty much ate my way through the city and loved every bite. From street food to traditional dishes, desserts, and drinks, everything is incredibly delicious.

I’ve put together a short list of the 14 must-eat in Istanbul. There are plenty more of course, but these are the ones you absolutely can’t miss!

 

The Must-Eat Dishes & Street Food in Istanbul

I’ve listed here the most iconic Turkish dishes you should try when visiting Istanbul, sweet, savory, and beverages included.

 

1. Simit

simit

 

The Simit is probably the street food you’re most likely to see when strolling around Istanbul. It’s a popular Turkish bread that’s shaped like a large, thin bagel with a crunchy sesame seed crust and a soft, chewy inside. 

They are sold plain or filled with cheese (Philadelphia) or chocolate spread everywhere by street vendors in the city. It’s a great snack or breakfast, often enjoyed with a cup of Turkish tea. 

 

2. Turkish Breakfast (Kahvalti)

 

Kahvalti is known as the typical Turkish Breakfast, but for me, it’s more like a full meal or at least a brunch as it’s so hearty. It’s a leisurely meal meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, perfect to start the day. 

Kahvalti isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience! When asking for it at any restaurant, you’ll have your table filled with a variety of small dishes including fresh bread, olives, cheeses, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey, jam, and butter. You’ll also find eggs, often cooked with spicy sausage called sucuk, menemen, and maybe some börek or even more dishes.

Best place to eat Turkish Breakfast: we loved the breakfast served at Mado. It’s a small local chain, so you’ll several Mado cafés across the city. 

 

3. Döner

 

You probably already know what it is as it’s world-famous, but you simply have to try it when in Istanbul. You’ll find lots of food stalls and restaurants serving delicious Döner.

It’s basically a vertical rotisserie: layers of seasoned meat—usually lamb, chicken, or beef—are stacked onto a giant skewer and slowly roasted as it spins. It’s served in a pita or flatbread, stuffed with fresh veggies, and drizzled with sauces like yogurt or garlic sauce. 

Tip: don’t know where to head at to have kebab or anything else? Consider taking a food tour to discover properly the Turkish cuisine! 👉 Istanbul Guided Food & Culture Tour is one of the best-rated. 

 

4. Kofte

Kofte is my favorite Turkish grilled meat! It consists of meatballs or patties made from ground meat, usually beef or lamb, mixed with onions, herbs, and spices. These meatballs are then grilled, fried, or baked until they’re perfectly cooked. 

Kofte can be served in a variety of ways: on a plate with rice and salad, in a pita bread as a sandwich, or even on a skewer. Either way, it’s to die for! 

 

5. Gözleme

gozleme

 

Gözleme is a traditional Turkish flatbread made from thin, unleavened dough that’s rolled out and then filled with various ingredients like spinach, cheese, potatoes, or minced meat. The filled dough is then folded over, sealed, and cooked on a griddle until it’s golden and crispy on the outside. 

Make sure to choose a place where you can enjoy it hot, straight off the griddle, as a snack or a light meal. 

Best place to eat Gözleme: we had the best Gözleme at D Migos in the neighborhood of Balat.

 

6. Lahmacun

lahmacun

 

Lahmacun is often called Turkish pizza due to its shape, but it’s a bit different from what you might expect (though just as delicious).

It’s a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, usually lamb or beef, mixed with onions, tomatoes, and spices. After baking and a squeeze of lemon, you roll it up like a wrap and eat it with your hands. Perfect for a quick lunch on the go! 

 

7. Baklava

baklavas

 

Baklava doesn’t need an introduction, but it has to be on this list as you can’t leave Istanbul without trying some. Seriously, I’ve had the best baklavas of my life in Istanbul. 

In case you don’t know what it is, Baklava is a (extra) sweet treat made of layers of thin, flaky pastry called phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts, and held together with syrup or honey. Then it’s baked until golden and crispy, then soaked in a sweet syrup (yup, again), making it both crunchy and gooey. 

The pastry is served in small diamond-shaped pieces most of the time, and I recommend trying it with a cup of çay. 

Best place to eat Baklavas: Güllüoglu Karaköy serves the best baklavas in town, so make sure to check it out when in Karaköy district. 

 

8. Çay

çay

 

Çay is Turkish tea, and it’s a big part of daily life in Turkey. It’s a strong, black tea served in small, tulip-shaped glasses. The tea is brewed using a special double teapot called a çaydanlık, where the bottom pot has boiling water and the top pot has tea leaves. The tea is strong and concentrated, so you mix it with hot water to get it just the way you like it. 

Çay is often enjoyed throughout the day, whether at home, work, or in a café, and it’s usually served with sugar on the side. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a social tradition and a way to relax and connect with others.

 

9. Turkish Coffee

 

Turkish coffee is a unique and strong coffee made by finely grinding coffee beans into a powder, then boiling it with water and sugar (if you like) in a special pot called a cezve. The coffee is served unfiltered in small cups so you’ll find a thick layer of coffee grounds at the bottom.

It’s rich, strong, and often enjoyed slowly, usually with a glass of water and sometimes served with a piece of Turkish delight on the side. As coffee addicts, my wife and I gladly swapped our usual long coffee for Turkish coffee, all day long.

 

10. Ayran 

Ayran is a refreshing Turkish drink made from yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt. It’s smooth, cool, and slightly tangy, perfect for quenching your thirst, especially on a hot day. 

It’s often served chilled in a glass, and you’ll find it accompanying meals, particularly with grilled meats or spicy dishes, as it helps balance the flavors. I really recommend replacing your Coke with Ayran at least once when eating out in Istanbul! 

 

11. Balık Ekmek

Balık ekmek is a popular Turkish street food that translates to “fish sandwich.” It’s a simple but delicious meal, usually made with a freshly grilled fish fillet, like mackerel, served inside a crusty bread roll. The sandwich is typically topped with fresh veggies like lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice.

You’ll find balık ekmek sold by vendors near the waterfront, especially along Galata Bridge. 

 

12. Kestane Kebab 

roasted chestenuts kestane kebab

 

Kestane Kebab is a really popular street food in Istanbul, it’s simply roasted chestnuts. Though you can find it in a few European cities, it’s a good, healthy, and cheap snack to choose while you’re out exploring. 

You’ll find vendors selling them everywhere in town, especially during the colder months, and the smell of it makes it hard to resist. The chestnuts are roasted over an open flame until their shells crack and their insides become tender and sweet.

 

13. Börek

borek

 

Börek is a savory Turkish pastry made from thin layers of dough called yufka, similar to phyllo, and filled with a variety of ingredients like cheese, spinach, potatoes, or ground meat. The filled dough is then rolled, folded, or layered, and baked until it’s golden and crispy. 

Enjoyed hot or cold, you’ll find it in bakeries and cafes all over the city, and it’s a must-try for anyone who loves flaky, flavorful pastries.

 

14. Kumpir

kumpir

 

Kumpir is a very popular Turkish street food that’s essentially a loaded baked potato. It starts with a big, fluffy potato that’s baked until the skin is crispy. The inside is mashed and mixed with butter and cheese until it’s creamy and then topped with a variety of toppings, like corn, olives, sausage, pickles, and more. You get to choose your own toppings, so it’s customized to your taste. 

It’s a really hearty, filling meal but quick and easy. So, it’s the best choice when you’re on the go and want something tasty and satisfying. 

Best place to eat Kumpir: I recommend enjoying Kumpir near Ortakoy Mosque. There are several food stalls serving incredible Kumpir there! 

 

Best Food Tours in Istanbul 

If you’re a foodie and absolutely can’t miss out on tasting the must-try food in Istanbul, you should definitely take at least one of these tours: 

 

typical kahvalti

 

Read more about Istanbul: 

 

Hope you enjoyed these must-eats in Istanbul! If you did, share it with fellow travelers by using the buttons below, I’m sure they’ll love it 🙂