Discover the Best Street Food Places in Istanbul

As one of the world’s most popular cities, Istanbul is a melting pot of culture, history, and cuisine. From the sweet aroma of Turkish coffee to the savory smells of spices and meat grilling on open fires, the city’s street food scene is a foodie’s paradise. With a plethora of options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. In this article, we will guide you through the best street food places in Istanbul, so you can savor the city’s eclectic flavors.

🍔Burgers

When it comes to burgers, Kızılkayalar is an institution in Istanbul. Their juicy, flame-grilled beef burgers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including the popular “Köfteli” burger, which is topped with a beef patty and served on a sesame seed bun. You can find Kızılkayalar in the historic neighborhood of Beyoglu.

🌯Kebabs

Mehmetçik Kebap in Kadiköy is a must-visit for kebab lovers. Their tender, flavorful lamb and beef kebabs are grilled to perfection and served on a bed of rice pilaf. Don’t forget to try their stuffed grape leaves, known as “dolma” in Turkish.

🥙Wrap Sandwiches

Dürümzade in Beyoglu serves up some of the best wrap sandwiches in Istanbul. Made with thin, crispy lavash bread and filled with juicy meat, fresh veggies, and tangy sauces, these wraps are a perfect meal on the go.

🥐Börek

Güllüoğlu in Karaköy is famous for its flaky, savory börek. Made with layers of phyllo dough and filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, these pastries are a staple of Turkish cuisine and a must-try when in Istanbul.

🍢Midye Dolma

Midye dolma is a popular street food in Istanbul, consisting of stuffed mussels. You can find them in small carts around the city, but one of the best places to try them is at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi in Sultanahmet. Their midye dolma is served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sumac for extra flavor.

🍧Dondurma

Dondurma, or Turkish ice cream, is known for its stretchy texture and unique flavors. You can find dondurma vendors all over Istanbul, but one of the best places to try it is at Ali Usta in Ortaköy. Their ice cream is made with natural ingredients and comes in flavors like pistachio, cherry, and caramel.

🥩Simit Kebabı

Simit kebabı is a popular street food in Istanbul, consisting of grilled chunks of meat wrapped in a simit bread. You can find it at Kısırkaya in Beyoğlu, where they serve it with a side of tangy yogurt sauce and pickled vegetables.

🥟Manti

Manti is a traditional Turkish dish consisting of small dumplings filled with meat and topped with yogurt sauce and garlic. You can find it at Fıccın in Beşiktaş, where they serve it with a sprinkle of sumac and a drizzle of melted butter.

🍛Kumpir

Kumpir is a popular street food in Istanbul, consisting of a baked potato filled with a variety of toppings like butter, cheese, olives, and sausage. You can find it at Ortaköy Kumpircisi in Ortaköy, where they serve it hot and fresh from the oven.

🐟Balık Ekmek

Balık ekmek is a popular street food in Istanbul, consisting of a grilled fish fillet served on a bread roll with a side of fresh salad. You can find it at Karaköy Balıkçısı, where they use fresh catch of the day and serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of herbs.

🍲Çorba

Çorba, or Turkish soup, is a staple of Turkish cuisine and a popular street food in Istanbul. You can find it at Hacı Dayı in Beyoğlu, where they serve it hot and fresh from the pot. Their lentil soup is a must-try, with a rich and hearty flavor.

🍡Lokma

Lokma is a traditional Turkish dessert consisting of small doughnuts soaked in syrup. You can find it at Lokmacı Baba in Karaköy, where they serve it hot and fresh from the fryer. Their lokma comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, pistachio, and caramel.

🥪Pide

Pide is a type of Turkish flatbread that is traditionally filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables. You can find it at Pidecim in Üsküdar, where they serve it hot and fresh from the oven. Their pide comes in a variety of flavors, including sujuk, spinach, and mushroom.

🧇Waffles

Waffles are a popular street food in Istanbul, served with a variety of toppings like Nutella, fruit, and whipped cream. You can find them at Waffle Brothers in Beyoğlu, where they serve them hot and fresh from the griddle.

🍺Ayran

Ayran is a traditional Turkish drink made with yogurt, water, and salt. It is a refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with street food. You can find it at any street vendor in Istanbul, or at Ayran Şişeci in Beşiktaş, where they serve it in a traditional clay jug.

🌮Lahmacun

Lahmacun is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs. You can find it at Lahmacun Baba in Kadıköy, where they serve it hot and fresh from the oven. Their lahmacun is a perfect snack on the go.

Now that we’ve covered the best street food places in Istanbul, it’s time to start planning your foodie adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Istanbul’s street food scene is sure to leave you craving more. Don’t be afraid to try new flavors and dishes – you might just discover your new favorite food.

FAQs

1. What is Turkish street food?

Turkish street food consists of a variety of dishes, snacks, and drinks that are sold by vendors on the streets of Istanbul and other cities in Turkey. It includes savory dishes like kebabs, wraps, and burgers, as well as sweet treats like ice cream and pastries.

2. What is the most popular street food in Istanbul?

One of the most popular street foods in Istanbul is dürüm, which is a wrap sandwich made with lavash bread and filled with meat, veggies, and sauces. Other popular street foods include kebabs, simit, and manti.

3. Where can I find the best street food in Istanbul?

Some of the best street food places in Istanbul include Kızılkayalar for burgers, Mehmetçik Kebap for kebabs, Güllüoğlu for börek, and Ali Usta for ice cream. You can also find street food vendors all over the city, especially in busy areas like Taksim and Kadiköy.

4. Is Turkish street food safe to eat?

Turkish street food is generally safe to eat, as long as you take some precautions. Make sure the food is cooked thoroughly and served hot, and avoid eating from street vendors that look unsanitary. It’s also a good idea to carry a bottle of water and some hand sanitizer with you.

5. What is the price of street food in Istanbul?

The price of street food in Istanbul can vary depending on the type of food and the location. Generally, street food is quite affordable, with prices ranging from 5 to 20 Turkish Lira (0.50 to 2.50 USD).

6. What is the best time to try street food in Istanbul?

The best time to try street food in Istanbul is during the day, when most vendors are open and the food is fresh. Some vendors also stay open late into the night, especially in busy areas like Taksim and Kadiköy.

7. Do street vendors in Istanbul accept credit cards?

Most street vendors in Istanbul only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to carry some Turkish Lira with you. Some vendors may accept credit cards, but it’s not very common.

8. What is the best way to explore Istanbul’s street food scene?

The best way to