Istanbul Street Food: A Complete Guide

If you want to navigate the Istanbul street food scene, read on to learn about the most delicious items and where to find them.

Istanbul, partly in Asia and partly in Europe, is the largest and most populated city in Turkey and Europe.

This is the only city on 2 continents. Extremely popular, 7 million tourists visit the city every year.

The city has a unique culture because of its geographical location and this makes the Istanbul street food scene very interesting.

You will find Turkish specialties, Asian cuisines, Arab influences, and continental food as well.

Many people have a layover in Istanbul on their travels between Asia and Europe, and sometimes even Africa.

So you will find food from virtually everywhere in the world here.

Food in the city is sold from market stalls, modest storefronts, and mobile carts, which you will see everywhere.

The street life of Istanbul is woven deeply with its food culture. The vendors all have their own places.

One of the best ways of enjoying Istanbul is by walking through its alleys, and avenues, and trying some of the tastiest Istanbul street food.

You can find great street food all over the city, even in less touristy areas like Nişantaşı and Arnavutköy, or you can go on a food tour at Kadikoy market, for example.

Top 10 Istanbul Street Food

1. Açma

Soft sweet bun that looks a bit like a doughnut. It is sometimes served with Nutella or peanut butter.

You can also try this with Turkish tea. Many vendors sell Açma with cucumbers, olives, cheese, or tomatoes on the side.

2. Çiğ Köfte

Raw meatballs traditionally, but without raw meat now because of hygiene regulations. Spicy, small patties.

Often served with lettuce, iceberg, and pomegranate molasses. It is bright orange because of the pepper paste, spices, and tomato.

3. Simit – Top Istanbul Street Food

Istanbul street food: Simit — Nothing like a freshly baked simit with some tea

These baked dough rings are extremely popular as a breakfast food. Encrusted with sesame seed.

You will find this in many bakeries, ferries, and street food vendors. Simit Palace is the most popular.

4. Balık Ekmek

Fish sandwich. Eating one on the Bosporus is an iconic experience in Istanbul. The sandwiches are filled with salad, tomatoes, onions, and freshly grilled fish.

There are plenty of vendors selling this everywhere. You can also have one without onions. They can be custom-made.

5. Kestane

Roasted kestane is popular in Europe in the winter, but in Istanbul, you will find them throughout the year.

Turkey is a big producer of chestnuts. It’s a common street snack here.

6. Dilli Kaşarlı Tost

A grilled sandwich with beef tongue and a lot of cheese. Very filling. It is considered a ‘drunk food’ in the city as it can cure hangovers. You will find them on the streets and in cafes.

7. Islak Burger

Meat patties served on buns with onion sauce and tomato. They are often called ‘wet burgers’.

You will find many vendors selling the burger on Taksim Square and elsewhere in Istanbul.

8. Lahmacun

Turkish pizza. The thin dough has a topping of minced meat, which you can choose. Served with onion and red pepper.

Topped with lemon juice or parsley. The pizza is sometimes served with Aryan, a cold drink.

9. Lokma

Fried dough doused in syrup with a sprinkling of ground pistachios. Find the lokma carts around the Spice Bazaar. This is a traditional dessert in Istanbul.

10. Midye Dolması

Studded mussels are a prime Turkish street food

Midye Dolması are studded mussels and are among the most iconic street foods in Istanbul.

You will see many locals and tourists standing around carts as the vendor squeezes the lemon on the dolma before handing it over. You can have many at one time.

Bakeries and Breweries in Istanbul

Istanbul boasts a vibrant and varied culinary landscape, featuring an array of cuisines from diverse regions and cultures.

From authentic Turkish fare to street food, fine dining, and international flavors, the city caters to all palates.

For those with a penchant for baked goods and craft beers, however, the bakery and brewery scenes are particularly noteworthy.

Read Also: Is Istanbul Safe?

Bakeries in Istanbul

Bakeries constitute a fundamental component of Turkish culture, given that bread is a fundamental dietary staple in every meal.

These establishments are ubiquitous in every neighborhood, proffering an array of freshly baked and delectable bread, pastries, cakes and other confectioneries.

Among the traditional Turkish bakeries and their respective specialties are:

Cigdem Pastanesi

This establishment is widely recognized for its signature baklava, a delectable pastry that is expertly crafted using layers of filo dough, nuts, and syrup.

Furthermore, it offers a diverse range of desserts, such as kunefe, ekmek kadayifi
and lokma which are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Borsam Tasfirin

This bakery has gained a reputation for its signature dish, lahmacun, which boasts a delicate crust and a savory blend of minced meat, vegetables and spices.

Alongside this renowned dish, a diverse selection of other savory pastries is also available, such as borek, pide and gozleme, all of which are equally delectable.

Meshur Sariyer Borekcisi

This bakery specializes in borek, another popular type of street food in Istanbul. It consists of a pastry made with thin sheets of dough and various fillings such as cheese, spinach, meat or potatoes. It also has a variety of soups, salads and desserts.

Istanbul has a wide variety of contemporary bakeries that feature unique and inventive baked items in addition to classic Turkish bakeries. Several notable instances include:

Sirin Firin

This quaint and homey bakery offers baked goods, including muffins, cookies and cakes that are all cooked from scratch. Their menu provides vegan and gluten free options.

Galette Kuzguncuk

Galettes, crepes, quiches, croissants and other pastries are available in this French-inspired bakery. It also features a garden where you may eat outside while enjoying the scenery.

Sour & Sweet Artisan Bakery

With natural ingredients and traditional fermentation methods, this bakery specializes on sourdough bread. Additionally, it provides salads, soups, sandwiches and desserts.

For those seeking convenience and a diverse selection of baked goods, it may be worthwhile to explore some of Istanbul’s renowned bakery chains.

These establishments boast numerous locations throughout the city and feature an extensive array of delectable treats. A few notable examples include:

Simit Sarayi

The Simit Sarayi chain is well known for its sesame seed-topped circular bread, which is frequently consumed for breakfast or as a snack. Along with that, it sells bagels, sandwiches, pastries and coffee.

Beyaz Firin

This chain has a devoted following of customers and is among Istanbul’s oldest. Along with other things, it sells bread, pastries, cakes, pies and chocolates.

Le Pain Quotidien

This international chain, which was founded in Belgium, offers a rustic and natural aesthetic. Bread, croissants, muffins, tartines, salads, soups and other items.

Breweries in Istanbul

The emergence of breweries in Istanbul’s culinary landscape is a relatively recent development, owing to the fact that beer was not a widely consumed beverage in Turkey until recent times.

Nevertheless, over the past decade, the craft beer industry in Istanbul has experienced substantial growth and garnered a significant following among beer aficionados.

Notable players in Istanbul’s craft beer scene include:

The Populist

This brewery is recognized as one of the leading establishments in Turkey and is renowned for its modern and industrial design.

The brewery offers an impressive range of 24 draft beers as well as bottled beers sourced from different regions worldwide.

It features a restaurant that offers a diverse menu of culinary delights, including burgers, pizzas, salads and other delectable dishes.

Bosphorus Brewing Company

One of the first breweries in Turkey with a British pub aesthetic is this one. It offers bottled beers from several nations in addition to 10 different beers on tap.

Additionally, it features a restaurant where patrons may eat pub fare like fish and chips, pies, burgers and more.

Taps Bebek

Bebek is one of the most upmarket areas in Istanbul and one of the best places to live in Turkey. As such, Taps Bebek is a very popular venue and has a chill yet fancy vibe. They’ve got 12 different beers on tap and a bunch of bottled ones from all over.

Their restaurant serves up Mediterranean grub like meze, kebabs and seafood.

If you are interested in beer festivals and events in Istanbul, you might want to keep an eye on some of the following:

Istanbul Beer Week

This is an annual event that takes place in October and celebrates the craft beer culture in Istanbul. It features various activities such as beer tastings, workshops, seminars, concerts, and parties.

Istanbul Craft Beer Festival

This is an annual event that takes place in December and showcases the best of the craft beer scene in Istanbul. It features more than 100 beers from local and international breweries as well as food, music, and entertainment.

Istanbul Beer Festival

This is an annual event that takes place in June and aims to promote the beer culture in Turkey. It features more than 200 beers from domestic and foreign breweries as well as food, music, and games.

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Bakeries and Breweries: A Perfect Pairing

Although they might seem like an odd match, bakeries and breweries work really well together.

They both provide a range of tastes, smells, textures, and experiences that can sate various moods and palates.

Here are a few instances of how bakeries and breweries might collaborate in Istanbul, bringing some of the best bread, traditional street food and beer together.

Cigdem Pastanesi and The Populist

If you have a sweet tooth, you might want to try the baklava from Cigdem Pastanesi and pair it with a stout or a porter from The Populist.

The rich and sweet pastry will balance the dark and bitter beer and create a decadent contrast.

Borsam Tasfirin and Bosphorus Brewing Company

If you are looking for a savory snack, you might want to try the lahmacun from Borsam Tasfirin and pair it with a pale ale or an IPA from Bosphorus Brewing Company.

The spicy and meaty pizza will enhance the hoppy and fruity beer and create a refreshing harmony.

Sour & Sweet Artisan Bakery and Taps Bebek

If you are looking for a healthy meal, you might want to try the sourdough bread sandwich from Sour & Sweet Artisan Bakery and pair it with a wheat or a saison beer from Taps Bebek. A pleasing balance will be achieved by combining the light and crisp beer with the acidic and crispy bread.

While in the city, you should visit some Istanbul establishments that sell both baked goods and beverages if you’re feeling adventurous.

The two facets of Istanbul’s street food and more elaborate cuisine scene can be enjoyed together in these locations. Some of them include:

Sirkeci Patisserie & Cafe

This location provides craft beers from nearby breweries in addition to being a bakery and cafe.

You can pair their lagers, ales or stouts with their cakes, cookies, muffins or croissants.

Han Karakoy

They provide craft beers from different nations and is both a coffee shop and a roastery. With their pilsners, IPAs or porters, you can try their coffees, teas or juices.

Le Pain Quotidien at KANYON Shopping Mall

The establishment provides artisan beers from several locations and doubles as a bakery and restaurant.

You can pair their wheat beers, amber ales, or brown ales with their bread, croissants, muffins, or tartines.