Like its diverse topography and structures and colorful culture and traditions; the culinary delights of Turkey are also vibrant and soul-stirring. If you are holidaying in this colorful country, do not miss the varied and tasty street delicacies it has to offer. Savor the authentic taste and satisfy your taste buds, while relishing the must try street food of Turkey and we are sure you will be fascinated with its palate, recipes and presentation. Out of all the local delicacies, these are the top street food in Turkey, that no one should miss.
10 finger-licking street food in Turkey
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 scrumptious street food in Turkey that will appeal to all — be they young or old, a local of Turkey or a tourist visiting the country. From signature dishes like Balik Ekmek to Lahmacun, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
1. Balik Ekmek – The signature local dish of Turkey
If we talk about street food in Turkey; the first thing that comes in mind is Balik Ekmek. Locally translating to fish and bread (balik- fish and ekmek-bread), it is a typical sandwich, made of Turkish bun and fillet of grilled white fish. Served with assorted vegetables, lettuce and onions by the side; Balik Ekmek tastes tangy and spicy and a must eat when you are holidaying in Turkey.
Best places to eat Balik Ekmek: Eminönü square, Bosphorous shore and Derya Balik Ekmek
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2. Lahmacun – A Turkish delight
Lahmacun means dough in native language. It is a Turkish pizza, where a round piece of dough is baked and topped with minced meat, minced vegetables and onions, tomatoes. parsley and variety of spices such as paprika, cinnamon, cumin and cayenne pepper. This is one of the most popular street food options in Istanbul, Turkey. From choosing the type of topping, meat to the type of spices, you can get this street food as customised as you want.
Best places to eat Lahmacun: Halil Lahmacun, Ortaklar and Oz Kilis Kebap
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3. Kagit Helva – A pure delight for kids
Another traditional Turkish street food is Kagit Helva. A wafer variety made from caramel, condensed milk, coconut strawberry and chocolate. Available in different flavours; this is one of the top favourites among children. One of the popular ways of having Kagit Helva in Turkey is by folding the wrap from the middle and with ice cream in it.
Best places to eat Kagit Helva: Senkos, Miskos Helva and Sirinkos
4. Islak Burger – A tasty quick bite
Simple yet super tasty; Islak Burger is another name in the list of famous street food in Turkey. Presented as a buttery burger with juicy meatloaf in the middle along with tomato sauces and spices, this is a quick fix when you are exploring the city and craving for some tummy filling food.
Best places to eat Islak Burger: Taksim square, Kizilkayar and Islak Humburger
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5. Durum – For sudden hunger pangs
Durum is a traditional Turkish wrap with either chicken, beef, lamb or veggies and loaded with cheese and seasoning. This is a quintessentially tasty local doner made of lavash bread, consumed with thin slices of meat and the final dressing of lime, paprika and Kasar cheese fill the dish with unique flavour and taste.
Best places to eat Durum: Bambi and Kızılkayalar
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6. Tantuni – Spicy, tangy and flavourful
A special variety of Durum; Tantuni is a tortilla wrap, made of meat, tomatoes and spices. The beef is cut in julienne style or the lamb is stir fried in cotton oil. Originating from Mersin region, this is one of the spiciest street delicacies of Turkey, where the meat is fried and the slices of tomato and green pepper enhance the flavour quotient of the dish.
Best places to eat Tantuni: Karakoy and Suat Usta
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7. Simit – A wholesome meal in Turkey
To pamper the foodie in you, try simit in Turkey. Popularly known as Turkish bagel, this is a circular bread, made from molasses and coated with flax seeds, sesame seeds, poppy and sunflower seeds. As a result, the bread tastes soft and crunchy. It is naturally too delectable in taste and one of the most sought-after street foods in Turkey, if you are counting calories of your meal.
Best places to eat Simit: Simit Sarayi
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8. Kokorec – Distinct flavour and taste
Now, it is time for the most unique and bizzare food, that is available widely on the streets of Turkey. It is spiced and skewered sheep’s intestines, wrapped within bread loaf and seasoned with plenty of grease and salt. Easy to make, this local delicacy is a must try for all non-vegetarian food lovers. If you are shortlisting what to try in on the streets of Turkey, Kokorec should be the top priority.
Best places to eat Kokorec: Sampiyon, Mercan and Imparator
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9. Midye Dolma – A mouth-watering appetizer
With half shelled mussels served on spicy rice and garnished with lemon; Midye Dolma is a relishing and tummy stirring local food of Turkey, loved by tourists and locals alike. Available on every street food kiosk, in and around Taksim square, Midye Dolma can be eaten anywhere and anytime.
Best places to eat Midye Dolma: Midyeci Ahmet and Şampiyon Kokoreç
10. Kumpir – Super tempting and must try
No Turkish street food guide is complete without this fancy dish. Kumpir is basically baked potatoes, known for variety of flavours and seasonings. Kumpir is available with various options of toppings like kaşar cheese, sosis, corn, mayonnaise salad, peas and carrots. Taste this super tasty and unique recipe by customising the topping and flavour as per your choice.
Best places to eat Kumpir: Various street food vendors in Ortaköy
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Every street food in Turkey is tempting and drool worthy. Make sure to relish all these delicacies as you plan your holiday with Turkey tour packages with Travel Triangle.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Street Food In Turkey
Is it safe to eat street food in Istanbul?
Yes, it is safe to try street food in Istanbul. Also, they are not just safe but are also very yummy and are prepared in a hygienic manner. In fact, you must try all the yummy things on the street to get the true taste of street food in Istanbul.
What is the best food to eat in Istanbul?
The things that you should try in Istanbul are Fried Eggplant with Tomato Sauce, Chili Tomato Paste, Grilled Eggplant Salad, Grilled Eggplants with Yogurt, Artichoke Mint Yogurt Dip, Pinto Beans, etc.
What are the things to avoid in Istanbul?
The things to avoid in Istanbul are: 1. Don’t get very near to the sights. 2. Don’t take the tram while you go to Istiklal. 3. Do not shop in Istiklal. 4. Make sure that you bargain while you shop in the local markets of Turkey.
What is the famous food in Turkey?
Turkey is famous for a lot of Turkish dishes but the most famous of the lot is the Kebabs. This is actually a common name of nonvegetarian dish in which there is meat that is covered around a skewer and it is grilled over a charcoal fire. In earlier times, this meat used to be made up of lamb or beef, but these days, it is also made up of chicken.
What should I buy in Istanbul?
You can buy a lot of things from Turkey such as Turkish Tea, Turkish Delight, Evil Eye, Glass Lamps, Turkish Towels, Soap, Coffee Pot, Carpets & Rugs, etc.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
