Food on the Move Tips | Page 55 of 66
Künefe: Sweet Cheese Dessert
Künefe is a traditional warm dessert made of thin shreds of kadayıf dough filled with a layer of melted unsalted cheese. After baking, the whole dish is richly drenched in sweet sugar syrup. It is decorated on the surface with bright green crushed pistachios or a dollop of thick cream. Künefe must be served immediately while the cheese inside is liquid.
Karaköy Güllüoğlu: My Favorite Pastry Shop in Istanbul
Karaköy Güllüoğlu is a historic Istanbul pastry shop founded back in 1843. This popular establishment specializes in traditional Turkish confectionery, offering an incredibly wide selection of different types of baklava. Customers choose their sweets here themselves directly from showcases and trays. In addition to desserts, you can also enjoy excellent Turkish tea here. Prices here are lower than in establishments in the historic center.
Midye Dolma: Turkish Stuffed Mussels
Midye dolma are mussels stuffed with aromatic spiced rice. This popular Turkish street food is an inseparable part of the nightlife in Istanbul and other coastal cities.
İçli Köfte: Turkish Stuffed Meatball
İçli köfte is a traditional Turkish stuffed meatball with a crispy shell. The outer layer consists of thin dough made from fine bulgur and semolina. Hidden inside is a rich mixture of minced beef or lamb with onions and walnuts. The dish is served hot; it is a popular street food.
Islak Burger: Turkish Wet Hamburger
Islak burger is a unique type of Turkish hamburger with a moist bun and a juicy slice of ground beef. The dish originates from Istanbul, specifically from the Taksim Square area. The burgers are prepared in advance and stored in steam boxes that ensure a constant temperature and juiciness. Islak burger is a quick, affordable, and surprisingly delicious meal.
Baklava: Queen of Turkish Sweets
Baklava is a sweet dessert formed by alternating layers of thin filo dough, chopped nuts, and sweet syrup. The most common fillings are pistachios or walnuts. Many nations dispute its origin, but it was perfected by confectioners in the Ottoman Empire. There are countless types and shapes of baklava; cold milky baklava is also popular.
Gaziantep Közde Künefe Kebap Salonu: My Favorite Restaurant in Istanbul
Gaziantep Közde Künefe Kebap Salonu is an authentic restaurant in Istanbul offering the best of Turkish cuisine. The establishment honors the gastronomic legacy of the city of Gaziantep. The food here is perfectly seasoned and very cheap at the same time. On the menu, you will find grilled wings, various types of kebabs on skewers, as well as traditional soups. Reservations are not necessary, card payments are not accepted.
Közde Mısır: Turkish Grilled Corn
Közde mısır is a popular Turkish street delicacy in the form of a corn cob roasted on hot coals. Thanks to roasting over embers, the corn acquires an intense smoky aroma. The vendor wraps the hot cob in a piece of paper for you and sprinkles it generously with salt. It is an ideal cheap finger food that you enjoy best standing up or while walking.
Dondurma: Traditional Turkish Ice Cream
Dondurma is a traditional Turkish ice cream known for its extraordinarily dense and chewy consistency. It resists melting even in the hot summer sun. It owes its unique properties primarily to salep from wild orchids and a resin called mastic. Thanks to them, the dessert's structure resembles chilled dough rather than cream. Street vendors therefore perform a renowned show with it and stretch it with long metal rods. They often tease customers and don't just give them the cone.
Tantuni: Spicy Meat in Cottonseed Oil
Tantuni is a traditional Turkish dish made of finely chopped beef or chicken, which is first briefly boiled and then fried in special cottonseed oil. Tantuni is most commonly served in thin lavaş bread or Turkish baguette. Typical accompaniments include spicy peppers, lemon, and refreshing ayran. The dish originates from the city of Mersin.