Istanbul is not just a city where Europe meets Asia. Its location at the crossroads of trade routes and its centuries-long status as an imperial capital have created space for a specific cuisine that differs significantly from the Anatolian one.
Food in Istanbul
Ingredients Typical for Istanbul
Typical Istanbul cuisine is based primarily on fresh fish, seafood, seasonal vegetables, olive oil, and a specific blend of spices that reflects the city’s cosmopolitan history.
The region has a coastal climate with high humidity, which fundamentally influences local production and flavors. Locals therefore utilize the gifts of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, complementing them with ingredients imported from across the country. Unlike in the interior, the diet of Istanbul’s inhabitants has a more sophisticated, urban character. Thanks to the historical influence of the palace cuisine of the Ottoman sultans and minority communities, the typical flavors are layered, often combining salty with sweet and sour, and are subtler than in other parts of Turkey.
The city has preserved its authenticity in small eateries and at street stalls, where the approach to food is based on absolute freshness and seasonality.
Gastronomy is thus one of Istanbul’s main tourist attractions today.
Simit: a crunchy circular pretzel covered with sesame seeds. A pastry inherently linked to all of Turkey, especially Istanbul.
What to Eat in Istanbul
Balık ekmek. A sandwich with freshly grilled fish, onion, and lettuce, typical for the Eminönü port. It is a symbol of Istanbul’s fishing tradition, often sold directly from boats near the Galata Bridge.
Simit. A crunchy circular pretzel covered with sesame seeds, sold at street stalls all over Istanbul. Simit is inextricably linked to Istanbul’s street life and the residents’ breakfast.
Midye dolma. Mussels stuffed with spiced rice, sold by street vendors primarily in busy tourist areas such as Istiklal, Karaköy, or Kadıköy. It is a typical local street food.
Kumpir. A large baked potato with butter and various fillings, typical primarily for the Ortaköy district.
Islak burger. Small burgers soaked in spicy tomato sauce, typical mainly for the area around Taksim Square. They are specifically associated with nightlife in downtown Istanbul.
Kokoreç. Spiced grilled lamb intestines, served in bread. It is a typical local street food made famous by Istanbul’s gastronomic culture and nightlife.
Tavuklu pilav. A street dish of rice, chicken, and chickpeas, sold at stalls throughout Istanbul. It is a popular street food typical for this very city.
Tavuk göğsü. A specific milk dessert with finely shredded chicken breast, originally popular in the Ottoman Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. To this day, it is a specialty of traditional Istanbul pastry shops.
Turşu suyu. Pickle juice, typical especially for the Eminönü area, where it is sold in traditional pickle shops.
… and potentially dozens of other Turkish dishes from the list: What to Eat in Turkey.
Gaziantep Közde Künefe Kebap Salonu Restaurant is my favorite Istanbul establishment.
Vefa Bozası. Famous shop in the Istanbul district of Vefa, operating since 1876. They specialize in boza – a traditional thick, fermented millet beverage, served with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas.
Simit is a traditional Turkish pastry shaped like a circle with a hole in the center, sprinkled with sesame seeds. The history of simit dates back to the Ottoman Empire. Its street sale has become an integral part of Turkish culture. Simit is traditionally served with Turkish tea or ayran and is often accompanied by cheese, olives, or tomatoes. Simit is one of the most prominent symbols of Turkish cuisine.
Lokum is a Turkish jelly confection. It consists of small elastic cubes coated in fine sugar or starch. The modern recipe originated in Istanbul at the end of the 18th century, when confectioners began using refined sugar and cornstarch. Thanks to this, the sweet acquired its typical velvety consistency. Luxury variants are full of roasted pistachios and nuts.
Acıbadem is a traditional Turkish almond cookie. It originates from the Ottoman Empire, likely from the Istanbul area, with the first documented mentions of the cookie dating back to the 18th century. Acıbadem is traditionally served with Turkish tea or coffee and can be enjoyed in many Turkish pastry shops or bakeries.
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 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.
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.
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.
Nevmekân Sahil is a cultural center in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul. This hidden gem of the Asian side of the city hides more than 100,000 books, historical maps, and rare manuscripts focused on the Ottoman era under its glass roof. Visitors can study here in peace or just relax with a cup of Turkish tea. The interior, full of natural light, offers a perfect escape from the noise of bustling Istanbul. Admission is free.
Kokoreç is a traditional Turkish dish made from lamb or mutton intestines, which are wrapped around a metal skewer and slowly grilled over charcoal. Once cooked, the meat is chopped into small pieces, seasoned with spices, and typically served in a fresh baguette. There is also a spicy variant called "Atom kokoreç." Kokoreç is an example of traditional Turkish street food, especially popular in Istanbul.
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Its history dates back to 1455; today it represents a fascinating city within a city. Traditional canteens called esnaf lokantası still operate in the back alleys. These establishments cook honest meals for local merchants and craftsmen. The atmosphere is completed by tea men delivering hundreds of glasses of strong tea. The Grand Bazaar is a place where history mixes with the daily bustle of trade.
