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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Halka tatlısı is a Turkish street dessert in the shape of a fried, ridged ring soaked in sugar syrup. It belongs to the most widespread and affordable sweets in the streets of Istanbul. The basis of the dish is a specific choux pastry extruded directly into hot oil. The hot fried pieces are immediately tossed into cold syrup. Thanks to the thermal shock, the surface remains crispy, but the porous inside soaks up the liquid like a sponge. Deep grooves also help trap even more sweet juice.
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.
Etli ekmek is a traditional Turkish dish from the city of Konya resembling an extremely long and thin pizza. The name literally means bread with meat. Its base is crispy dough stretched to a length often exceeding one meter. On the surface is a juicy mixture of minced meat and finely chopped vegetables.
