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Iconic Foods You Must Try in Istanbul
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items Istanbul is a food lover’s paradise! Turkish cuisine is rich, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition. From sweet desserts to savory street food, here are the must-try dishes that made me fall in love with this city — and where you can find the bes...
Crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and covered in sesame seeds. Sold everywhere, but best enjoyed warm with Turkish tea by the Bosphorus.
Simit (Turkish Sesame Bread Rings)
Perfect breakfast dish — eggs cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and spices. Try it at Lades Menemen in Beyoğlu.
Menemen Recipe (Turkish Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes)
A street food favorite! Start with a massive baked potato, then load it with cheese, sausage, olives, corn, and more. Head to Ortaköy for the best experience.
Kumpir (Turkish Baked Potatoes)
Thin slices of döner meat served over bread with tomato sauce, butter, and yogurt. Rich and filling — go to Bursa Kebapçısı for a legendary version.
Iskender Kebab Recipe
Fresh grilled fish in a sandwich, sold near Eminönü by the water. It’s simple, cheap, and totally authentic.
Turkish Fish Sandwich Recipe
Thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat and herbs. Squeeze lemon, roll it up, and enjoy. Best at Halil Lahmacun in Kadıköy.
Easy Lahmacun Recipe (Turkish Pizza)
Crispy outside, gooey cheese inside, soaked in syrup and topped with pistachios. A must-try dessert — Hafız Mustafa makes a fantastic one.
Künefe (Turkish Sweet Cheese Pastry)
Tiny dumplings filled with meat, topped with yogurt and spicy butter sauce. It’s Turkish comfort food at its best!
Manti Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil
A beloved street snack — mussels filled with spiced rice, eaten cold with lemon. Trust the vendors in Beşiktaş!
Homemade Stuffed Mussels with Aromatic Rice; Midye Dolma
No trip to Istanbul is complete without trying baklava. Buttery, flaky, and sweet. Try it at Karaköy Güllüoğlu for the real deal.
The Origin of Baklava: A Sweet Journey Through History - iliosrestaurante
Think of it as a thin Turkish pizza: a crispy flatbread topped with a savory mix of minced lamb, spices, onions, and parsley. Roll it with fresh greens and lemon juice for the perfect bite.
Lahmacun - "turska Pizza"
A dürüm is essentially a Turkish wrap—filled with döner, köfte, or grilled chicken, and wrapped in lavash bread with vegetables and sauces. Great for eating on the go while exploring Istanbul’s busy streets.
What is the difference between a Turkish 'dürüm' and a 'doner kebab'?
Yes, it’s a dessert made with chicken! This Ottoman-era milk pudding includes finely shredded chicken breast, giving it a silky texture. Subtle, creamy, and surprisingly delicious.
Yalancı Tavuk Göğsü Tarifi
A delicious street food from Mersin that has conquered Istanbul! Tantuni is thinly sliced beef or chicken cooked with spices on a griddle, then wrapped in lavash bread with tomatoes, onions, and parsley. Light, spicy, and incredibly flavorful.
● TANTUNI - jos jedan brzi recept, takve najvise volim prakticno a ukusno ...
A sweet icon of Turkish culture. Lokum comes in various flavors—rose, lemon, pomegranate, pistachio, and more. Soft, chewy, and often dusted in powdered sugar, it’s a must-buy souvenir and a timeless treat.
Turkish Delight (Lokum)