Istanbul sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia — and its cuisine is the same vibrant fusion of cultures, spices and stories. Between ancient bazaars, seaside eateries and hidden street-food corners, you’ll find some of the most memorable flavors anywhere. If you’re wondering what to eat in Istanbul, this food guide to Istanbul’s best foods will lead you to unforgettable bites that reflect tradition and innovation in every mouthful.
1. Simit
A beloved street snack, simit is a sesame‑encrusted ring of bread that’s crisp outside and chewy inside. Sold from street carts and neighborhood bakeries, it’s often enjoyed plain or paired with Turkish tea and cheese. It’s a morning staple and a symbol of daily life in Istanbul. Eating simit while walking along the Golden Horn or near the ferry docks gives you the perfect slice of local culture.
2. Menemen
This rustic breakfast dish features scrambled eggs cooked with onions, tomatoes, green peppers and olive oil. Often spiced with Turkish pepper and seasoned with herbs, menemen is typically served steaming hot with fresh bread for dipping. It’s hearty yet light enough to fuel a day of sightseeing. Local cafés around Sultanahmet or Taksim serve some of the most flavorful versions.
3. Çiğ Köfte
Traditionally made from raw minced meat, çiğ köfte in Istanbul is now often prepared with bulgur wheat, tomato paste and spices to accommodate modern tastes. Shaped into small finger-sized patties and served wrapped in lettuce or flatbread, these spicy bites are garnished with pomegranate juice, lemon and fresh herbs. They offer a zesty, vegetarian-friendly introduction to Turkish street food.
4. Lahmacun
Sometimes called “Turkish pizza,” lahmacun is a paper-thin flatbread topped with minced meat, onions, parsley and spices, then baked until crispy. A squeeze of lemon and a handful of fresh parsley complete the dish before being rolled into a wrap. It’s ideal for a quick lunch or casual dinner on the go. Many shops around Tünel and Galata serve it with ayran (a cold yogurt drink) for an extra refreshing combo.
5. Kebabs (Various Types)
Istanbul’s kebab scene spans countless varieties — from charcoal-grilled şiş kebab (meat on skewers) to the vertical rotisseries of döner and iskender. Each kebab offers a different texture and flavor profile, often served with rice, grilled vegetables or lavash bread. The best kebabs in Istanbul are found in traditional lokantas and bustling street stalls alike. Look for charcoal-smoked aromas and generous servings with pickled vegetables on the side.
6. Balık Ekmek
Don’t miss balık ekmek, a beloved fish sandwich served right from boats at Eminönü pier. Freshly-grilled sea bass or mackerel is nestled in a soft bun with onions, tomato and lettuce — sometimes drizzled with lemon for brightness. It’s salty, flaky and utterly tied to Istanbul’s waterfront lifestyle. Enjoying one with the breeze of the Golden Horn is as local as it gets.
7. Karnıyarık
This comfort classic is made from roasted eggplant stuffed with seasoned minced meat, onions, garlic, tomatoes and herbs. Baked until succulent, karnıyarık is served alongside rice and yogurt, creating a balanced and warming plate. The eggplant has a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory filling. It's a hearty vegetarian-friendly option found in Ottoman-style restaurants and family eateries alike.
8. Manti
Dubbed Turkish ravioli, manti consists of tiny dumplings filled with spiced meat, usually served drenched in garlic yogurt and melted butter spiced with Aleppo pepper. Each bite combines soft dough, tangy sauce and bold heat. It's a signature Anatolian dish that found its way into Istanbul cuisine during Ottoman times. For the best version, visit family-run restaurants in the historic Fatih district.
9. Islak Burger
A unique Istanbul street food born in the Taksim tunnels, ıslak burger (wet burger) features a steamed bun and mini beef patty soaked in a garlicky tomato sauce and sprinkled with parsley. Served warm, these slippery and juicy sliders are deeply satisfying and perfect after a long night out. They embody Istanbul’s nightlife and quick-bite culture.
10. Baklava
No food guide to Istanbul would be complete without mentioning baklava. Layers of thin phyllo dough, chopped nuts (often pistachio or walnut) and honey or syrup create this rich, crispy pastry. It’s decadently sweet yet perfectly balanced with nutty bitterness. Sample it in well-known patisseries in Karaköy or Eminönü for an iconic Turkish dessert.
11. Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Made from sugar or honey, starch and flavorings like rosewater, lemon or pistachio, lokum is a chewy, sweet treat often dusted with powdered sugar. It’s a centuries‑old delicacy that’s often served with coffee or as a gift. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and spice market stand out as places to taste visually striking varieties. They come in soft pastel cubes and deep-rich bites of flavor.
12. Turkish Coffee & Simit Combo
Although Turkish coffee is served throughout the country, in Istanbul it comes with flair. Served in small hand‑crafted cups, the coffee has a dense foam and strong, earthy bitterness. Pairing it with a savory simit and a small packet of sugar makes an ideal morning ritual. Stop at historic cafés like those in Karaköy or Eminönü for an atmospheric sip that transports you in time.
Food Excursions in Istanbul
Experience Istanbul’s flavors in context with food-centric shore excursions that explore two continents, city flavors and waterfront dining.
- A Tour of Two Continents & Local Tasting Experience:
- Cross from Europe to Asia via underground train and ferry, then follow your guide through local neighborhoods to explore Istanbul’s culinary diversity. You’ll taste iconic dishes like lahmacun, Turkish delight and freshly-brewed coffee while gaining insight into the city’s layered history.
- Early Cruise on the Bosphorus & Breakfast:
- Start the morning by sailing along the Bosphorus, where you’ll experience stunning views of Istanbul’s palaces and bridges. Afterwards, enjoy a sumptuous Turkish breakfast with cheeses, olives, eggs, fresh tomatoes, honey and warm bread as you watch the city wake up along the water.
What Foods Is Istanbul Famous For?
Istanbul is famous for simit, baklava, lahmacun, çiğ köfte, kebabs and Turkish delight — each offering a window into the city’s rich cultural mosaic. From savory spice-packed bites to sweet pastry indulgences, these dishes reflect both the metropolis’ deep Ottoman roots and its vibrant modern identity. The best foods in Istanbul blend tradition and innovation, delivering flavor that’s bold, warm and timeless.
Looking to explore more of Istanbul beyond the cuisine? Discover the city's rich history, iconic landmarks and vibrant culture in our guide to what Istanbul is known for. Then, browse what to buy in Istanbul to find the perfect keepsakes to remember your trip.
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