First time in Istanbul? Explore what to eat in Istanbul, from savoury kebabs to sweet baklava – here’s a list of the must-eats!
I LOVE Turkish food; and there’s more to it than just doner kebabs! Istanbul is a food lover’s paradise, with a rich and diverse culinary scene that reflects its unique position as a bridge between Europe and Asia. I can’t quite place my finger on what Turkish food is like; it’s familiar, yet it’s not. It’s Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian all jumbled into one – it’s Turkish!
From savoury meat platters to sweet pastries, here’s your ultimate guide to the must-try foods and drinks that you must look out for when visiting this culinary capital. I visited Istanbul again recently, and this time round, I had some amazing recommendations from you (giant thanks from me!)! I’m immortalising all those recommendations right here in this post.
If you’re looking for a travel guide and the perfect 3-day itinerary in Istanbul, I have it right here!
Table of Contents
- Kebabs and Meat Platters
- Grilled Fish and Fish Wraps
- Mezes
- Lahmacun & Pide
- Manti
- Simit
- Roasted Chestnuts and Corn
- Turkish Delight (Lokum)
- Künefe
- Baklava
- Saint Sebastian Cheesecake
- Turkish Tea
- Apple Tea
- Turkish Coffee
- Bonus! Lattes
- Conclusion
Here’s a roundup of must-try foods during your visit to this culinary capital:
Kebabs and Meat Platters
Did you even visit Istanbul if you didn’t indulge in a meat platter? Turkey is famous for its kebabs, and Istanbul offers a variety of styles from across the country. Here are some must-try types:
- Döner: Thinly sliced meat, typically lamb or chicken, cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
- Şiş Kebab: Skewered and grilled meat, often served with vegetables and rice.
- İskender Kebab: Slices of döner served over pita, smothered in tomato sauce and yogurt.
- Köfte: Grilled meatballs with spices, often served with rice or flatbread.
Where to Try:
- Turgut Kebap in Sultanahmet was our first meal stop, and we ordered a meat platter! It was good, and even better, the service was impeccable. There was live music when we went too, which was nice. We discovered a little too late that they had a rooftop area! Would have definitely preferred to sit at the rooftop.
- En La Luna Terrace in Sultanahmet offers great views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia! The kofte were very good, juicy and flavourful!
- Ortaklar kebap Restaurant in Sultanahmet serves good and affordable Turkish food, and a recommendation from a subscriber! We didn’t manage to visit in the short time we had, but the food looks incredible!
Grilled Fish and Fish Wraps
For one of our meals, we had grilled fish at Galata Sanat along the Galata Bridge. It was simple… but it turned out to be one of our favourite meals in Istanbul! The grilled sea bream here was simply incredible—perfectly cooked with a crispy skin and tender, flavorful flesh.
More popularly, most would try the grilled fish sandwich, or Balık Ekmek, is an Istanbul street food classic. Near the Galata Bridge, vendors grill fresh fish fillets right on boats, serving them in soft rolls with onions and a squeeze of lemon.
Another popular option is Grilled Fish Wraps, where fresh grilled fish is wrapped in flatbread with herbs and a touch of lemon!
Where to Try:
- Galata Sanat Restaurant Galata Köprüsü is located along the Galata Bridge, and where we had the AMAZING grilled fish! And atom!
- Galata Bridge Fish Boats, near the Eminonu, offer one of the most popular spots to enjoy Balık Ekmek, allowing you to eat with the Bosphorus view.
- Sokak Lezzeti Tarihi Balik Durum came highly recommended by a couple of subscribers, so of course I HAD to try! This was delicious – grilled fish in a wrap, with plenty of ingredients to provide amazing layers of flavours. I asked for a spicy version, and boy, it was such a good kick! I had this as a snack, but I felt like this could easily be a full meal. This is a takeaway spot.
Mezes
A Turkish meal is incomplete without a selection of mezes, small shared plates that complement the main dishes beautifully.
Mezes often include:
- Hummus: Chickpea spread blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic.
- Haydari: A creamy yogurt dish flavored with herbs like dill and garlic.
- Sigara Böreği: Crispy pastry rolls filled with cheese.
- Atom: If you ever see Atom on the menu, please try it! Istanbul is not really a ‘spicy’ city, so when we saw this on the menu we were game to give it a try… and we loved it! This is a spicy yogurt dish that is creamy and rich with a fiery kick, often served with grilled meats or fresh bread.
Where to Try:
- Galata Sanat Restaurant Galata Köprüsü is located along the Galata Bridge, and where we had the AMAZING grilled fish! And atom!
- Ciya Sofrasi is famously featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, located on the Asian side of Istanbul in Kadıköy. I didn’t get round to visiting it, but it’s known for offering a variety of traditional and regional Turkish mezzes. It’s a buffet-style restaurant, so you can have a taste of different mezzes all in one spot!
Lahmacun & Pide
Lahmacun and Pide are not the same thing, BUT they are similar… So similar, they’re both called ‘Turkish pizza’!
Pide is shaped into a long, boat-like flatbread, with toppings that range from minced meat and melted cheese to vegetables. The toppings vary by region and personal preference, so you can find everything from rich, savoury flavours to spicy or herby combinations.
Lahmacun is a thin and crispy flatbread topped with a savoury layer of minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of Turkish spices. Unlike pide, which has a thicker crust and boat-like shape, lahmacun is flat and meant to be eaten rolled up. After it’s baked, it’s traditionally served with fresh parsley, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon, which you pile on top and roll up for a bright, flavorful bite with each mouthful.
I noticed most kebap restaurants we visited would have pide or lahmacun on the menu as well, although we didn’t order any. I had my share of Pide at the lounge at the airport though – it was good, though you can’t really go wrong with anything pizza-like!
I can’t accurately give recommendations for a good spot for this, so drop me a message or email if you have one!
Manti
Often referred to as Turkish dumplings, manti are small, hand-formed pasta filled with spiced meat, usually served with a generous dollop of yogurt and drizzled with garlic-infused oil.
I had this for the first time at the airport lounge and there were spices on the side that you can top the yoghurt. I really enjoyed this; reminds me of ravioli, but with yoghurt!
I can’t accurately give recommendations for a good spot for this, so drop me a message or email if you have one!
Simit
Often referred to as the “Turkish bagel,” simit is a sesame-crusted bread ring with a slightly chewy texture. Vendors sell simit on street corners, and it’s especially delicious when paired with a bit of fresh cheese.
Where to Try:
- These are located all over Istanbul! You can find a concentration of carts between Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque.
Roasted Chestnuts and Corn
Especially in cooler months, roasted chestnut vendors line the streets with steaming baskets of these warm, sweet nuts. They’re a nostalgic treat for many locals. During warmer seasons, you’ll find grilled corn cobs, which are served with a sprinkle of salt or chili powder.
Where to Try:
- These are located all over Istanbul! You can find a concentration of carts between Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque.
Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with lokum, or Turkish delight, a chewy, sugar-dusted candy that comes in a variety of flavors, from rose to pomegranate and pistachio.
This is also an excellent souvenir. I got mine at the bazaars, they’re a dime a dozen and you’ll see a stall in all corners. You can sample the Turkish Delights before making your purchase – I definitely indulged in the treats! Touristy, sure, but my family and friends enjoyed the box I went home with!
If you prefer a more authentically local outfit, Hafiz Mustafa is one of the best places to indulge in this classic treat. You can package them in nice tins too, making them perfect souvenirs.
Where to Try:
- Hafiz Mustafa is one of Istanbul’s oldest and most famous Turkish delight shops, offering an incredible selection of lokum in beautifully packaged tins. There are a few locations around Istanbul.
Künefe
This dessert is a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of crispy and sweet. Künefe consists of shredded phyllo dough filled with melty cheese, soaked in syrup, and topped with crushed pistachios. The mix of textures and flavours creates a decadent dessert you won’t forget.
I had the best Kunefe at Hafiz Mustafa; make sure to order pistachio ice cream as well to go alongside the kunefe!
Where to Try:
- Hafiz Mustafa also serves an amazing künefe, with the option to add pistachio ice cream for a decadent finish.
Baklava
No trip to Istanbul is complete without indulging in baklava. These delicate, flaky pastries, layered with phyllo dough, drenched in syrup, and stuffed with pistachios or walnuts, are the ultimate Turkish dessert.
You’ll find baklava shops all over the city, including at stalls in the bazaars. For most of our restaurant meals, we were served baklava and tea at the end of our meals!
Where to Try:
- Karaköy Güllüoğlu is a historic baklava shop that locals swear by, with a wide variety of flavors and nut fillings.
- Hafiz Mustafa – surprise, surprise! – is another establishment to get your baklava fix.
Saint Sebastian Cheesecake
For dessert lovers, Saint Sebastian cheesecake is an absolute must-try – this is a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake. This creamy, rich cheesecake, with the signature topping of melted chocolate has gained a loyal following in Istanbul in recent times. There are plenty cafes offering this around Galata Tower.
Where to Try:
- Gallant Galata serves up an incredible rendition of this cheesecake, with lovely views of Galata Tower. The coffee here is also good!
Turkish Tea
Turkish tea, or çay, is an essential part of daily life in Istanbul and a symbol of hospitality. Served in small, tulip-shaped glasses, this black tea has a rich, robust flavour that’s often enjoyed throughout the day. When in Istanbul, you’ll find tea being served everywhere—from bustling cafés to local homes. This is a staple on menus around Istanbul, and some restaurants would even serve this with baklava at the end of your meal.
Apple Tea
I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but I was OBSESSED with apple teas in Istanbul! Apple tea is a sweet, fruity beverage that’s mostly served hot, in the same tulip-shaped glasses, but you can order them iced as well.
Turkish Coffee
No visit to Istanbul would be complete without experiencing the unique flavor of Turkish coffee. Served in small cups, this strong coffee is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar. The rich aroma and thick consistency make it a memorable treat, often accompanied by a piece of Turkish delight. I’m a coffee lover but Turkish coffee… nope, can’t get on board!
This was a powerful brew that knocked me over upon first sip – way too strong and bitter. It might be better with some sugar in it, but you can only request this upon ordering. I requested for some sugar after the first blow, but I was politely denied… the sugar gets added in while the coffee is being cooked, and apparently can’t be added once it’s served!
Bonus! Lattes
If you belong to the latte/cappucino camp of coffee lovers (like me!) then these are my top picks for good coffee:
Conclusion
I hope this post offers a sneak peek on what to eat in Istanbul! If you’re heading there for the first time, I hope I managed to excite you for your trip. Otherwise, hopefully you’ve found some gems here.
Istanbul is a food journey in itself, and whether you’re indulging in street food or dining at a traditional Turkish restaurant, the culinary experience will leave you with unforgettable flavours.
If you’re looking for a travel guide on the best things to see and do in Istanbul, Turkey, make sure you check out this post!
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