An interesting fact is that street food in Turkey is included in frequent lists and ratings like “the best street food in the world.” It’s true, Turkish street food is part of the culture, without which it is impossible to fully describe Turkey. Arriving for the first time, you will probably be amazed at the amount of food at literally every turn. Yes, you will never go hungry here. And if you do not know what to try from this abundance – read on.
And if you are thinking about how to relax on a budget and not limit yourself in pleasures, read my article Ways to save money in Turkey. Also on my website you can find not only various activities, but also tips for relaxation, ready-made routes to different cities of Turkey and lists of popular attractions.
Turkish cuisine
Since Turks are wary of foreign cuisine, in Turkey you will not find a large amount of Asian, Indian or, say, Mexican cuisine. But, nevertheless, here everyone will find something tasty for themselves. Turkish cuisine is full of gastronomic diversity, although local food is quite easy to prepare and is not replete with rare products. For a European person, taste preferences are similar, and the traditional Turkish breakfast delights everyone with its diversity 🙂
Cafes and restaurants are everywhere here, but I advise you to indulge in street food in order to fully experience the Turkish culture and way of life of the locals.
The most popular street food in Turkey
Street food in Turkey is not complete without simit. This character is almost a symbol of Turkish street food and adorns almost any photograph of Istanbul. If there is no time for breakfast, the Turks take tea, aromatic simit and the day can be considered to have started successfully.
Simits are sold everywhere: in bakeries, called fırın here, in shops, supermarkets and atmospheric red retro carts. But I advise you to buy simit in a bakery, where it will be the freshest and tastiest.
Street food in Turkey – Börek
Börek means “pie” in Turkish. Böreks in Turkey are completely different in appearance and are made mainly from puff pastry. The most popular fillings are cheese, potato, with spinach or meat. Börek can be found in almost every bakery or establishment called Börekçi.
Durum or Döner
Street food in Turkey is not complete without a quick snack of shawarma or, as they say here, durum. Durum or Doner is an analogue of shawarma. Whatever your heart desires is wrapped in lavash: meat, chicken, fish, liver. Vegetables are also placed in the durum and various sauces are added.
It is very convenient to satisfy your hunger while walking with a hearty snack in lavash. Durum with chicken is not difficult to find, but if you are in Istanbul, be sure to try balyk Durum (fish in pita bread). Juicy boneless fish fillet, grilled, combined with vegetables and sweet and sour sauce with the addition of pomegranate juice.
Street food in Turkey has a lot of choice, even for a vegetarian. Kumpir is a baked potato that tastes like potatoes cooked on a fire, only larger in size and with filling. Yes, yes, they cut the baked potato and put whatever you want inside: Olivier salad, sauces, olives, corn, peas, pickles, sausages, mushrooms, etc. Choose whatever you like, it will not affect the price.
To try the most legendary kumpir, go to Istanbul on Kumpir Sokak Street, which is located in the Ortakoy district. And then go to the embankment and enjoy the gorgeous view. And if you have the strength, take a fluffy waffle for dessert. Another local celebrity 🙂
And if you are not in Istanbul, kumpir can very often be found in other cities of Turkey in the food courts of shopping centers.
Gözleme – Turkey’s first street food
Flatbread made from thin dough, baked in the oven. They look like our cheburek. They are made empty or with fillings (cheese, meat, potato, etc.). Gözleme can be found almost everywhere. And even in remote roadside cafes they will be delicious.
Kokorec
Exotic but very tasty street food in Turkey, which terrifies everyone who learns about it for the first time. Kokorech is finely chopped meat with spices, wrapped in a fresh crispy loaf. However, the meat is spit-roasted lamb intestines with lamb offal inside (kidneys, liver, heart). It sounds creepy, but it’s actually incredibly tasty. Try it if you are not afraid of something new
Mussels
In many coastal cities of Turkey you will see trays with mussels laid out. Especially on the piers. Try this easy snack that will make you unlikely to stop at just one. These mussels are absolutely safe, unlike raw ones, as they are pre-cooked. In addition, they are filled with rice for better taste. A hearty snack is especially appropriate during night walks around the city. You can also order them to take away from a cafe; for example, they are often sold in places where kokorec is prepared.
Street food in Turkey – kill the worm
If you don’t want to load your body with heavy food while walking, but still want to chew something, there is no problem with this in Turkey. Each city has its own special light snacks. For example, boiled corn kernels in a glass are very popular in Antalya. Milk corn is seasoned with butter and salt. This is one of my favorite snacks. And in Istanbul they sell baked chestnuts in red carts on the street, which are a kind of symbol of the autumn city.
In fact, the list of Turkish street food is not limited to this; I have only listed the most common ones. Don’t be afraid to try the unusual and discover a new world, experiencing it through your taste buds. After all, this is why we travel, to look at multifaceted life from a different angle 🙂
