Can you visit Istanbul and not try balik ekmek, lahmacun or kokoreç? Not eating dondurma and not snacking on simit? This is all somehow wrong! Why then go to Istanbul at all? But, calm down. We have the best street food in Istanbul here. Read this post and make your list of what to try in Istanbul!
There are many types of them, they differ in presentation, but they all have the same meaning. Usually served with thin bread, vegetables (usually eggplants), and can be wrapped in pita bread. Kebab shops are located at every step and it is quite difficult and wrong to recommend any specific one.
Where there are a lot of locals, it’s delicious and not expensive! In this photo of mine, the classic Iskander kebab is on the left, with tomatoes, peppers and natural yogurt.
Balyk ekmek
I could hardly restrain myself from putting it at the top of my list of what to try in Istanbul! Balik ekmek is a simple but delicious Istanbul fast food.
Balyk ekmek is a bun in which grilled mackerel fillets are placed with the addition of vegetables and spices. There is another option – balyk ekmek in lavash. And I liked this one much better.
All this joy costs around 7-10 liras. For 7 liras – in a bun, for 10 – in lavash.
Balyk ekmek is sold near the Galata Bridge in the Eminonu area and on the other side, near the Karakoy fish market. You can try mackerel in lavash here. Look at the map, it will be clearer.
Doner or shawarma
Well, everything is probably clear here) The doners we are used to are sold at every corner. There are beef, lamb and chicken. This is probably the most common street food in Istanbul.
Kokorec
I already wrote about him in the Istanbul blog. This is a bun and grilled lamb innards: intestines, kidneys, lungs and other offal. Add of course some vegetables and sauce.
Despite the fact that at first glance it does not seem very appetizing, kokorech is quite tasty. And the locals are generally dragged by him and some even (disputed issue) call Kokorech the king of street food in Istanbul.
It costs an average of 6-7 lira. Also sold everywhere. However, connoisseurs recommend trying kokorech near Taksim Square. Idk, why. I ate elsewhere and was not upset at all.
Fish and seafood
Istanbul is more than a sea city, given that it is washed by 2 seas at once – the Black and the Aegean. This means that when making a list of what to try in Istanbul, be sure to include fish in it. She’s fresh here.
If you want to try local seafood and not overpay, go to the Karakoy fish market. Next to it there are several cafes where you can try everything that is sold there. Here you can eat red mullet, horse mackerel, anchovy, flounder, shrimp, mackerel, mussels and all this for reasonable money.
For 90 lira, together, you can overeat with local fish! More civilized fish cafes and restaurants can be found on the lower level of the Galata Bridge. Well, here’s another small list of proven restaurants where you can eat fish in Istanbul
Eleos Restaurant. The average score is above average. Reviews on Tripadvisor
Restaurant Balıkçı Kahraman. Here we try Black Sea flounder. Gourmets who know perfectly well what to try in Istanbul specially go here to try it. The dish is called Kalkan Tandoor. Contacts and reviews on Tripadviser
Restaurant Rumelihisarı İskele.
Classic fish restaurant with good food and service. However, a table on the terrace must be booked in advance. Address: Yahya Kemal Cad. N 1, Rumelihisari, Besiktas; Phone: (0212) 263-2997
Mavi Balık. Another decent fish restaurant. Located in the Besiktas area. It is recommended to try Sarıkanat fish here. Map and reviews on Tripadvisor
There are many good fish restaurants in Istanbul, and, apparently, a separate post should be made about them. So, if you know some restaurant where you can eat delicious fish, write in the comments!
Bagel simit
They sell them at every turn and you won’t be able to see them)
In fact, this is an ordinary bagel made from unleavened dough, sprinkled with sesame seeds. Costs from 1.5 to 2.5 liras. Turks often eat it with soft cheese or chocolate.
Despite the simplicity of this Istanbul bagel, be sure to try it. There is definitely something in this.
Wet Burger
Street food in Istanbul without a wet burger would definitely be incomplete) in appearance – something incomprehensible in general. And the taste is absolutely nothing! Although, there is only a beef patty, tomato sauce and wet buns )) wet, the burger becomes wet due to the steam that is wrapped around the glass box with burgers.
It is best to try it on Taksim Square (it is believed that he appeared here) or Istiklal Street.
Lentil soup
Make your body feel good and try this soup. It is called Mercimek çorbası (Merjimek Chorbasy). Looks like pea soup puree. It is usually served with a slice of lemon. It costs 4-6 lira.
It is also sold in almost all cafes and food courts in supermarkets.
Dondurma
Dondurma is Turkish ice cream. Mega delicious. Unlike our Russian one, it is thicker and more viscous. Be sure to try it. In the Fatih area, and even more so on Istiklal Street and Taksim Square, it is sold at every turn. If you’re lucky, the sellers will give you a little show with its presentation))
One portion in a waffle cup costs 5 liras. I tried pistachio – I recommend it.
They also say that dondurma, served with hot halva, is very tasty. I didn’t have a chance to try it, but they recommend ordering it at Hacı Şerif chain cafes.
