Istanbul Street Food Guide: 15 Delicious Dishes You Must Try

Trying Istanbul street food is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to get to know the city. Every part of Istanbul offers something warm, crispy or spicy to snack on. From quick bites in busy squares to sweet treats in cozy backstreets, the food speaks for itself. It’s cheap, fast and full of local flavor.

Here’s a list of 15 street foods you should try in Istanbul. Each one is easy to find and even easier to enjoy.

1. Simit – Sesame Bread Ring

Simit is like a mix of a bagel and a pretzel. It has a golden crust covered with sesame seeds. Vendors sell it from red carts all around the city. Locals eat it on the way to work or during a tea break. It’s tasty, simple and cheap.

Try simit with Turkish white cheese or just on its own while walking through Sultanahmet.

2. Balik Ekmek – Fish Sandwich

One of the most popular dishes near the water. Balik ekmek is made with grilled mackerel, onion and lettuce in fresh bread. It’s sold near Galata Bridge where boats act as mobile kitchens. The taste is fresh and the view is always beautiful.

A fish sandwich by the Bosphorus? Ask about including it in your private food tour.

3. Midye Dolma – Mussels with Rice

These mussels are filled with spicy rice and herbs. Served cold with lemon juice, they are usually eaten while standing at street corners. Locals often eat five or more in one go. The mix of seafood and spices is perfect.

Kadikoy and Beyoglu have some of the best ones in town.

4. Kumpir – Stuffed Potato

A big baked potato turned into a full meal. Kumpir is mashed with butter and cheese then filled with anything from olives to sausage. It’s colorful and fun to eat. Ortakoy is the top spot to try this dish while enjoying the sea breeze.

5. Kokorec – Spiced Lamb Intestines

Kokorec is made from lamb intestines grilled on charcoal. It’s chopped and placed in bread with spices. Many visitors are unsure at first but end up loving the rich taste. Locals enjoy it as a late-night snack. Try kokorec in Taksim or Uskudar for an authentic experience.

6. Lahmacun – Turkish Thin Pizza

This thin crispy bread has minced meat, tomato and herbs on top. Locals add lemon and parsley then roll it like a wrap. It’s fast and full of flavor. Great for lunch on the go. Look for small places in Fatih or near Grand Bazaar.

7. Tavuk Pilav – Chicken and Rice

A simple and satisfying meal. Steamed rice is topped with shredded chicken and boiled chickpeas. Often served from carts near metro stations or squares. It’s warm, filling and cheap. Perfect for a quick lunch in the city center.

8. Doner – Meat from the Spit

Slices of beef or chicken are shaved from a vertical spit and served in flatbread with salad. This dish is famous all over the world but tastes even better in its home city. Sauces like yogurt or tomato make it even richer. The doner stands near Istiklal Avenue are a good place to start.

9. Borek – Savory Pastry

Borek is made of thin dough filled with cheese, spinach or meat. It’s baked or pan-fried and sold hot. Many people grab it for breakfast or a mid-day snack. It’s flaky and satisfying. It goes well with Turkish black tea or ayran.

10. Islak Burger – Wet Burger

This burger is soft and moist. Covered in tomato and garlic sauce then steamed to keep it warm. It’s small but packed with flavor. Taksim is known for this late-night bite. Great after a night out or a long day of walking.

11. Cig Kofte – Spicy Bulgur Wraps

These are balls made of bulgur, tomato paste and spices. Usually served in lettuce with lemon. They are vegetarian and very tasty. Originally made with raw meat but now safer and just as good without it. Street stalls in Kadikoy and Besiktas often sell fresh cig kofte.

12. Gozleme – Stuffed Flatbread

Hand-rolled flatbread cooked on a metal plate. Gozleme is filled with cheese, spinach, potatoes or minced meat. Light, crispy and best when eaten fresh.

You’ll often see women making it by hand in outdoor markets.

13. Lokma – Fried Dough Balls

Small round dough balls deep fried then soaked in syrup. Crispy on the outside, soft inside. Sweet and sticky in the best way. Often given out during special days but also sold from carts in busy spots.

You can find lokma sellers near mosques and squares.

14. Dondurma – Stretchy Ice Cream

Turkish ice cream is chewy and doesn’t melt fast. Vendors wear traditional outfits and often joke with customers before handing over the cone. It’s fun for kids and adults.

Try dondurma in Sultanahmet for a full experience.

15. Corn and Chestnuts – Roasted Street Snacks

Boiled corn and hot chestnuts are sold from red carts. These snacks are simple but loved by many. Great for cold days or when walking near parks and palaces.

You'll spot the carts easily in Taksim and along the coastline.

Every dish in Istanbul street food tells a story. A walk through the city becomes a journey of flavor. From morning simit to night-time kokorec, every bite brings you closer to the real heart of Istanbul.

Want to taste these dishes with a local expert by your side? Contact us to plan your private food tour in Istanbul. We’ll take you to the best spots and help you try it all safely and comfortably.