Exploring the Best Types of Food in Istanbul
Istanbul, the vibrant metropolis straddling two continents, is not only famous for its rich history and stunning architecture but also for its mouth-watering cuisine. With influences from various cultures spanning centuries, Turkish cuisine offers a diverse array of flavours and dishes. From savoury kebabs to delectable desserts, Istanbul is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Join us on a culinary journey through the streets of Istanbul as we discover the best types of food this city has to offer.
The Best Types of Food in Istanbul – Kebabs: A Turkish Classic
Make sure you indulge in some authentic Turkish kebabs – one of the best types of food in Istanbul! These grilled meat delicacies come in various forms, each more delicious than the last. From the popular doner kebab, made from seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and thinly sliced, to the mouth-watering shish kebab, where skewered meat is grilled to perfection alongside vegetables, kebabs are a staple of Turkish cuisine.
For a truly authentic experience, head to Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy. Here you can savour traditional Anatolian dishes, including a wide selection of kebabs made with the freshest ingredients and aromatic spices.
Meze: Small Bites, Big Flavour
Meze, a selection of small dishes served as appetizers or alongside main courses. It is an integral part of Turkish dining culture and truly one of the best types of food in Istanbul. These flavourful bites range from cold dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves to hot dishes such as fried calamari, grilled octopus, and spicy sausage.
One of the best places to enjoy a variety of meze dishes is at Meze by Lemon Tree in Karaköy. With its cosy atmosphere and extensive menu featuring both traditional and modern meze options, this restaurant offers a true taste of Istanbul’s culinary heritage.
The Best Types of Food in Istanbul – Simit: The Ultimate Street Food
You cannot visit Istanbul without sampling simit, the iconic Turkish street food. Often referred to as “Turkish bagels,” simit are circular bread rings encrusted with sesame seeds, giving them a distinctive flavor and texture. Whether enjoyed plain or stuffed with cheese, olives, or Nutella, simit are a beloved snack among locals and visitors alike.
Looking for the freshest and most delicious simit? Head to a local bakery or street vendor and enjoy this simple yet satisfying treat as you explore the bustling streets of Istanbul. You will see them everywhere, making simit one of the best types of food in Istanbul.
Baklava: A Sweet Symphony
No discussion of Turkish cuisine would be complete without mentioning baklava, the quintessential Turkish dessert. Layers of thin pastry dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey, create a decadent treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
For the best baklava in Istanbul, make your way to Karaköy Güllüoğlu. This is a renowned bakery that has been perfecting the art of baklava since 1949. With its wide selection of flavours and impeccable craftsmanship, Karaköy Güllüoğlu is the perfect place to indulge in this heavenly dessert. You will also find Hafız Mustafa 1864 shops all over Istanbul. They do a great selection of Baklava too!
The Best Types of Food in Istanbul – Turkish Breakfast: A Feast for the Senses
Turkish breakfast, known as kahvaltı, is a lavish affair that is not to be missed. A typical Turkish breakfast spread includes an assortment of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams, honey, and freshly baked bread. This is also accompanied by eggs, sucuk (spicy Turkish sausage), and çay (Turkish tea).
For an unforgettable Turkish breakfast experience, head to Van Kahvaltı Evi in the neighbourhood of Cihangir. This restaurant offers a traditional breakfast spread featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, allowing you to start your day off on the right foot.
Turkish Delight: A Sweet Treat
Turkish delight, or lokum, are perhaps the most famous sweet treats found in Istanbul. These chewy, bite-sized confections come in a variety of flavours, including rosewater, pistachio, and lemon, and are often dusted with powdered sugar or coated in nuts.
For the finest Turkish delight in Istanbul, visit Hafız Mustafa 1864, a historic confectionery that has been delighting customers with its handcrafted sweets for over a century (and as we mentioned before, the baklava here is also awesome). With its wide selection of flavours and impeccable quality, Hafız Mustafa 1864 is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet cravings.
The Best Types of Food in Istanbul – Pida: Like Pizza, but Better
We have sampled a LOT of pide on our visits to Istanbul. These cheesy, doughy, boat shaped delights are firm favourite of ours, and of many others. They come with all sorts of toppings and can be found in restaurants across the city. Stay away from the ones in the more touristy areas. They will be more expensive and not as fresh. Try somewhere like Özlem Karadeniz Pide Kebap Salonu for a local vibe.
Address: Binbirdirek, Peykhane Cd. No:16 D:C, 34197 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Kunefe: Sweet and Cheesy
Kunefe is a Turkish sweet cheese pastry. Ok, don’t wright it off so quickly! It is actually delicious! The cheese is sweet and stringy and the pastry is golden, crispy and soaked in syrup, amazing! You can get kunefe in most places, but head off the beaten track to find the tastiest kunefe, away from all the tourists. This place does some amazing sweet cheese – Keyfeder Künefe Katmer.
Address: Katip Mustafa Çelebi, Çukurlu Çeşme Sk. No:12, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
The Best Types of Food in Istanbul – Turkish Tea and Turkish Coffee
The tea here, known as cay, is a way of life. It is consumed as part of almost every social occasion. Even making purchases in the bazaar, you will probably be offered a glass of cay. When in Istanbul, make sure you try as much tea as you can as there are many different flavours. We loved the apple flavour.
Turkish coffee is something else! It is incredibly strong, smooth and almost chocolatey. It is often served in beautifully ornate, Ottoman style cups. Coffee here is cooked on the stove with very finely ground coffee beans and it isn’t filtered. Make sure you let it sit for a bit before drinking, and don’t drink all the way to the bottom of the cup!
The Best Types of Food in Istanbul – A Feast for the Senses
In conclusion, Istanbul is a culinary paradise that offers a diverse array of flavours and dishes to satisfy every palate. These are just a few of our favourite types of food in Istanbul! From savoury kebabs to sweet baklava, the city’s vibrant food scene is a testament to its rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of the Grand Bazaar or dining at a cosy neighbourhood restaurant, Istanbul’s culinary delights are sure to leave you craving more. So pack your appetite and prepare for a culinary adventure unlike any other in the world.
The Turkish Language
If you want to explore the best types of food in Istanbul, a small attempt at the local language always helps. Many Turks in the cities speak a bit of English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Turkish. It is certainly not an easy language for English speakers but any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:
| English | Turkish | Sounds Like |
| Hello | Merhaba | mer-ha-ba |
| Goodbye | Allaha ısmarladık | ah-LAHS-mahr-lah-duhk |
| Please | Lütfen | LEWT-fehn |
| Thank you | Teşekkür ederim | tesh-ek-ur, ed-er-im |
| Yes | Evet | eh-VEHT |
| No | Hayır | HAH-yuhr |
Where to go next
Planning to visit Turkey? After you’ve tried the best types of food in Istanbul, check out some of our ideas for great (and not so great) Souvenirs from Istanbul!
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited any Istanbul or Turkey? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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The Best Types of Food in Istanbul