Istanbul Street Food: A Complete Guide to the City’s Best Eats

Street food in Istanbul is one of the highlights of visiting this magnificent city. It also happens to be a wonderful way to optimize your time, especially during a short visit. 

You might start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at your hotel or a local spot, and then street food can carry you through until dinner at a beautiful meyhane or restaurant.

There are quite a few options when it comes to Istanbul’s street food scene, and this guide aims to showcase the different varieties while helping you understand where to find them. The recommendations are organized based on the most prominent tourist areas, making it easy to incorporate them into your itinerary. 

If you’re planning your trip, this guide pairs well with my three-day itinerary in Istanbul, as many of the locations featured here complement those recommended stops.

Essential Istanbul Street Foods You Must Try

Istanbul’s street food offers a variety of options for every traveler. Some of these staples are part of Istanbul’s landscape, like the famous Simit vendors in their red Ottoman-style simit carts. 

While most of Istanbul’s street food is best en enjoyed from vendors on the street, some require a bit of caution. Below are the essential bites to try during your visit, along with best practices for finding and enjoying them safely.

Simit – Istanbul’s Famous Sesame Bread Ring

Simit is perhaps the most famous street food in Istanbul. This sesame-encrusted bread ring resembles a bagel and is something you’ll find on almost every street corner. 

Vendors walking down the street sell them from decorative carts, typically adorned in an Ottoman style with red velvet covers.

You can enjoy simit plain, but especially during winter, some vendors cut it open and add Nutella. I particularly like taking one on the ferry crossing from the European to the Asian side. It pairs beautifully with salep, a traditional Turkish drink made from orchid flour that has a warm, milky consistency.

Simit is a staple for locals and tourists alike, making it nearly impossible to miss during your travels in Istanbul.

Midye Dolma – Stuffed Mussels

Midye dolma are mussels cooked and stuffed with deliciously aromatic rice.

You’ll see vendors selling these, particularly when you’re walking near the water, by the Galata Bridge, near the Bosphorus, or even on İstiklal Street.

Important Safety Note: While you can find midye dolma from street vendors throughout the city, since it’s seafood, you might want to be careful if you’re on a short visit. It’s best not to eat them from street vendors. Instead, opt for a small restaurant or eatery. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just a small establishment with some safety protocols in place. This way, you won’t risk getting sick when you’re only in the city for a limited time.

Midye dolma are typically served on a plate with lemon. You sprinkle the lemon over them and eat directly from the shell, similar to how you might eat oysters, except these are cooked and filled with rice.

Döner Kebab – Rotisserie Meat Sandwich

One of my favorite döner kebab spots in Istanbul is located right outside the Grand Bazaar, making it convenient to visit after exploring the shops.

The döner you’ll find in Istanbul is similar to what you might be used to seeing elsewhere, essentially meat on a vertical rotisserie. However, there’s a key difference: in Istanbul, you can have it served on bread (ekmek) or in a wrap (pide). It’s quite common to see locals eating it on bread.

Another difference between the touristy versions and authentic döner kebab is that the traditional version typically includes just the meat and some vegetables, usually onion and tomato, along with some spicy pickled peppers on the side. But more notoriously, there’s usually no sauce, which might surprise visitors. It won’t come with French fries either, as is more common in European joints. It’s really just the meat, the bread or wrap, and the vegetables.

Recommended spot: Dönerci Şahin Usta: authentic and delicious döner kebab stand just outside the covered grounds of the Bazaar. There is usually a queue, but it will not take long to get your meal.

Balık Ekmek – Fish Sandwich

Balık ekmek is a fish sandwich made with white fish and vegetables on bread. You can typically find this near the Bosphorus or the Golden Horn. 

In Eminönü or the historical peninsula, there are simple restaurants and stands, especially near the bazaar quarter and the Galata Bridge area.

This is especially nice to have during spring, early summer, or even late summer into autumn, since Istanbul can be quite hot in the height of summer. It’s perhaps less popular if you’re visiting during winter, simply because it’s cold outside and you might prefer something a bit heartier. That said, it’s still available year-round, especially in the small restaurants beneath the Galata Bridge.

Gözleme – Savory Turkish Crepes

Gözleme is a Turkish savory crepe that resembles the thickness of a flour tortilla. Inside, you typically find a potato-and-cheese filling or a cheese filling. Those are the most common, but you can also find some with minced beef, cheese, and spinach.

You’ll find gözleme vendors throughout Istanbul, but especially close to Sultanahmet near the grand mosques (Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque), Topkapi Palace. 

You’ll actually see women making the gözleme in a traditional manner, sometimes sitting on the floor, showcasing what it was like before. It’s a quick stop and makes for a satisfying snack while exploring.

Kokoreç – Grilled Lamb Intestine Sandwich

Kokoreç is a typical sight in Istanbul and a popular street food. It is lamb intestines stuffed with sweetbreads and organs such as the heart, lung, and/or kidneys. The stuffed intestines are cooked on a horizontal rotisserie. 

The street food version is served on bread. The meat is cut into small pieces and served in a sandwich form. 

You are bound to find a small eatery in every neighborhood. In Karaköy, there will be a couple of options on Mumhane Cd. It can also be found on Istiklal Street, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and no doubt abundantly in the historical peninsula.

Kumpir – Loaded Baked Potatoes

Kumpir is a loaded baked potato topped with a variety of toppings. The potato is split open, and you can add a mix of different ingredients, making each one unique.

These are most famously found in Ortaköy, where they’ve become quite popular, especially on Instagram. However, I should mention that Ortaköy is extremely touristic. It’s not really a place that locals frequent anymore, it used to be in the past, but now it’s become much more of a tourist destination.

You can find kumpir in other places like İstiklal Street. 

If you really want to visit Ortaköy, consider doing it as part of a Bosphorus boat tour where you can hop on and off, because there isn’t much else to see or do in the area. 

Börek – Flaky Stuffed Pastry

Börek is quite popular and can be found in bakeries throughout Istanbul. It’s essentially phyllo pastry (yufka in Turkish) filled with either cheese, spinach and cheese, or sometimes minced beef.

You’ll typically find börek in bakeries that also sell baklava, that very popular dessert. These bakeries are scattered throughout the city, making it easy to grab börek during your explorations.

Recommended spot: Karaköy Güllüoğlu, located near Galata Port, is one of the best places for baklava and also serves excellent börek. This location is particularly convenient for tourists and fits well into most itineraries. 

Baklava – Sweet Layered Pastry

Baklava is a very popular dessert found throughout many countries in the Levant. 

It consists of multiple layers of phyllo pastry (yufka in Turkish), usually filled with chopped nuts, sometimes with chocolate or only pistachio, depending on the variety. It is soaked in a honey-like sweet syrup, making it absolutely delicious.

One of the most famous spots for baklava is Güllüoğlu. They have multiple locations throughout Istanbul, but the one in Karaköy is particularly easy to work into your sightseeing plans. You can enjoy your baklava with a glass of traditional Turkish tea to recharge or end your day!  

Dondurma – Turkish Ice Cream

Turkish ice cream is quite different from traditional ice cream. You’ll really notice the difference because it’s much denser and even somewhat chewy. Despite the unusual texture, it’s truly delicious.

Its unique texture comes from the mixture of two ingredients: salep and mastic. Salep, more commonly used in reference to the popular winter drink, takes its name from the main ingredient: flour made from wild orchid roots. This flour is used along with resin from the mastic tree, milk, and sugar to create dondurma. 

The most traditional form of dondurma keeps the natural aromatic pine-like flavor of mastic.

You can typically find dondurma on İstiklal Street and in Eminönü, among other places throughout the city. In more touristic areas, you might encounter vendors dressed in Ottoman-style clothing who will play games with you using a long pole before giving you the ice cream. It’s a bit of theater. The vendor will almost try to make a fool of the customer, but it’s quite funny and particularly enjoyable if you’re into that sort of entertainment.

If you prefer to skip the show and just enjoy the ice cream, there are plenty of other options where you can order and enjoy it without the performance.

Recommended spot: Meşhur Dondurmacı Ali Usta located in the Moda neighborhood of Kadıköy is a great place to stop for dondurma as you walk the main avenue leading to the iconic Moda Pier.

Islak Burger – “Wet Burger”

I’ve actually never had one of these myself, but islak burger is a very famous street food in Istanbul, particularly popular late at night. It is essentially a traditional burger dipped in a tomato sauce. 

It’s extremely common among students and locals after a night out.

You can typically find an islak burger in the Taksim area, which makes sense because there are many bars and nightclubs in that part of the city. 

Fresh Fruit Juice

Throughout Istanbul, you’ll find vendors selling fresh fruit juice, particularly orange and pomegranate juice. It’s quite affordable and definitely worth taking advantage of, especially in the spring and summer, to stay hydrated during your visit.

Typically, you can ask the vendors for a mix of pomegranate and orange juice, which is sweet and refreshing.

Salep – Traditional Hot Orchid Flower Drink

In winter, you’ll also find many vendors selling salep, that warm drink I mentioned earlier. It is a hot, milky beverage made from orchid flour that’s perfect for cold days. Usually, you will be asked if you would like it to be topped with cinnamon. 

Most of the cafes in the city will start to sell this warm drink during autumn, and by winter, you can find street vendors selling it on little stands throughout the city.

Where to Find the Best Street Food in Istanbul

While you can find street food throughout Istanbul, certain neighborhoods are particularly known for specific specialties. Below are the best areas to explore based on what you’re craving and where you’ll be during your visit.

Historical Peninsula (Eminönü), Galata Bridge & Karaköy Area

In Eminönü and the Galata Bridge area, you can find almost everything. There are numerous simit vendors here, and it’s a particularly good area to look for balık ekmek. 

You’ll also find gözleme both on the Karaköy side and in Eminönü near the bazaars and grand mosques. I usually buy my gözleme from a  stand right in front of the Karaköy ferry building near the Galata Bridge and take it on my ferry ride. 

Fresh fruit and Salep sellers are also abundant in this area. Particularly near the Spice Bazaar or on Mumhane Cd., which is a popular street in Karaköy.

Taksim and İstiklal Street

İstiklal Street or Istiklal Avenue is one of the main avenues of the city, so you will be able to find pretty much every street food item listed above.

It’s particularly good for kumpir, with several stands available. You’ll also find multiple dondurma vendors along the street. There are a couple of places where you can try midye dolma as well. 

Of course, this is the area where you’ll be able to try the islak burger at night, since the wet burger vendors are specifically located here to cater to the nightlife crowd.

Throughout the street, you’ll have simit vendors, so you can get one anywhere along your walk.

Beşiktaş

In the main Beşiktaş area, you’ll find a few options for kumpir and döner kebab. 

Simit vendors can be found near the ferry area.

Ortaköy

Ortaköy is famous for kumpir, so you’ll find many vendors there selling loaded baked potatoes. 

The area is mentioned in many travel guides, but I should note as someone who has lived in Istanbul and has many local friends, Ortaköy is not a place that’s necessarily top of mind to visit, and there really isn’t much to see or do beyond trying kumpir.

You can definitely find kumpir elsewhere in Istanbul without having to go out of your way to Ortaköy.

Kadıköy

Kadıköy, on the Asian side, has very good options for many popular Istanbul street foods. 

The Kadıköy Fish Bazaar is a popular destination, and near it are many small eateries or stands that offer a variety of options for döner kebab, midye dolma, börek, and baklava.  If you exit the market and make your way to Moda Street, you will also find a variety of options offering these Istanbul staples. 

Moda also has excellent spots for dondurma (Turkish ice cream). You will also find many bakeries offering traditional Turkish desserts and cookies. It is a great place to stop for some tea and a sweet treat.

Like everywhere else in Istanbul, you’ll find simit vendors right outside the ferry buildings and throughout the streets.

Street Food Safety Tips in Istanbul

Overall, it is usually safe to eat street food in Istanbul. That said, the best practice is always to follow your instincts. Places that have quite a few visitors and look clean are generally safe bets. Many of the options are also found in eateries, which might have reviews online that can provide additional peace of mind.

The main caution applies to seafood, particularly the stuffed mussels from street vendors. For a short visit, it’s better to err on the side of caution and choose a small eatery or restaurant instead.

As a general rule, it is also best to stick with bottled water over tap water during your visit. Below is a more detailed safety tips guide.

Simit:

With simit, all the vendors get their bread from bakeries. For example, in the Galata area, one bakery serves quite a few of the vendors you see near the Galata Bridge. 

These are delivered daily because simits run out. Turkish people buy them daily, so it’s not only a tourist thing. It’s really a staple food. So there’s no need to worry about simit safety.

Seafood:

You do need to be a little more cautious with seafood, most importantly when it comes to mussels (midye dolma).

I wouldn’t recommend getting them from vendors seaside who aren’t affiliated with a restaurant if you’re traveling for a short time. I would actually pick a small eatery somewhere in İstiklal or Kadıköy to be sure that they’re following some safety protocols. You don’t really want to risk getting sick when you’re only there for a limited time.

When it comes to the fish sandwich, you’re typically pretty safe when eating at the eateries near the water. If you want to be even safer, you can have balık ekmek in a small restaurant near the sea in different areas instead of from the stands.

Meat:

When it comes to things like döner kebab and kokoreç, it might be good to check some reviews if you want to be cautious. 

But typically, these will be in establishments that have to follow some level of hygiene regulations. While it’s street food, it’s still not like you’re eating off a random street stall, usually it is small eateries, so it’s a bit more regulated.

Paying for Istanbul Street Food

It is best practice throughout your travels in Istanbul to carry cash. For example, a simit is typically priced at about 30 TL, which is less than a euro or dollar, so you’ll pay in cash. 

Cards are accepted in some places, but for tips (if you want to give any), cash is preferred, and typically, it’s only recommended to give a small amount. I actually have a full guide on tipping in Turkey that goes into more detail about tipping etiquette throughout the country.

Best Times for Street Food in Istanbul

The best time really depends on what you’re looking for.

Simit, for example, is best in the morning or early afternoon because the stalls will run out throughout the day. Börek is also more available in the first half of the day.

Most other Istanbul street staples, including Döner Kebab, Kokoreç, Kumpir, Midye Dolma, and Balık Ekmek, will depend on the place but are typically available from lunch time to late evening. Some even after a night out, as is the case with the Islak Burger.

Final Thoughts

Food is woven into Istanbulites daily life, and I believe that indulging in Istanbul’s street food is part of any good journey to the captivating city.

While it is always recommended to be cautious with street food, especially when traveling to a new place, don’t be too nervous about it. Most street food in Istanbul is safe to enjoy. For more delicate items, such as seafood, consider visiting eateries rather than buying directly from street vendors.

The best practice is always to listen to your gut. But be open to exploring the flavors Istanbul has to offer. After all, it is a city that has been influenced by many civilizations over time and by travelers from East and West.