Savory Street Foods in Istanbul You Must Taste

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Read time2 min

SAEDNEWS: Istanbul, known as the gateway from Europe to the East and a global megacity, hosts tourists from all corners of the world every year. It is home to vibrant restaurants, but its street food is both affordable and delicious. Continue reading to discover some of the most delicious street foods it has to offer.

According to SAEDNEWS, Istanbul is considered a paradise for those who love street food. In every neighborhood and tourist spot in Istanbul, you will undoubtedly find stalls, stations, or vans serving street food. Most of these dishes are traditional and healthy, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. If you're planning to travel to Istanbul and love street food, don't miss the rest of this article.

Street Foods in Istanbul

Islak Burger or Wet Burger

One of the most popular and iconic street foods in Istanbul is the Islak Burger. This hamburger, which is much more affordable than McDonald's sandwiches, is made with meat and a special sauce of garlic and Turkish tomatoes. Due to its soggy bread, it is also known as the "wet burger."

Islak Burger

Simit

In Istanbul, it's hard to find someone from any social class who can resist the aroma of freshly baked bread coated in sesame seeds and roasted over the heat of the fire. If you plan to visit Istanbul and taste its delicious simits, you should know that simit is available throughout the day and can be purchased from carts selling simit or from bakeries.

Simit

Köfte Ekmek (Meatball Sandwich)

Köfte Ekmek is a popular street food in Istanbul that originates from the European side of Turkey. This dish made its way into Turkish cuisine during the Ottoman era, after the conquest of the West. Today, köfte ekmek stalls can be found in many areas of Istanbul. To prepare this sandwich, grilled meatballs are served inside a sandwich bun along with tomatoes, onions, parsley, and grilled green peppers. The method of preparing and cooking the meatballs adds extra flavor to the sandwich. It is one of the most popular sandwiches in Turkey, especially when watching football matches. During football games, many street vendors serve this sandwich inside and around the stadium.

Köfte Ekmek

Döner Kebab

Döner Kebab is one of the most popular street foods in Istanbul. This dish is typically prepared at street stalls using a rotating spit to cook the meat. Lamb, beef, or chicken is seasoned with special spices and placed on the rotating machine to slowly cook. Once the outer layers are cooked, they are shaved off with a knife and served. The meat is placed inside pita bread along with salad or vegetables. Döner Kebab is one of the oldest, most authentic, and beloved street foods in Istanbul, served at many street stalls.

Döner Kebab

Börek

Börek is one of the most familiar street foods in Istanbul. Wherever you go in the city, you'll surely find a shop baking various types of börek. Among all the varieties, spinach börek and cheese börek are the most popular. You can also order other types, such as potato börek or meat and vegetable börek. The filling is wrapped in yufka dough and fried in oil, creating delicious bites that you can enjoy while strolling through the streets of Istanbul.

Börek