The Ultimate Guide to Street Food in Istanbul with local tips

The street food scene of Istanbul is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. From the aromatic spice-laden streets of Eminönü to the bustling markets of Kadıköy, every corner of the city offers delicious, affordable, and authentic street food.

Whether you’re craving a warm, sesame-crusted simit, a perfectly grilled kebab, or fresh seafood straight from the Bosphorus, Istanbul’s streets are full of flavors waiting to be discovered.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the must-try street foods in Istanbul, the best locations to find them, and insider tips from locals to help you eat like a true Istanbulite.

Whether you’re a foodie on a mission or a traveler looking for a quick bite, this guide will ensure you don’t miss out on the best street food experiences Istanbul has to offer.

Must-Try Street Foods in Istanbul

Here are the must-try street foods in Istanbul and where to find them.

🥐 Breakfast & Baked Goods

✔ Simit – The ultimate Turkish street breakfast. A circular, sesame-crusted bread, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Best enjoyed fresh from street vendors and paired with Turkish tea.
📍 Best Places: Eminönü, Sultanahmet, Taksim and Beşiktaş ferry stations.

✔ Börek – A flaky, buttery pastry filled with cheese, spinach, potatoes, or minced meat. A popular grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
📍 Best Places: Tarihi Sarıyer Börekçisi (Sarıyer), Çengelköy Börekçisi (Çengelköy).

✔ Poğaça – A soft, savory bread roll, sometimes stuffed with cheese, olives, or potatoes. A common morning snack among Istanbul locals.
📍 Best Places: Any bakery or small café across the city.

🌯 Savory Street Snacks

✔ Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)

A grilled fish sandwich served with onions, lettuce, and a squeeze of lemon, usually sold straight from boats docked on the Bosphorus.
📍 Best Places: Eminönü (near Galata Bridge), Karaköy.

✔ Döner Kebab – Slow-roasted, thinly sliced lamb, chicken, or beef, served in lavash (wrap), pita, or as a sandwich.

A Turkish classic found on nearly every street corner.
📍 Best Places: Bayramoğlu Döner (Kavacık), Dönerci Şahin Usta (Grand Bazaar).

✔ Kokoreç – A rich, flavorful dish made from seasoned and grilled lamb intestines, chopped up and served in a crispy bread roll with spices. A late-night favorite.

📍 Best Places: Şampiyon Kokoreç (Beşiktaş, Taksim), Ozzie’s Kokoreç (Beyoğlu).

✔ Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels) – Fresh mussels stuffed with spiced rice, served with a squeeze of lemon.

The best way to eat them? Keep going until you’re full!
📍 Best Places: Kadıköy Market, Beşiktaş Çarşı, Istiklal Street.

✔ Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza) – Thin, crispy flatbread topped with spiced minced meat and herbs.

Roll it up with parsley and lemon juice for the perfect bite.
📍 Best Places: Halil Lahmacun (Eminönü), Borsam Taşfırın (Kadıköy).

✔ Pide (Turkish Flatbread Pizza) – A boat-shaped baked dough with toppings like cheese, eggs, sucuk (spicy sausage), or ground beef.
📍 Best Places: Fatih Karadeniz Pidecisi (Fatih), Nizam Pide (Taksim).

✔ Kumpir (Stuffed Baked Potato)

A loaded baked potato, mixed with butter and cheese, then topped with olives, corn, pickles, sausages, and more.
📍 Best Places: Ortaköy Square (Kumpir Street).

🍡 Desserts & Sweet Treats

✔ Lokma – Small, deep-fried dough balls soaked in syrup, crispy on the outside, soft inside.
📍 Best Places: Lokma stands in Karaköy and Kadıköy.

✔ Tavuk Göğsü (Chicken Breast Pudding) – A unique Ottoman-era dessert, made from milk, sugar, rice flour, and finely shredded chicken breast. Surprisingly smooth and sweet!
📍 Best Places: Saray Muhallebicisi (Istiklal Street).

✔ Sütlaç (Rice Pudding) – A creamy, oven-baked Turkish rice pudding, lightly caramelized on top.
📍 Best Places: Sütiş (Emirgan), Hafız Mustafa 1864 (Sirkeci).

✔ Boza – A thick, fermented wheat drink, slightly tangy and best enjoyed in winter.
📍 Best Places: Vefa Bozacısı (Fatih).

🥤 Drinks to Try with Your Street Food

✔ Ayran – A refreshing, cold yogurt drink, perfect to pair with döner or kebabs.
📍 Best Places: Any kebab shop or street vendor.

✔ Şalgam Suyu – A tangy, fermented turnip juice, often paired with spicy dishes.
📍 Best Places: Kadıköy Market, traditional meyhanes.

✔ Turkish Tea & Coffee – Çay (black tea) is served everywhere, while Türk Kahvesi is strong, unfiltered, and a must-try.
📍 Best Places: Mandabatmaz (Beyoğlu), Pierre Loti Café (Eyüp).

Best Places to Find Street Food in Istanbul

From the historic streets of Sultanahmet to the bustling markets of Kadıköy, here are the best places to find street food in Istanbul and what to eat in each area.

📍 Eminönü & Sultanahmet – Classic Turkish Street Food

✔ Best for balık ekmek (fish sandwich), simit, and other traditional snacks.
✔ Located near the Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar, it’s a popular area for food lovers.

💡 Must-Try Foods:

• Balık ekmek – Grilled fish sandwich by the Galata Bridge.
• Simit – Sesame-crusted bread rings from street vendors.
• Turkish tea & baklava – Try them at Hafız Mustafa or Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi.

📍 Kadıköy – The Ultimate Foodie Paradise

✔ The best area on Istanbul’s Asian side for local street food and meyhanes.
✔ Known for midye dolma, lahmacun, and traditional Turkish snacks.

💡 Must-Try Foods:

• Midye dolma – Stuffed mussels from street vendors.
• Lahmacun – Thin Turkish pizza at Borsam Taşfırın.
• Turkish coffee & desserts – Try Çiya Sofrası or Baylan Patisserie.

📍 Beşiktaş – Lively Nightlife & Street Food Scene

✔ A student-friendly area with affordable, late-night food.
✔ The best place for kokoreç and fast food joints.

💡 Must-Try Foods:

• Kokoreç – Spiced lamb intestines at Şampiyon Kokoreç.
• Wet burgers (Islak Burger) – Available in small burger shops along the streets.
• Midye tava (fried mussels) – A popular deep-fried seafood snack.

📍 Ortaköy – The Best Spot for Kumpir

✔ Famous for Bosphorus views and its kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes).
✔ Located in Ortaköy Square, where multiple vendors sell kumpir with different toppings.

💡 Must-Try Foods:

• Kumpir – A fully loaded baked potato with olives, pickles, corn, and sausage.
• Waffles – A sweet treat with fresh fruits and chocolate drizzle.

📍 Beyoğlu & Istiklal Street – A Mix of Classic & Modern Street Food

✔ A vibrant pedestrian street filled with trendy cafés, historic eateries, and street food vendors.
✔ Offers a mix of classic Turkish and international flavors.

💡 Must-Try Foods:

• Döner kebab – Try Dönerci Şahin Usta near the Grand Bazaar.
• Turkish delight & baklava – Visit Hafız Mustafa 1864 for the best selection.
• Chestnuts & roasted corn – Street vendors line Istiklal Street selling these warm snacks.

📍 Fatih & Aksaray – Best for Traditional Turkish & Middle Eastern Flavors

✔ Known for traditional Turkish, Arabic, and Middle Eastern street food.
✔ Offers some of the most authentic kebabs, falafel, and shawarma in Istanbul.

💡 Must-Try Foods:

• İçli köfte – A deep-fried, bulgur-stuffed meatball.
• Şırdan – A unique offal dish popular with locals.
• Arabic-style shawarma – Found in Middle Eastern eateries in Aksaray.

Local Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Istanbul

✔ Look for busy vendors – The more locals eating there, the fresher the food.
✔ Eat like a local – Stand at the cart, sit on a stool, and enjoy your food without rushing.
✔ Bring cash – Many street vendors do not accept credit cards.
✔ Pair your food with the right drink –

• Ayran with döner kebabs.
• Şalgam suyu with spicy dishes like lahmacun.
  ✔ Know what to avoid – Skip food that’s been sitting out too long. If it doesn’t look fresh, move on to another stall.

💡 Tip: Try street food in different districts to experience a variety of flavors—each area has its own specialty!

Hidden Gems & Lesser-Known Street Food Experiences

While Istanbul’s most famous street foods are well known, some hidden gems are often missed by tourists. Here are a few lesser-known street food experiences that locals love:

✔ İçli Köfte – A deep-fried, bulgur-stuffed meatball filled with spiced ground beef and nuts.
📍 Best Places: Çiya Sofrası (Kadıköy), traditional lokantas in Fatih.

✔ Turşu Suyu (Pickle Juice) – A refreshing and tangy drink made from fermented pickles.
📍 Best Places: Eminönü, Kadıköy, and traditional pickle shops in Balat.

✔ Badem Ezmesi (Almond Paste Sweets) – A sweet, soft almond paste confection, originally from the Ottoman period.
📍 Best Places: Hacı Bekir (Eminönü), Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir (Beyoğlu).

💡 Tip: If you want a true local experience, ask vendors about their specialties—many small carts sell unique regional dishes that aren’t always well-known!