9 Street Foods to try in Istanbul

Whether you’ve just arrived in Istanbul, are planning your next trip, or simply wondering how to experience the real taste of the city, this guide is for you. We’ve put together a list of 9 must-try street foods that capture the flavor and spirit of Istanbul — plus a bonus drink to end on a refreshing note.

So, get ready and bring your appetite — this journey through Istanbul’s street food scene is going to be delicious!

1. Çiğ Köfte (Vegetarian Meatballs)

The first one on the list is a must-try if you’re visiting Istanbul. Çiğ köfte is one of the most popular and affordable snacks among students and locals alike. It’s fast, filling, and can be found almost everywhere — from small street stalls to chain shops across the city.

The literal translation of çiğ köfte is “raw meatballs.” Originally, this dish was made with raw minced meat, bulgur, and a blend of spices — a tradition said to date back centuries. However, you don’t have to worry if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Since 2015, the use of raw meat in çiğ köfte has been banned due to health concerns. Today’s version is almost always meatless, created with fine bulgur, tomato and pepper paste, and a blend of spices like cumin and paprika, then kneaded into a flavorful paste. However, for those avoiding meat entirely, it is advisable to double-check, as some traditional venues may occasionally include it.

Çiğ köfte is typically served with fresh lettuce leaves, lemon wedges, and pomegranate molasses. You can wrap it in crisp iceberg lettuce or have it in a lavash wrap, which is the most popular and convenient choice for takeaways. The first bite delivers a unique balance of spicy, tangy, and refreshing flavors — a true taste of Istanbul’s vibrant street food culture.

 

2. Simit & Poğaça

If you’ve been to any ferry terminal in Istanbul, you’ve probably noticed the small food trucks lined up near the docks, selling simit and poğaça. Ever wondered why they’re almost always there? It’s because simit is the go-to breakfast for commuters rushing to work — quick, tasty, and very affordable.

But the morning rush isn’t the only reason for their popularity. Seagulls love simit, too! Many people with a few spare minutes before boarding buy an extra one just to feed the birds. Watching seagulls swoop down and catch pieces of simit mid-air over the Bosphorus is a small but delightful Istanbul tradition — one that’s worth experiencing at least once.

So, what exactly are simit and poğaça? Both are types of bread, but quite different in texture and flavor. Poğaça is a soft, fluffy pastry that often comes with fillings such as cheese, olives, or potatoes. Simit, on the other hand, is a crispy, sesame-covered ring of bread — somewhat like a Turkish bagel, but crunchier and slightly sweet from the molasses glaze.

To complete the experience, Turkish people usually drink hot black tea (çay) or ayran, a cold, savory yogurt drink. You can easily buy tea on the ferry — there’s almost always a small canteen onboard — or anywhere around the city. Turks drink tea throughout the day, especially after meals, so you’ll never be far from a steaming glass. Ayran, on the other hand, is the perfect refreshing companion for wraps like çiğ köfte or a simple simit on the go.

So, next time you’re taking a ferry across the Bosphorus, grab a simit, sip some tea, and enjoy the ride through the Bosphorus.

 

3. Kestane

Roasted chestnuts — sometimes called kestane kebabı in Turkish — might not be entirely unfamiliar to you, as many cultures around the world enjoy them, especially during the colder months. In Türkiye, though, they’re more than just a seasonal treat; they’re an inseparable part of winter life. As the weather turns chilly, the smoky aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the streets, especially around busy squares and ferry terminals. It’s a delicious, warming snack you can enjoy on the go, often shared among friends while walking through the crisp evening air.

 

 

 

 

4. Corn on the cob

Right next to the chestnut vendors, you’ll often find stalls selling corn on the cob (mısır). This simple yet beloved street food is just as common — a familiar sight in nearly every place. In Turkey, it is often eaten as a snack after meals and is enjoyed even in the summer heat. Whether boiled or roasted, Turkish-style corn is usually sprinkled with extra salt, which enhances its flavor.

Together, roasted chestnuts and corn on the cob capture the essence of Turkish street food — simple, comforting, and enjoyed by pretty much everyone.

 

 

5. Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)

If you’re walking along the busy streets of Istanbul — especially near the coastline — you’re bound to come across trays of midye dolma, or stuffed mussels. Although it might not be the perfect snack for everyone, they’re one of the city’s most beloved street snacks and a must-try for seafood lovers.

Each mussel shell is filled with a fragrant mixture of rice, herbs, spices, and sometimes pine nuts or currants, then steamed and served cold. When you order, the vendor opens each mussel on the spot, squeezes a bit of fresh lemon juice inside, and hands it to you — ready to eat in one bite. The combination of tender mussel meat, warm spices, and tangy lemon makes it both refreshing and flavorful.

You can find midye dolma vendors almost anywhere — along İstiklal Street, by the Galata Bridge, or near ferry ports — often late into the night. Some people enjoy just a few pieces, while others see how many they can eat in one sitting.

 

 

 

6. Nohut Pilav (Chickpeas & Rice)

Feeling hungry but need a quick and satisfying meal? Nohut pilav might be exactly what you’re looking for. This humble yet delicious dish is one of the most popular meals among students and workers in Türkiye — simple, filling, and affordable. You can find it almost anywhere, from small street carts to casual eateries tucked into every corner of the city.

The name nohut pilav literally means “rice with chickpeas.” But Turkish-style rice might be a little different from what you’re used to. It’s cooked with butter, a touch of oil, and just the right amount of salt, giving it a rich flavor and a soft, grainy texture. When combined with tender chickpeas, it becomes a comforting and hearty meal that’s both nourishing and flavorful.

Many nohut pilav vendors also offer variations topped with shredded chicken or served alongside kuru fasulye — a beloved Turkish dish of slow-cooked white beans in tomato sauce. This is also a main dish commonly consumed all around Türkiye, and it goes perfectly with rice. 

So next time you spot a cart with steaming pots of rice on the street, stop by for a plate of nohut pilav. It’s one of the best ways to experience authentic Turkish home-style cooking, as it’s a meal genuinely enjoyed by locals across the country.

 

7. Balık ekmek + Turşu suyu 

Next on the list is definitely a must-try if you’re visiting Istanbul. This beloved street food is cherished not only by locals but also by visitors from all over Türkiye.

One important thing to know before diving in: bread plays a huge role in Turkish cuisine. It’s consumed daily and in generous amounts, much like rice in many Asian cultures. It’s served with nearly every meal, so it’s no surprise that it also finds its place alongside fish.

The best place to enjoy this delicious combination is Eminönü, one of Istanbul’s most vibrant waterfront areas. If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, you’ll find restaurants lined along the shore serving fresh fish sandwiches. But for the most authentic experience, look for the boats docked at the quay, where vendors prepare balık ekmek — literally “fish bread” — right on board. The fish, usually mackerel, is grilled to perfection, placed inside a fresh loaf of bread, and served with lettuce, onion, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor.

To complete the experience, don’t miss turşu suyu — the tangy pickle juice made from assorted vegetables. You’ll find it sold alongside almost every balık ekmek stand. Its sharp, sour taste perfectly balances the richness of the fish and adds a refreshing kick to your meal.

If you want to experience the real taste of Istanbul street life, a balık ekmek by the Bosphorus is the way to do it.

 

8. Kumpir 

Kumpir is yet another street food deeply loved by locals across Türkiye. It’s not something you can easily make at home, as its signature flavor comes from being baked in a special high-heat oven that gives the potato a crisp skin and fluffy interior.

So, what exactly is kumpir? In simple terms, it’s a baked potato — but with a Turkish twist. The whole potato is cooked with its skin on until the inside becomes soft and creamy. Then, it’s split open, and the insides are mashed together with butter and cheese without breaking the peel. The result is a smooth, flavorful base ready to be topped with a colorful array of ingredients. You can choose from olives, corn, pickles, Russian salad, sausage, ketchup, mayonnaise, and much more. Every serving is fully customizable, so no two kumpirs are quite the same.

The best place to try kumpir is Ortaköy, a lively neighborhood by the Bosphorus in Istanbul, famous for its kumpir stands lined up along the waterfront. There, you can enjoy your warm, stuffed potato while admiring the sea view and the iconic Ortaköy Mosque — a perfect mix of good food and scenery.

 

9. Islak Hamburger

Planning to pass by the famous Taksim Square? Then you must definitely try this hamburger. Known as Islak hamburger, or literally “wet burger,” this late-night favorite has become an iconic part of Istanbul’s street food scene — especially among those wandering around Istiklal Street after a long night out.

So what makes it “wet”? Unlike a regular hamburger, the ıslak hamburger is made with a soft white bun and a simple meat patty, both drenched in a rich, garlicky tomato-based sauce. The burgers are then stacked in a glass-steamed case, where they stay warm and moist until served. The result is a small, saucy, slightly messy burger bursting with flavor — soft on the outside, juicy on the inside, and absolutely irresistible.

You’ll easily spot the famous ıslak hamburger stalls near Taksim Square, glowing behind their steamed glass displays. They’re a favorite stop for locals looking for a quick bite on the go or a comforting snack after midnight.

It might not look fancy, but it’s definitely a snack worth trying.

 

 

 

Bonus: Gazoz

This one is a little bonus on the list — not exactly a street food, but a beloved drink that often accompanies many meals. Gazoz is a carbonated, sweet soda that comes in a variety of flavors, ranging from lemon and orange to more local tastes like rose or mandarin.

It’s important not to confuse gazoz with Turkish sherbet, which is also sweet but non-carbonated and traditionally homemade. Gazoz, on the other hand, is bottled and fizzy — a nostalgic favorite that takes many Turks back to their childhood.

One of the best places to experience authentic gazoz culture is Sevda Gazozcusu, a well-known shop with branches in Balat and on Büyükada (the “Big Island,” the largest of the Princes’ Islands). There, you can sample different regional varieties of gazoz and even try some old-fashioned Turkish snacks while you sip your drink.

It’s a refreshing and cheerful way to wrap up your food adventure — a taste of Turkish nostalgia in every bubbly sip.

 

Let us know!

That’s all for now — but Istanbul certainly has many more flavors waiting to be discovered. The next time you take a stroll through its lively streets, let your senses guide you. Follow the tempting aromas, stop by a street vendor, and don’t hesitate to try something new — you might end up finding your next favorite snack!

What about you? Do any of these foods or drinks remind you of something from your own culture? Have you ever tried any of them before? We’d love to hear about your experience — share your thoughts in the comments and connect with other travelers.

And if you’d like to explore Istanbul with professional guides, visit our website to learn more about our Istanbul tours.