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Istanbul's street food is a tough competition for any other city in the world. Its food is a melting pot of the continents, combining the best of the Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian cuisines. Every street food in the city is an ode to the past. It has been influenced by the changes of migration, empire, and trade for a millennium. Food is not only a necessity in Istanbul but a legacy that has been handed down from one generation to another. The city’s street food culture thrives on contrast: old and new, refined and rustic, mild and spicy. Locals start their mornings with simit and tea, grab a döner kebab for lunch, and end the day with stuffed mussels or a plate of kokoreç. Each dish reflects the rhythm of daily life—quick, flavorful, and deeply rooted in Istanbul’s character. Let’s take a walk through these vibrant streets and discover what makes Istanbul’s street food scene one of the most exciting in the world. Simit Nothing can characterise Istanbul's breakfast as much as street vendors carrying trays of simit. The bread rings are cooked till crispy and coated with sesame seeds. Simit is similar to a bagel, but it is lighter and crisper. The meal goes quite well with the Turkish tea. People eat it on its own, with cheese, or Nutella. Simit is cheap and easily found everywhere. It is not just the most common meal of the day, but an experience that unites the city across generations. Döner Kebab If we are talking about the street foods of Istanbul, we must mention the iconic döner kebab. The revolving meat tower is just as visually pleasing as it is flavourful. Lamb, chicken, and beef are spun. The meat is roasted on a vertical rotisserie and thinly sliced to serve. With fresh veggies, a little yoghurt sauce, pita and lavash, you get the perfect meal on the run. This legendary dish is found nearly everywhere in town and defines the Istanbul experience. Balık Ekmek Balık Ekmek is a fish sandwich popular in Istanbul. Fresh mackerel is grilled and sandwiched between two buns along with onions and lettuce. This dish is even more delicious when eaten straight from the pier. Balık ekmek is not just a snack; it is an experience that includes food and ambience all in one memorable bite. Midye Dolma Istanbul is well known for its night scenes, and midye dolma thrives in the dark hours. This dish contains mussels filled with spiced rice, herbs, and a bit of lemon. Each shell is a tiny treasure, bursting with the flavours of the Aegean. It’s a very simple and quick way to eat: the seller puts a mussel in your hand, you pour lemon on it, and eat it immediately. This is a snack that shows very well how the city is a mixture of sea and land. Kokoreç Among the most controversial Turkish street foods is kokoreç, which is a dish that takes a lot of courage to try, but nevertheless, the locals love it. The main ingredients are lamb intestines, which are marinated with spices. Once the roasting is done, it is minced, mixed with oregano and chilli, and served as bread filling. The result is an intensely smoky and spicy dish. Usually, kokoreç is consumed after midnight, thus being Istanbul’s late-night comfort food. Lahmacun Thin, crisp, and bursting with flavour, lahmacun is often called Turkish pizza. However, it is far lighter and more aromatic. The dough used is very thin, and the topping is a mixture of minced meat, onions, tomatoes, parsley, and spices, which is then baked to a crispy texture. With fresh greens and a lemon drizzle, it serves as a perfect snack at any hour of the day. Lahmacun is a showcase of Turkish cooking’s skill—an impeccable harmony of spice and simplicity blended effortlessly. Kumpir Ortaköy is a vibrant neighbourhood where one can spot numerous kumpir stands drawing large crowds of food enthusiasts. This is how the Turks do baked potatoes: the potato is cut open, mixed with butter and cheese, and then pumped up with a colourful variety of toppings—olives, corn, pickles, sausages, and even Russian salad. Soft and filling, Istanbul’s food is both innovative and comforting at the same time. It is the go-to street food for those who want to combine tastes and textures in one delightful dish.
