Best Turkish Foods to Try in Istanbul: A Local’s Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, you’re in for a treatliterally. The city is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, offering a vast array of delicious dishes that will make your taste buds dance. As a seasoned cosmetic dentist and doctor with a deep passion for aesthetic medicine, innovative dental care, and beauty enhancements, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring Istanbul’s culinary scene since relocating from the Bay Area. Living here with my rescue cat Luna, I’ve embraced the city’s vibrant cultural and creative scene, and I’m excited to share my favorite Turkish foods with you.

Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, Istanbul has something for everyone. From street food to fine dining, the city’s culinary landscape is as diverse as it is delicious. So, let’s dive in and explore the best Turkish foods to try in Istanbul.

Must-Try Turkish Dishes in Istanbul

Kebabs: The Heart of Turkish Cuisine

When you think of Turkish food, kebabs are probably the first thing that comes to mind. And for good reasonthey’re delicious! There are many types of kebabs, but some of the most popular include i kebab (skewered meat), dner kebab (thinly sliced meat served in pita bread), and adana kebab (spicy minced meat skewers). Each type has its own unique flavor and texture, so be sure to try a few different kinds during your visit.

I’m torn between which kebab is my favorite, but ultimately, I think the adana kebab takes the cake. The spicy minced meat is just so flavorful and pairs perfectly with a side of rice and ayran (a yogurt drink).

Meze: Small Plates, Big Flavors

Meze are small plates of food, similar to tapas, that are typically served as appetizers. They’re a great way to try a variety of Turkish flavors without committing to a full dish. Some popular meze include hummus (chickpea dip), baba ganoush (eggplant dip), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and kfte (meatballs).

One of my favorite meze is patlcan salatas (eggplant salad). It’s made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and parsley, and it’s absolutely delicious. I could eat it every day and never get tired of it.

Pide: Turkish Flatbread

Pide is a type of flatbread that’s often topped with cheese, meat, or vegetables. It’s similar to pizza, but with a thinner crust and a unique shape. Pide is a popular street food in Istanbul, and you can find it at many bakeries and food stalls throughout the city.

I like to think of pide as the Turkish version of pizza. It’s just as delicious, but with a unique twist. My favorite topping is kuba (small cubes of meat), but you can also find pide with spinach, cheese, or even eggs.

Mant: Turkish Dumplings

Mant are small dumplings filled with ground meat and served with yogurt and a spicy tomato sauce. They’re a popular dish in Turkey and can be found at many restaurants throughout Istanbul.

Mant are one of those dishes that you just can’t stop eating. The combination of the tender dumplings, creamy yogurt, and spicy tomato sauce is just so addictive. I could eat a whole plate by myself (and I have, on more than one occasion).

Baklava: A Sweet Treat

No trip to Istanbul would be complete without trying baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough and filled with chopped nuts and syrup. It’s a popular dessert in Turkey and can be found at many bakeries and sweet shops throughout the city.

Baklava is one of those desserts that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious. The layers of filo dough are so thin and delicate, and the combination of nuts and syrup is just heavenly. I like to enjoy a piece of baklava with a cup of Turkish coffee for the ultimate indulgence.

Lokum: Turkish Delight

Lokum, also known as Turkish delight, is a sweet confection made with starch and sugar and flavored with fruit or nuts. It’s a popular souvenir to bring home from Turkey, and you can find it at many sweet shops throughout Istanbul.

Lokum comes in a variety of flavors, from rose to pistachio to lemon. My personal favorite is the pistachio lokumthe nutty flavor is just so delicious. But really, you can’t go wrong with any flavor of lokum. It’s all so good!

Ayran: A Refreshing Drink

Ayran is a yogurt drink that’s popular throughout Turkey. It’s made with yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt, and it’s a refreshing beverage to enjoy with a meal or on its own.

Ayran is one of those drinks that you either love or hate. I, for one, am a big fan. The combination of yogurt and salt is just so refreshing, and it pairs perfectly with spicy dishes like adana kebab.

ay: Turkish Tea

ay, or Turkish tea, is a staple of Turkish culture. It’s typically served in small, tulip-shaped glasses and is often enjoyed with a cube of sugar. You can find ay at cafes and restaurants throughout Istanbul.

Turkish tea is one of those things that’s just so quintessentially Turkish. I love to enjoy a glass of ay while people-watching at a cafe or taking a break from exploring the city.

Rak: The National Drink of Turkey

Rak is an anise-flavored spirit that’s popular throughout Turkey. It’s often enjoyed with meze or as a digestif after a meal. Rak is a strong drink, so be sure to sip it slowly and enjoy it with food.

Rak is one of those drinks that’s an acquired taste. I wasn’t a big fan at first, but it’s grown on me over time. I think it’s the perfect drink to enjoy with a spread of meze and good company.

Street Food: Quick and Delicious

Istanbul is famous for its street food, and for good reason. From simit (sesame-crusted bread rings) to balk ekmek (fish sandwiches), there’s no shortage of delicious options to try. One of my favorites is kumpir, a baked potato stuffed with an array of toppings like cheese, corn, and olives. It’s a hearty and satisfying snack that’s perfect for on-the-go.

Another must-try is midye dolma, stuffed mussels filled with spiced rice. They’re a popular street food in Istanbul and can be found at many food stalls throughout the city. The combination of the tender mussels and flavorful rice is just so delicious.

Ready to Indulge?

So there you have itmy guide to the best Turkish foods to try in Istanbul. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, Istanbul has something for everyone. From kebabs to meze to sweet treats, the city’s culinary landscape is as diverse as it is delicious.

I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new during your visit. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite dish. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making some of these dishes at home? It’s a great way to bring a piece of Istanbul back with you.

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FAQ

Q: What is the most popular Turkish food?
A: Kebabs are probably the most popular Turkish food, but there are many other delicious dishes to try, such as meze, pide, and baklava.

Q: Where can I find the best street food in Istanbul?
A: Some of the best places to find street food in Istanbul include the Spice Bazaar, Istiklal Street, and the Karaky neighborhood.

Q: What is a traditional Turkish breakfast?
A: A traditional Turkish breakfast typically includes a variety of dishes such as cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, simit (sesame-crusted bread rings), and ay (Turkish tea).

Q: Is Turkish food spicy?
A: While some Turkish dishes can be spicy, many are not. It really depends on the dish and the region it comes from. For example, adana kebab is typically spicy, while i kebab is not.

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