Turkish Cuisine: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them in Istanbul

When I first moved to Istanbul from the Bay Area, I was blown away by the sheer variety and richness of Turkish cuisine. It’s not just about kebabs and baklavathough those are amazing too. The city is a melting pot of flavors, influenced by its rich history and diverse cultures. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone looking to try something new, Istanbul has a dish for every palate. So, let’s dive into some must-try dishes and where to find them.

Living here with my rescue cat Luna, I’ve had the chance to explore many hidden gems and popular spots. I’m always excited to share my findings with you, especially when it comes to food. After all, good food is one of life’s simple pleasures. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider…

In this article, I’ll take you on a culinary journey through Istanbul. We’ll talk about the dishes you absolutely must try and the best places to find them. By the end, you’ll be ready to book your ticket and embark on your own food adventure.

Must-Try Dishes in Istanbul

Kfte: The Ultimate Turkish Meatballs

Kfte is a staple in Turkish cuisine, and it comes in many varieties. From negl kfte to zmir kfte, each region has its own twist. These meatballs are typically made with ground beef or lamb, mixed with spices, onions, and breadcrumbs. The best place to try kfte in Istanbul is Tarihi Sultanahmet Kftesi, a historic spot near the Blue Mosque. Their kfte is grilled to perfection, served with a side of piyaz (bean salad).

Mant: Turkish-Style Ravioli

Mant is often referred to as Turkish ravioli, but it’s so much more than that. These tiny dumplings are filled with ground meat and served with a generous helping of yogurt and spicy tomato sauce. It’s a comfort food that’s both hearty and delicious. For the best mant in town, head to Akana Mant in Beikta. Their mant is handmade and cooked fresh to order.

I’m torn between the traditional mant and the spinach mant, but ultimately, the classic beef filling wins every time. Maybe I should clarify that the yogurt sauce is what really sets this dish apart. It’s creamy, tangy, and the perfect complement to the spicy tomato sauce.

Pide: The Turkish Flatbread

Pide is a boat-shaped flatbread that’s often compared to pizza, but it’s uniquely Turkish. The dough is stretched thin and topped with various ingredients like cheese, spinach, or ground meat. It’s then baked in a stone oven until crispy. For an authentic pide experience, visit Fccn in Beyolu. Their pide is made with the freshest ingredients and baked to perfection.

Lahmacun: Turkish Pizza with a Twist

Lahmacun is another pizza-like dish, but it’s thinner and crispier than pide. The dough is topped with a mixture of ground meat, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s typically served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of greens. Van Kahvalt Evi in Beyolu serves some of the best lahmacun in the city. Their version is light, crispy, and packed with flavor.

Is this the best approach? Let’s consider… Maybe I should clarify that lahmacun is traditionally eaten by rolling it up with greens and a squeeze of lemon. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy this delicious dish.

Kebabs: The Star of Turkish Cuisine

Kebabs are the star of Turkish cuisine, and there are countless varieties to try. From i kebab (skewered meat) to Adana kebab (spicy ground meat), each one is unique and delicious. For a true kebab experience, visit Hamdi Restaurant in Eminn. Their kebabs are grilled to perfection, served with a side of lavash bread and a variety of mezes (small dishes).

Baklava: A Sweet Finish

No meal in Turkey is complete without a sweet finish, and baklava is the ultimate Turkish dessert. Layers of thin phyllo dough are filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It’s flaky, sweet, and utterly irresistible. Karaky Gllolu is famous for its baklava, and for good reason. Their baklava is made with the finest ingredients and baked fresh daily.

I’m always amazed by the variety of baklava available. From pistachio to walnut, each one has its own unique flavor profile. It’s hard to choose a favorite, but the classic pistachio baklava always wins me over.

skender Kebab: A Meat Lover’s Dream

skender kebab is a meat lover’s dream. Thinly sliced grilled lamb is served over a bed of pide bread, topped with tomato sauce and melted butter. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The best place to try skender kebab is Kebap skender in Bursa, but if you can’t make it there, skender Kebab in Istanbul is a great alternative.

Mercimek orbas: The Perfect Comfort Food

Mercimek orbas is a simple yet comforting lentil soup that’s a staple in Turkish cuisine. It’s typically made with red lentils, onions, carrots, and spices. The best place to try mercimek orbas is iya Sofrasi in Kadky. Their soup is hearty, flavorful, and the perfect comfort food on a cold day.

Dner Kebab: The Original Kebab

Dner kebab is the original kebab, and it’s a street food staple in Istanbul. Thinly sliced meat is cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in a wrap or on a plate with rice and salad. For the best dner kebab, head to Karadeniz Dner in Beikta. Their dner is made with the finest ingredients and cooked to perfection.

Maybe I should clarify that dner kebab is best enjoyed with a side of ayran, a yogurt drink that’s both refreshing and tangy. It’s the perfect complement to the rich, flavorful meat.

Gzleme: The Turkish Pancake

Gzleme is a savory Turkish pancake filled with various ingredients like cheese, spinach, or ground meat. It’s typically cooked on a griddle until crispy and golden. The best place to try gzleme is Van Kahvalt Evi in Beyolu. Their gzleme is made with the freshest ingredients and cooked to perfection.

I’m always amazed by the variety of fillings available for gzleme. From cheese to potato, each one has its own unique flavor profile. It’s hard to choose a favorite, but the classic cheese and spinach gzleme always wins me over.

Ready to Embark on Your Own Food Adventure?

Istanbul is a city that’s rich in history, culture, and most importantly, food. From kfte to baklava, there’s a dish for every palate. So, why not embark on your own food adventure? Try some of these must-try dishes, explore the city’s hidden gems, and experience the true essence of Turkish cuisine.

And if you’re looking for more than just a culinary experience, consider exploring the other aspects of Istanbul’s vibrant scene. Whether it’s a full health check-up, a bit of cosmetic dentistry, or even a hair transplant, the city has something for everyone. Who knows, you might just fall in love with Istanbul as much as I have.

FAQ

Q: What is the best time to visit Istanbul for food?
A: Istanbul is a year-round destination for food lovers. However, the best time to visit is during the spring (April to May) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Q: Are there vegetarian options in Turkish cuisine?
A: Yes, Turkish cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian options. Dishes like mercimek orbas (lentil soup), gzleme (savory pancake), and pide (flatbread) can be made with vegetarian fillings.

Q: What is the best way to explore Istanbul’s food scene?
A: The best way to explore Istanbul’s food scene is by foot. Walking allows you to discover hidden gems, interact with locals, and truly immerse yourself in the city’s culinary culture.

Q: Is Turkish cuisine spicy?
A: While some dishes can be spicy, Turkish cuisine is generally mild. Spices are used to enhance flavor rather than heat. However, you can always ask for your dish to be made spicier if you prefer.

You Might Also Like

• Health Benefits of Turkish Cuisine
• Top Restaurants in Istanbul for Traditional Turkish Food
• How to Make Turkish Coffee at Home