I absolutely loved Istanbul! The city is a melting pot of cultures, a conglomeration of delights that can feed both the body and the soul. Istanbul’s food scene is as eclectic as its culture, but the Turkish dishes are the ones that impressed me the most.
I’ll be the first to admit that food preferences are definitely a matter of taste. That being said, you may like the food in Istanbul or not, depending on your taste. However, I would encourage you to try forget about the international (fast) food chains while you’re here, and experience real, authentic Turkish food.
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Traditional Turkish Breakfast
There were a couple of things that surprised me about the food they served us for breakfast in Istanbul. One was that tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and garlic were present at every Turkish breakfast.
The other is that tea replaces the coffee. We had to ask for it specifically if we wanted to have coffee at breakfast. That came as a surprise, considering that Turks drink coffee all throughout the day.
They also serve a white cheese (similar to feta), butter, and a thick cream called kaymak. The rest of the the dishes were very similar to what we get for breakfast in the US (honey, jam, omelet, sausages).
I strongly suggest trying the Menemen, a delicious Turkish style omelet made with roasted onions, peppers and tomatoes mixed with eggs and different herbs.
Traditional Turkish Dishes to Try in Istanbul
Traditional Turkish food is a mixture of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Although not very sophisticated, the Turkish food may be really tasty if it’s well prepared. If you are not a fan of the Mediterranean cuisine, you will have very few food choices left in Istanbul.
However, if you’re heading to Istanbul I suggest you exercise your taste buds and try these authentic foods. Chances are you may fall in love with them.
Shish Kebab
This is one of the many types of kebabs that originated in the Middle East. The dish is made either with lamb, beef, or chicken cubes that are served on a skewer.
Lahmacun
Another traditional Turkish food to try in Istanbul is Lahmacun. This is a super thin, crispy pizza topped with a flavor-packed mixture of minced meat with peppers, tomato, fresh herbs and earthy spices.
Yaprak Sarma
This is a dish made with grape leaves stuffed with rice and sometimes ground lamb, currants, or other ingredients. The rolled up leaves resemble small cigars, and are usually eaten room temperature.
The true origins of this dish remain contested, as some consider it from Greece, others claim it’s Turkish. You’ll find Yaprak Sarma in Romania too (obviously bearing a different name), although it’s not necessarily considered a traditional Romanian food.
Shawarma
This dish is made of meat cut into thin slices, stacked in a cone-like shape and roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie or spit. Originally made of lamb or mutton, today’s shawarma may also be chicken, turkey, beef, or veal.
The name “shawarma” comes from the Turkish word “çevirme,” which means “turning.” In Greece you’ll find a very similar dish, called gyros.
One thing I need to mention is that finding good restaurants in Istanbul may be a real challenge, so I recommend checking the restaurant’s reviews before eating there.
Turkish Desserts
One of the best things to do in Istanbul is try the Turkish dishes and deserts. The Turkish traditional food may not be my #1 choice, but when it come to the Turkish deserts, they are among the best in the world!
Istanbul is truly a sweet-lover’s paradise. There are literally hundreds of kinds of Turkish Delight, Baklava, Halva, dried fruit and other delicious sweets. So if you have a sweet tooth, Istanbul is the place where you may easily loose your waist line. In the 3 days we’ve spent in Istanbul, I managed to gain 5 pounds!
Street Food in Istanbul
Street food and snacks shops are very much a part of Istanbul’s way of life. Especially in the old town, Sultanahmet, where tourists account for most of their customers.
Buying from the street vendors is pretty safe, especially if you get cooked food. Fresh fruit are O.K. too but I suggest you ask them to cut or peal them in front of you.
We bought some very delicious watermelon and pomegranate and didn’t experience any negative effects. But if you want to play it safe, I suggest you wash the fruit in your hotel room. Either way, on Istanbul streets and open markets you’ll find the freshest and sweetest fruits possible. Absolutely delicious!
Buying Food in Istanbul’s Open Markets
You’ll find a great variety of Turkish dishes and fresh food in Istanbul’s open markets. In fact, the open markets are an old tradition in Istanbul dating back to the Ottoman times.
They sell almost anything here, from household items, textile and leather products to fruit and vegetables. One thing to be aware of is that in the open markets prices are negotiable. There is always room for bargaining. How much room? A lot, depending on the time of the day and the items you are buying.
If you are buying perishable items (like fruit and vegetables) and you are approaching the end of the day, the seller will definitely not want to take them home and bring them back the next day.
If it’s clothing or other items that have already been discounted (like 2 scarfs for $5) you may bargain if you buy a larger quantity. In general, prices are inflated by about 50-60%.
Nonetheless, you might not be able to get this discount all the time. Like in every deal making, it depends on your bargaining skills and likability as well as the seller’s mood and urge to sell.
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Ania Travels
I really hope that you brought some baklava home that you can ship to me LOL. When I was in istanbul I was obsessed with their desserts, they’re so damn delicious!!!!
Anda Galffy
You are right. Turkish delight is to die for!
David
I don’t think I properly appreciated Turkish food until I visited. As you say, everyone’s tastes are different and turkish food isn’t exactly light. And the sweets are definitely delicious! I think my favourite foods there were Pide and Kofte. I think you’ve presented a very balanced view of food in Turkey.
Cynthia of Adventuring Woman
I actually loved the food throughout Turkey when I visited several years ago. I was a strict vegetarian at the time so there were a lot of options, and so many delicious veggies. I especially loved the Turkish breakfasts of freshly-made yogurt, honey, fruit, cheese and olives. They had the best olives I have encountered so far, and yes desserts too!
Travel Lexx
We stopped over in Istanbul for a few hours on the way to Japan so got to explore the city in the evening and try some of the delicious food around the markets and city streets. I definitely want to go back and sample more of the food in the city and see its sights. Definitely want to have some of that tasty halva! Thanks for sharing
Urska
Turkish cuisine is not my favourite, but I still like it a lot. For the baklava, almost all I’ve tried outside were way too artificially sweet, but the ones I’ve tried in Istanbul were all amazing.
Anda Galffy
Yea, I agree. The Baklava in Istanbul is the best.
Ruth
In your opinion, why the food in Istanbul lacks flavor? Is it underseasoned or it uses different spices (when compared to other countries)? Or, is the cooking techniques? The desserts look beyond delicious though. All that baklava is too tempting!
Anda Galffy
If I knew why it lacks flavor I would have given them some culinary advice, hahaha!
Anisa
I enjoyed the food in Istanbul, and I am with you the sweets are the best. It’s hard to find baklava like they have in Turkey in the US.
Lolo
I feel in love with baklava while on our honeymoon through the Balkans! In general the food was different and exciting so I can imagine that there are some similarities!
Sara
My apartment in Florence, Italy was above a Turkish restaurant, so those lamb skewers were a regular part of my life… and my clothes always smelled like them too since we had to hang them outside. Every time I see the skewers, I can still smell the scent, lol. I do love the Turkish Delights though. That fresh produce looks AMAZING. I’m definitely craving fruit now.
Sandra
I’m not the biggest fan of Turkish cuisine, but I love their desserts.
eileen g
We have a lot of these foods, or similar things, here in NYC and I’m inclined to like Turkish food, especially all the grilled meats and breads. Great post!
Paula McInerney
Istanbul had so many smells from foods wafting through the city. This bought back very fond memories. I rememeber us ordering a bread type dish, that when it came to our table it was like a full blown balloon. When we put your knife it, it deflated. Pure theatre.
Anda Galffy
Yea, I remember that bread that looks like a full blown balloon, Paula.
Albom Adventures
I was in Istanbul for only one day so I didn’t have time to sample the food too much. I did drink a fair amount of apple tea provided by a rug shop 🙂 .
Todd @ Visit50
There are some good Turkish restaurants in New York City, and now I really went to get back to one soon. I also wonder how authentic the tastes are.
Todd @ Visit50
Yum! I’m so ready for lunch after reading this!
Linda Bibb
I would bet you’re probably a fan of Turkish Doners too. I also love Turkish food. I could eat hummus with a spoon, for one thing. But as you said, there is no disputing taste.
Did you have an opportunity to try fresh dates? I really wish they were easy to find in the U.S. They are so delicious and nothing at all like the dried ones we’re used to.
Anda Galffy
I never tried the fresh dates, Linda, but I’m really fond of the dry ones. Too bad they are so high in calories.
Shobha
I didn’t know Istanbul’s open markets dated from Ottoman times. Wow! I’m sure I’d be awful haggling though. I got completely out bargained in the Istanbul grand bazaar. can’t imagine I’d be any better at food!
Vlad
The food in Istanbul is my number one reason to go back there, so delicious! I’m always craving some of that cheap fresh pomegranate juice 😀
Anda Galffy
“De gustibus non est disputandum”, Vlad. I just like the sweets.
Corinne
Anda, I love Turkish cuisine although Istanbul, especially around Sultan Ahmet, is there for tourists so I have to agree it’s not the best. It’s always a good idea to get away from the touristy spots for good food.
melody pittman
Your website is so perfect! I love exploring all the gorgeous photographs, delicious foods, and beautifully written stories. 😉
Anda Galffy
Thank you Melody. I really appreciate your comment.