Top 10 Best Istanbul Street Food You Must Try

Istanbul is a vibrant city with different cultures, deep history, and also with a great selection of foods! Street foods have a special place in Turkish culture but especially in Istanbul, street food is an inseparable piece of the city’s identity. Today even fine-dining restaurants in Istanbul serve street-food-inspired platters. 

In this article, we would like to share with you the best street food in Istanbul for you to enjoy. Eat them, love them and take photos with them. Share your opinions, and comments as well as your photos. Here is our Instagram account, follow us! @istanbultouristpass 

Simit

The Ultimate Turkish Street Food Simit is basically a kind of bagel covered with sesame seeds. But actually, it means much more to Turkish people. At first, you may be surprised how many simit counters you see around Istanbul! There are also cafes like Simit Sarayi for you to enjoy simit and other pastries with Turkish tea. So to sum up, you should try it if possible in the morning so it will be fresh and crisp. 

Boiled or Grilled Corn

Especially in Sultanahmet and Beyoglu, you may see many counters and push cars selling freshly boiled or grilled corn sprinkled with salt. Traditionally corn was sold only in winter, but great news; now you can enjoy this delicious street food anytime. If it is your first time, you will fall in love but be careful smiling after you eat, you may need a mirror first. :)

Roasted Chestnuts

You may come across these roasted chestnut sellers in every corner of Istanbul. They are grilled on push cars of vendors and you may see them mostly even in the early hours in Sultanahmet. Enjoy this traditional street delicacy of Istanbul, you’ll be surprised if it’s your first time. 

Fish Sandwich 

Istanbul's iconically famous fish sandwich is basically grilled or fried fresh fish stuffed in bread with salad and onions. You can enjoy this delicious sandwich on the shores of Eminonu, there are specially designed boat cafes near Galata Bridge. You may try some pickled hot pepper with your sandwich. 

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Stuffed Mussels

Mussels are freshly collected from Bosphorus and served with special rice in them. These mussels sold by street vendors are not raw but cooked with rice and spices. They are specially sold in the evenings and at night in Istanbul. You may want to put some lemon on the rice in mussels. Be careful, you may end up eating 20+ mussels without knowing because they are delicious! 

Wet Burger

These amazingly delicious small burgers are wet because their bread is soaked in a delicious tomato sauce. Inside, there is a spiced meatball which also has garlic in it. Although now there are other cafes serving them, the hometown of these wet burgers is Taxim Square. You will love it, especially with Turkish salty buttermilk called ayran.

Kokorec

Kokorec is prepared with carefully cleaned lamb intestines and grilled on a charcoal fire. After cooking, they are cut into pieces and while cutting spices are added as your choice. This delicious food is often served in a sandwich. Traditionally it is eaten at night in Istanbul but you can enjoy this delicacy whenever you are hungry. Since it may be a different taste for you, so go with a smaller sandwich your first time. 

Kumpir 

Kumpir is basically a baked potato stuffed with butter, cheese, sausages and some salads of your choice. Ortaköy can be assumed as the hometown of kumpir, there are plenty of kumpir sellers serving huge kumpirs. You may take your kumpir and then enjoy the amazing Bosphorus view on the seaside in Ortakoy. 

To sum up, if you are in Istanbul you must try the street food of your choice. We recommend you try them in cafes if possible and for some of them be careful if your stomach is sensitive to spices. Whatever your choice is take some photos and share your comments with us. Here is our Instagram: @istanbultouristpass

If you refill your energy with delicious snacks, now it is time to check out 100+ FREE attractions included in Istanbul Tourist Pass. It is great for the budget, easy to use and has great guided tours in it! 

FAQ

What are the top 10 Turkish Street foods?

1. Simit (sesame-crusted bagel)
2. Grilled or boiled corn
3. Grilled Chestnut
4. Kokorec (charcoal-grilled lamb intestines)
5. Fish Sandwich (Fresh fish of Bosphorus)
6. Wet burger (soaked in tomato sauce)
7. Stuffed Mussels (Stuffed with spicy rice)
8. Kumpir (Baked Potato stuffed with appetizers)
9. Rice with chicken on top
10. Börek (Turkish patties)

Is it Safe to Eat Street Food in Turkey?

It is mostly safe to eat street food in Istanbul because the vendors are carefully inspected by authorities. 

What is the most famous street in Istanbul?

Istiklal Caddesi is the most famous street in Istanbul. Istiklal Caddesi starts from Beyoglu and ends in Galata.

Is street food cheap in Istanbul?

Yes, it is cheaper than the food in cafes & restaurants.

What is the most common street food in Istanbul?

Simit and borek are the most common street foods in Istanbul.