1. Simit
One of the quintessential food images of Turkey! This is a circular bread that is super common and can be found all around Istanbul. Typically had for breakfast or as a street snack. Can be dipped into jam or with cheese or a more modern take is filled with Nutella.
2. Soup
Turkish soups are the ultimate comfort foods especially during the winter. Usually, soup shops are open 24/7 making for the perfect late night hang out spot. Soups are also commonly had to break the fast during winter. Three must try soups are Ezogelin (lentil soup), Beyran (lamb soup) and Kelle Paca (head trotter soup).
3. Meze
Meze is a spread of small dishes that are usually vegetarian, cold, fresh and healthy. The idea of this is to be shared by family and friends around the table. It encourages conversation and social gatherings. No better way to bond than over food right?
4. Tantuni
This was one of the finds of our trip to Istanbul. Something so unassuming and humble yet oh so delicious and flavourful. I think because we had never heard of it prior to trying it here also added to this amazement. It is a wrap that has sliced beef or chicken, parsley, raw onions, sumac and tomatoes inside it. This is an absolute must when in Istanbul.
5. Kokoreç
This one is not for everyone (it wasn’t for us). It is lamb intestines that is grilled horizontally over a charcoal fire. Can be had as a sandwich or just on its own. Make sure you nibble on the pickled chillies to cut that meatiness out. Being one of Mark Wien’s favourite dishes in Istanbul, surely it’s worth a try?
6. Midye Dolma
Midye Dolma are rice-stuffed mussels. If you didn’t come across these stuffed mussels on your Istanbul trip, you didn’t really explore the food scene. One of the most popular street food snacks not only in Istanbul but all over Turkey, especially on the coast. If you’re worried it’ll be too fishy, then you have nothing to be worried about. There is no fishy aroma or taste, well at least the one we had it from. An Istanbul must!
7. Ayran
Ayran is a savoury and salty yoghurt drink. This goes perfectly with a meat heavy meal.
8. Balik Ekmek
Another extremely popular Istanbul street snack. It is a grilled mackerel sandwich. The most common place tourists frequent (including us) to try this is at the restaurants under the Galata Bridge. However, I wouldn’t recommend that as we didn’t have the best of experiences. Try to find a spot away from this touristy area.
9. Kunafa
Kunafa is a famous Middle Eastern dessert that most likely comes from the Palestine region (Nablus). There are many variations of this dessert and from them is the Turkish version. In particular look out for the Hatay Kunafa, which is the Turkish speciality.
10. Köfte
This is minced meat meatballs. You get various types of kebabs in Turkey and from them this is quite possibly the most popular one. An authentic place will serve it with the famous yellow pickled chillies and some bread or rice. Simple but oh so satisfying. This legendary spot near the blue mosque serves the Turkish Gulab Jamun – a must try!
11. Salep
If you want the perfect winter drink while you explore the streets of Istanbul, then this is the one. It is a hot milk creamy beverage that is derived from crushed tubers of wild orchid. A perfect taste mix of Horlicks and Custard. Slightly thicker than milk, but not as thick as custard. A very heart-warming winter drink.
12. Baklava
Baklava, like the Kunafa, is another ancient dessert from the Middle East, but in my opinion, it has excelled in Turkey! There are many delicious varieties available to choose from, so there will undoubtedly be something for everyone. You have your usual pistachio or walnut ones and then the more modern chocolate versions too. However, I feel the best one to have is the carrot slice one (yes, that’s what it’s called on the menu) – get it with the Dondurma (Turkish ice cream) and you have an absolute classic!
13. Börek
Borek is a savoury and crispy pastry that is filled commonly with fillings such as cheese, spinach, potato and meat. The perfect quick snack as you take a break from your explorations.
14. Kestane (Roasted Chestnuts)
This may seem like a simple street snack, but it is an old favourite of the Turks. Particularly popular and tasty in the winter, you can’t go wrong with nibbling on these as you explore the streets and markets of Istanbul.
15. Iskender Kebab
Iskender Kebab is one of the most popular dishes in Turkey amongst the locals and tourists. It is basically, Doner kebab served on pita bread, which is then topped with tomato sauce, melted butter and yoghurt. All these elements complement each other perfectly and it is no surprise how much of a revelation this was and continues to be in Turkey and beyond. Doner kebab is usually seen as fast food – something that is served in or with bread and to be consumed on the go. On the other hand, the Iskender kebab is more of a sit down in a restaurant type of meal where it is served on plate. A fancier affair if you will.
16. Turkish breakfast spread – Kaymak and Menemen
Now, the Turkish breakfast spread is not a dish, not a meal, but an experience. You get a beautiful variety of sweet and savoury options put in front of you to enjoy, devour and share with loved ones. Another concept to encourage socialising and conversation. From the spread, I want to single out a couple of standout dishes that you need to try: Kaymak and Menemen.
Kaymak is similar to clotted cream, but it feels a little lighter and less dense. A bit of clotted cream can set you back for days, but Kaymak (probably dangerously) can be consumed with ease and without feeling it. It can be consumed in a number different ways and during different meals. However, the most popular and my favourite is for breakfast with Simit or similar bread. Pour some honey over the Kaymak, then grab the simit and dip it into your mix. Enjoy.
Menemen is one of the most popular Turkish breakfast dishes. Every country has an egg breakfast dish, this is quite possibly Turkey’s most famous one.
17. Sütlaç
This is Turkish rice pudding. Creamy, lightly spiced and served cold it is the perfect post-meal dessert. Not too heavy and easy to consume. The main difference between this and the standard rice pudding is the brown marks on top, which is achieved by leaving it in the oven to form an extra layer of caramel goodness.
18. Pickle juice
Pickles are such a common part of the Turkish cuisine that they can be dated back to the Ottoman times!! So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that they pickle many different types of vegetables and fruits. Above and beyond the usual veggies that one is used to. It also should not be a surprise then that the juice that you get from pickling these goodies is also sold, bought and drunk by people. Yes, pickle juice is a thing! An absolute must try when in Istanbul.
19. Turkish delight
I think this needs no introduction. It is very likely you would have heard of as well as tasted Turkish delight in your life. However, if you haven’t had Turkish delight in Turkey, you haven’t really had Turkish delight. The discovery of our trip was the super delicious and addictive hazelnut Turkish delight. I assumed Turkish delight was just the fruity/floral candy, but you can also get the nutty more creamy types. This is probably our favourite. This’ll probably be more of something that you take back home with you either for yourself or as a gift.
20. Hot drinks
Turkish tea is the national drink of Turkey and Turkish coffee is quite possibly the most famous drink of this category outside of the country. However, they also have other intriguing and very delicious hot drinks including apple tea and a super addictive pomegranate tea.
21. Döner
Quite possibly the most famous and popular Turkish food? Can be eaten in a variety of ways e.g. in a wrap or just on pitta bread or rice with salad. If you love meat, then this is your dream dish!
22. Cağ Kebab
Cag Kebab is commonly known as a horizontal doner, but it is oh so much more than that. It is made with the boneless lamb ribs and boneless leg of lamb meat, resulting in a different taste to your usual doner kebab. Bookmark this, save this, remember this: it may well be the best meal you have!
23. Tavuk Göğsü / Kazandibi
If I told you this is chicken breast pudding, would you believe me? Well, it is. Shredded chicken breast is the core ingredient to make this milky rice pudding. Tastes like rice pudding, but the texture is super unique. Something you have to experience for yourselves.
24. Çiğ Köfte
Çiğ Köfte translates to raw meatballs in English and this is no mistranslation. The reason is because raw meat is (or was) used for this dish. Legend has it that it traces its origin back to the ancient times of King Nimrud (there’s a very interesting story to go with it too), but that will of course be very difficult to verify. It is made with bulgur, ground meat, tomato paste, pepper paste, pomegranate syrup, and lots of spices. Today, in most places bulgur wheat is used solely instead of raw meat due to it being illegal to use in pre-prepared Çiğ Köfte as of 2008.
25. Trileçe
This is the Turkish version of the Mexican Tres Leches. The distinction between the traditional three layers of milk and this version is the added thin layer of caramel on top. The origin of this version is actually debated too. Nonetheless, this is an absolute must try when in Istanbul. It was the single most delicious thing we had during our stay in Istanbul. We were addicted. Please do not leave Istanbul without trying this.
26. Adana kebab
Adana kebab is long minced meat kebab. One of the most well known kebabs in the world. Of course this had to be on the list.
27. Lahmacun and Pide
Lahmacun is a round crispy flatbread topped with various different toppings, usually referred to as the Turkish pizza. Pide is similar in description but it is boat shaped. Minced meat and cheese on these bad boys are an elite combo! Make sure you take in the provided salad and a drizzle of lemon with your bite for ultimate satisfaction.
28. Manti
Manti are small dumplings stuffed with lamb and then topped with tomato, brown butter, and a garlicky yogurt sauce. Delicious! A true local’s favourite.
29. Gözleme
This is the Turkish stuffed flatbread. Usually consumed for breakfast and common stuffings are spinach, cheese or potato (this one is our personal favourite). Often you’ll find women at the front making large batches of Gozleme in such spots. For the Asians, it is basically like stuffed paratha.
30. San Sebastian cheesecake
The San Sebastian cheesecake is basically the burnt basque cheesecake. Originally from Spain, one particular one in Istanbul has taken the world of social media by storm!
Photo credit: @lina6666 from Instagram
