There is no wonder that Turkey boasts a rich culture and history. Turkey is known for its historical sites, wonderful, delicious foods, beautiful beaches, and the famous Turkish bath. Food is not a necessity in Turkey, but rather an extremely fixed part of its culture. Travelers can enjoy a variety of street foods in Turkey. The streets of Turkish towns are active, with food sellers presenting a provocative display of dishes that arrest the core of Turkish food. Beginning with savory delights and moving towards sweet treats, Turkish street foods are a ride through the country’s ironic food tradition. If you are a foodie and love to discover innovative foods, then this is the finest place for you. Here are 15 authentic Turkish street foods you must try, along with information on where to find the best of them.
15 Authentic Turkish Street Foods
Simit
This food is frequently named the Turkish bagel; however, it’s crispier and covered with sesame stones. A ring-shaped Simit baked dish sprinkled with sesame seeds and made with white flour has roots in the Ottoman Empire’s dominion over Anatolia. Simit remains a staple on every traditional Turkish breakfast table. It is traditionally served in small, slim glass cups with cheese, usually feta cheese, black olives, and black tea. You can find simit sellers almost everywhere in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul, where they are available on every street corner.
Kokoreç
Kokoreç is another traditional and one of the best Turkish street foods. In addition to Turkey, other countries, particularly Greece, also enjoy the popularity of this traditional dish. However, there are significant differences between the Turkish and Greek versions of this dish. In the Greek version, people typically use lamb offal such as lungs, kidneys, hearts, and liver, while in Türkiye. They use a slightly bulky intestine and sweetbreads without any additional ingredients. Residents do not associate this dish with nervousness, but it’s a beloved delicacy. The best place to try golden kokoreç ortaköy is in Izmir, where street food is essential.
Lahmacun
Lahmacum is popularly nicknamed Turkish Pizza. We can trace the origin of Lahmacun to Armenia, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkiye, although its exact origins remain uncertain. Lahmacun can originate from various street stalls, as well as from any old cafeteria. Similarly, kebab restaurants serve Lahmacun, typically serving small samples. Occasionally, people roll it up with lemon juice, crispy onions, and a parsley salad known as piyaz. Most kebab shops in Turkey sell Lahmacun, but the most well-known ones are in Gaziantep.
Midye dolma
Midye Dolma, or stuffed mussels, are a common street food in shore towns like Istanbul and Izmir. Spiced rice, pine nuts, and raisins, along with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, occupy the mussels.
Balık Ekmek
A humble but delicious fish sandwich named Balık Ekmek is completed by grilled mackerel, onions, lettuce, and tomatoes stuffed into a thick bread roll. İf you want to eat Balık Ekmek in Istanbul, the best place is close to the Galata Bridge, where food stands assist it hot off the grill.
Gözleme
You can engage Gozleme, a typical Turkish dish, with spinach, cheese, or ground meat. You bake it on a skillet until the outside turns golden and the inside becomes cozy. Gözleme stands can be found at events and village markets throughout Turkey.
Kumpir
Turkish bakers make Kumpir, a baked potato filled with a variety of toppings like cheese, sausages, corn, pickles, and olives. You mash the potato with butter and cheese before adding the toppings. This makes it a rich snack that will fill you up. Ortaköy, a neighborhood in Istanbul, is the best spot for Kumpir sellers.
Döner kebab
There is no such thing as a full list of Turkish street foods without Döner Kebab. Thinly sliced meat, usually lamb or chicken, cooked on a vertical rotisserie makes this dish famous. Most of the time, it is served as a wrapped sandwich, accompanied by sauces and vegetables. Aydın and Istanbul have some of the best döner burgers.
Çiğ Köfte
Despite the name “Köfte” meaning “raw meatballs,” the street version of this dish often lacks meat these days. The ingredients for making it are bulgur wheat, spices, and tomato paste. We serve it with a dressing and some grape wine. Anatolia is the best place to get authentic Çiğ Köfte.
Wet burger (Islak hamburger)
“Islak burger,” also known as “wet burger,” is a Turkish fast food that involves soaking a burger in tomato sauce and keeping it warm in a steam box. It gets messy, tastes spicy, and is totally yummy. Where is the best place in Istanbul to enjoy this late-night snack? Taksim Square.
Börek
Borek can be filled with cheese, spinach, or ground meat. Thin layers of dough form the pie. A lot of people eat it for breakfast or as a snack. It’s baked until brown and crispy. The best börek can be found in Istanbul’s old bakeries.
Pide
Pide, also known as Turkish pizza, is a boat-shaped pancake. Different toppings, such as cheese, eggs, and ground meat, adorn it. Because it is baked in a wood-fired cooker, the taste is unique. People from the Black Sea region know that the town of Bafra makes great pride.
Lokma
Many people around the world love this rich, sugary treat. It is generally made with a mix of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, which is then deep-fried and covered in syrup or honey. People often argue about the long history of Lokma fritters. Most people think they came from Greece or Turkey, but some say they came from Arabic countries. People like to eat them on the street, especially in Aegean towns such as Izmir.
Baklava
Layers of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup, from Baklava, a rich and sweet dessert. There are many places to buy Baklava, but the best is in Gaziantep, which is known as the birthplace of this famous dessert.
Dürüm
Dürüm is a kind of covering that is full of grilled meat, veggies, and other seasonings. This calm meal is perfect for a quick office lunch or dinner. In the streets of Istanbul and Adana, you will discover some of the best Dürüm products.
Conclusion
As a reflection of Turkey’s cultural diversity, the street cuisine available there is rich and varied, reflecting Turkey’s cultural diversity. Finding something tasty is as simple as turning a corner in any of the seaside cities or the chaotic streets of Istanbul. When you visit Turkey, be sure to try these 15 traditional Turkish street foods. They’re more than simply cuisine; they’re a flavor of tradition.