Street Foods of Istanbul
11.07.2024 09:13
When you start walking around Istanbul, you can come across a street food on almost every corner. Crispy bagel vendors on one corner, carts selling chestnuts and corn on the other, fish and bread mixing with the smell of the Bosphorus along the sea, boza, which is a must in winter months, mussels on the go, which are a must for night dates, rice in Unkapanı, baked potato in Ortaköy, the list goes on and on and you can't get enough of it.
We are taking you on a journey to discover the street food of Istanbul. You should try these flavors that have blended with the history and urban spirit of Istanbul over time.
Street Foods of Istanbul See On Map
1. Historical Eminönü Sea Fisherman 1945
The historic Derya Balıkçısı in Eminönü has been one of Istanbul's most iconic fish and bread spots since 1945. Serving in the same location for three generations, this boat attracts locals and foreigners with its fresh fish and delicious bread. An essential stop for those who want to taste the spirit of Istanbul.
2. Midyeci Ahmet
Midyeci Ahmet is a place located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, specializing in stuffed mussels. Noted for its fresh mussels and spicy rice, this place also serves street food such as kokoreç. Known for its fast service, Midyeci Ahmet is popular with both locals and tourists.
3. Uncapped Pilaf
The historical Unkapanı Pilavcisi is located in the Mollahüsrev Neighborhood of the Fatih district of Istanbul and has been in service since 1945. It is famous for its flavors such as chicken on rice, chickpea rice and meat rice. It is a place frequented by those who pass by during the day and those who are hungry after their evening strolls.
4. Sabırtaşı İçli Köfte
Sabırtaşı is a place famous for its stuffed meatballs located on İstiklal Street in Istanbul. Founded by a family from Maraş, the business started by selling stuffed meatballs in a small stand and over time turned into a restaurant. The place is known for its crispy stuffed meatballs and manti with yoghurt and basil sauce.
5. Fulya Wrap Shop
Fulya Dürümcüsü has become one of the taste spots for both the locals and Istanbulites. The place stands out with its flavors such as Adana wrap and spicy paste. It is one of the places that should be on the list of wrap and kebab lovers.
6. Historical Five Six Kirvem Tantuni
Located in Karaköy, it is one of the places frequented by tantuni lovers. Thinly sliced and spiced meat marinated in hot pita bread is served. Don't forget to flavor the tantuni with fresh lemon juice and herbs. This place with a small atmosphere can be quite crowded during peak hours.
7. Ortakoy Baked Potato
If you have a good appetite, we can head to the kumpir paradise on the Bosphorus coast of Istanbul. Kumpir is served by adding butter and kashar cheese to baked potatoes and mashing them, then filling them with various ingredients such as corn, olives, sausage, salad, kısır and jalapeno. You can shape the content according to your taste.
8. Vefa Bozacı
Vefa Bozacisi is a historical boza shop located in the Fatih district of Istanbul and has been operating since 1876. At Vefa Bozacisi, it is customary to add cinnamon to the boza and consume it with roasted chickpeas. You should experience this atmosphere with the crowd in front of the shop on cold winter evenings in the Vefa district.
9. Galata Vitamin Bar
Vitamin Bar is a good stop to catch your breath and rest while climbing up the Yüksekkaldırım hill towards Galata. It is known for its freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, healthy smoothies and vitamin drinks. It is especially preferred in the summer months for its refreshing and nutritious drinks.
10. Eminönü Pickle Shop
There is no one who has come to Eminönü without seeing and smelling the delicious and colorful pickles. Although fish is eaten with bread, pickles have become a special street food consumed on the shores of the Golden Horn as a flavor in itself.
11. Kizilkayalar Wet Hamburger
It has become a special taste for hamburger lovers, especially Taksim regulars. Wet hamburger, which we can describe as a snack, is prepared by steaming meatballs and special tomato sauce poured over soft white bread. It is especially popular late at night.
12. Simit Maker Saim Usta
Simit maker Saim Usta has added a different interpretation to the simit with his modest cart near Cağaloğlu. He heats it on embers like a barbecue and fills it with different ingredients such as chocolate or cheese according to his customers' wishes.
