Türkiye’s vibrant street food culture offers a rich and diverse culinary experience. From savoury snacks to hearty meals, here are some must-try Turkish street foods:
1. Fish Sandwiches (Balık Ekmek)
A tradition born from Istanbul’s fishing culture, fish sandwiches feature freshly caught fish cooked and served right by the Marmara Sea. A visit to Eminönü on Istanbul’s historic peninsula is incomplete without enjoying this simple yet delicious meal.
2. Simit
Often called the “Turkish bagel,” simit is a sesame-crusted bread ring sold by street vendors balancing trays on their heads or from carts. It’s best enjoyed with cream cheese, chocolate spread, or simply a cup of tea. Variations, like sunflower seed-encrusted simit, add to its popularity.
3. Çiğköfte
This meat-free dish, made from fine bulgur and spices, is served with greens, pickles, lemon, and pomegranate sauce. You can eat it wrapped in lettuce or as a dürüm in thin flatbread for a mess-free experience.
4. Wet Burgers (Islak Burger)
These steamed burgers, drenched in a garlicky tomato sauce, are a Taksim Square staple. While they might not win beauty contests, their rich, bold flavour is unforgettable.
5. Kumpir
A massive baked potato loaded with butter, cheese, and your choice of toppings like olives, corn, or sausages. Ortaköy is famous for its kumpir, where you can customise your own creation.
6. Grilled or Boiled Corn (Mısır)
Grilled corn on the cob is a quintessential Turkish street snack, especially in summer. Alternatively, try boiled corn or corn kernels served in cups with toppings like ketchup or spices.
7. Roasted Chestnuts (Kestane)
A hallmark of winter, roasted chestnuts are sold in paper bags by street vendors. Warm and comforting, they’re perfect for cold days.
8. Döner Kebab
One of Türkiye’s most iconic foods, döner consists of seasoned beef or chicken cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It’s served as a sandwich, in a dürüm wrap, or alongside rice, with garnishes of your choice.
9. Lahmacun
Often called “Turkish pizza,” lahmacun features thin, crispy dough topped with minced meat, vegetables, and spices. Roll it up with parsley and a squeeze of lemon for the perfect on-the-go meal.
10. Gözleme
Hand-rolled dough filled with ingredients like spinach, cheese, or minced meat and cooked over a griddle. Gözleme is freshly made at markets and bazaars, offering a warm, savoury treat.
11. Kokoreç
A bold midnight snack, kokoreç is lamb intestines seasoned and cooked over a charcoal fire. Served in a sandwich, its rich flavour is beloved by night owls.
12. Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)
These mussels, stuffed with spicy rice, are eaten with a squeeze of lemon. Be warned—they’re so addictive, you might lose track of how many you’ve had!
13. Pilav
Street vendors sell rice topped with chicken or chickpeas, a simple yet satisfying dish often paired with a refreshing cup of ayran, a yoghurt-based drink.
14. Köfte (Meatballs)
Vendors grill köfte, or Turkish meatballs, and serve them in bread with optional vegetables. It’s a hearty, flavour-packed snack perfect for any time of day.
Turkish street food is a feast for the senses, offering something for every taste. Don’t miss the chance to try these iconic dishes on your next visit!
Source: Daily Sabah
