Turkey boasts a rich and delicious street food culture. Its street foods offer a variety of authentic and mouthwatering options. Some dishes can be found in almost every city, while others are unique to specific regions. From Istanbul to Adana, from Izmir to Bursa, you will encounter different tastes across the country. These dishes have both a traditional, deep-rooted history and some modern touches that bring them into the present. We’ve listed Turkey’s must-try street foods and the best places to enjoy them.
Simit
Simit is perhaps the first street food that comes to mind when you think of Turkey. It is prepared early in the morning and sold fresh by street vendors, often enjoyed as a breakfast staple. This ring-shaped bread, coated in sesame seeds, is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and pairs perfectly with cheese and tea.
- Tip: Freshness is key. It’s best to buy simit early in the morning. If you’re buying from street vendors, make sure it’s warm.
- Best Places: You can find great simit almost anywhere, but in Istanbul, Beşiktaş and Karaköy districts, along with the street vendors near ferry piers, offer some of the freshest and crispiest simit.
Döner
Döner, or döner kebab, is one of the most popular street foods in Turkey. It’s not just a snack; it’s a meal on its own. For a more detailed look at döner, you can find our dedicated article HERE.
- Tip: Always ask for ayran (a yogurt-based drink) and pickles alongside your döner. Also, pay attention to how it’s cooked; slow-cooked döner, with a slightly crispy outside and juicy inside, is the tastiest.
- Best Places: Karaköy and Eminönü in Istanbul, and Ulus district in Ankara, are home to some of the best döner spots. You can also try different regional varieties in other cities, where marinades and presentations may differ.
Kebap
Kebap is perhaps the most iconic dish in Turkish cuisine, with many varieties. It’s such a vast topic that we have dedicated an entire article to kebap varieties and tips, which you can access HERE.
- Tip: Be sure to try the mezze (small side dishes) that come with your kebap. You can also request lavash (thin flatbread) instead of regular bread.
- Best Places: In Adana, Ziyapaşa Boulevard is famous for its authentic Adana kebap. In Istanbul, Kadıköy has many great kebap restaurants known for their flavor.
Kumru
Kumru is a sandwich that hails from Izmir. It’s made with a special kumru bread filled with ingredients like sausage, salami, and melted cheese. Street vendors often serve it hot, making it a perfect summer evening snack.
- Tip: The best kumru is served hot, with gooey melted cheese. Eating it while enjoying a view by the seaside makes the experience even better.
- Best Places: Alsancak and Kordon in Izmir are famous for their kumru. The street vendors along the coast offer the best versions of this delicious sandwich.
Kumpir
Kumpir is a dish made by baking large potatoes and mixing the soft insides with butter and cheese. You can add various toppings like corn, sausage, olives, and more based on your preference. Kumpir is especially associated with the Ortaköy district in Istanbul, where it has become a local symbol.
- Tip: When ordering kumpir, don’t be afraid to mix and match different toppings. A little bit of everything will create a delicious, personalized combination.
- Best Places: Without a doubt, Ortaköy in Istanbul is the most popular and tastiest place to enjoy kumpir. This dish has become synonymous with this area.
İzmir Bomba
İzmir Bomba is a relatively new but incredibly popular dessert. It’s made with a thin pastry filled with flowing chocolate cream. When served hot, the chocolate oozes out, making it an unforgettable treat for chocolate lovers.
- Tip: It’s essential to eat bomba while it’s hot so that the chocolate inside remains runny. This is what makes it so delicious.
- Best Places: Alsancak and Kordon in Izmir are the best places to enjoy this dessert. It’s tough to find the same level of quality in other cities.
Halka Tatlısı
Halka tatlı is a syrupy dessert made by deep-frying dough and soaking it in syrup. It’s sold fresh on the streets, particularly in the summer, where it’s commonly paired with lemonade.
- Tip: Be sure to buy halka tatlı fresh from street vendors. The crispier it is, the better it tastes. If left for too long, it can lose its crunch.
- Best Places: Street vendors around Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul are known for serving some of the best halka tatlı.
Söğüş
Söğüş is a street food dish particularly popular in Izmir, made with cold, finely sliced sheep or lamb head meat, served with tomatoes, onions, and parsley in a wrap. It’s one of the most beloved snacks in the Aegean region and is usually eaten with spicy sauce.
- Tip: Add spicy sauce and pickles to elevate the flavor of söğüş.
- Best Places: Kemeraltı Bazaar in Izmir is where you’ll find the most authentic version of this dish.
Turkish street foods offer a variety of options enjoyed by both locals and tourists. You’ll likely find something that suits your taste, and it’s hard to be disappointed. In fact, we’re sure you’ll become a fan of a few of these dishes. While we’ve shared a few highlights here, there are many more street foods waiting for you to discover. Afiyet olsun!
