My Delicious Istanbul Street Food Adventure
Here's a peek at some of my favorite finds!
Mila
9/27/20244 min read
I’ll be honest—when I arrived in Istanbul, I was already excited about the food. But I had no idea just how incredible the street food scene would be!
Everywhere I turned, I was greeted by mouthwatering aromas and friendly street vendors calling out their specialties. It didn’t take long for me to dive right in, and, honestly, I’m so glad I did.
Here's a peek at some of my favorite finds!
My Must-Try Street Foods in Istanbul
Simit: This one’s a no-brainer and a great way to start your day! Imagine a big, sesame-crusted bagel (but lighter and crispier) that you can munch on anywhere. I grabbed mine near Eminönü, close to the ferry docks. You can spot the simit sellers easily—they usually have trays stacked high with these delicious rings. Get one fresh and pair it with a hot cup of Turkish tea if you want to feel like a local.
Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich): This was such a fun experience! Head over to Galata Bridge, where you’ll find vendors grilling fish right on boats bobbing by the shore. They slap that juicy fish into a crusty bun, add some lettuce and onions, and voilà — pure joy! I swear, it’s the freshest fish sandwich you’ll ever taste.
Kumpir: I know, I know—how exciting can a baked potato really be? But trust me, kumpir is on a whole different level! Picture a huge, fluffy potato mixed with butter and cheese until it’s super creamy, then packed with everything you can imagine: pickles, olives, sausage, corn… the works! The best one I had was in Ortaköy. I couldn’t even finish it, but it was so worth it.
Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels): If you’re wandering around Taksim Square at night, you have to try these. The vendor pops open the mussel shells, revealing spiced rice, and then squeezes some fresh lemon on top. I couldn’t stop at just one—seriously, they’re addictive.
Dürüm: This is basically a Turkish wrap, and I found the best ones in Kadıköy Market on the Asian side of Istanbul. Juicy meat, crispy veggies, and herbs, all wrapped in a soft flatbread. It’s the kind of thing you can eat on the go, and I definitely did!
A Few Tips for Enjoying Istanbul’s Street Food Like a Pro
Go where the locals go: If you see a long line, it’s probably worth the wait!
Pick clean stalls: This goes without saying, but it’s good to be mindful, especially if you’re eating seafood.
Don’t be shy: Chat with the vendors. They’re usually super friendly and love sharing a bit about their food.
Book a Tour: if you don't feel like planning your markets visit by yourself, consider booking a guided tour. When I visited Istanbul with my baby boy, I booked a guided tour on GetYourGuide and it was a great choice plus they always have good deals. (link here Istanbul Guided Food Tour)
Products to Check Out
If you want to experience a bit of Istanbul’s street food magic home, and want to make your travelling easier, here are a few finds that can help:
Turkish Tea Set: Turkish tea and simit go hand in hand. I’d recommend this beautiful tea set to make your tea-time feel extra special.
Turkish Spice Blend Sampler: This spice set will take your homemade wraps and seafood to the next level.
Portable Travel Cutlery: If you’re a street food lover like me, this reusable cutlery set is a must-have. I always keep one handy!
Food Reusable Bags: I always keep them in my backpack just in case I need to store my street food leftovers.
Travel Antibacterial Soap Sheets: Super handy for freshening up on the go, especially when you're exploring street food spots and there’s no soap around. Trust me, you’ll never want to travel without them!
Istanbul’s street food scene totally won me over. It’s more than just food—it’s about the atmosphere, the people, and the sense of discovery that comes with each new bite. Every vendor has a story, and every snack is a little piece of Istanbul’s soul. If you’ve tried any of these, let me know which one was your favorite!
Happy munching!
Mila ❤️
P.S.: Just a heads up — some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you decide to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win — you get awesome stuff, and I get to keep sharing my foodie adventures with you! Thank you for the support! 😊
