Best Local & Traditional Foods to Try in Istanbul
Discover the 7 best local and traditional foods to try in Istanbul. Get AI-powered recommendations for authentic dishes, traditional cuisine, and the best restaurants.
Kebap
Kebap is a quintessential Turkish dish that comes in various forms, with Adana and Urfa kebabs being particularly famous in Istanbul. These skewered and grilled meats are typically served with flatbread, grilled vegetables, and a side of spicy sauce.
Ingredients
Best Time
lunch or dinner
Cultural Significance
Kebap has deep cultural roots in Turkey, symbolizing the art of grilling and communal dining.
Where to try it
Meze Platter
A meze platter is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers that showcase the diverse flavors of Turkish cuisine. Common items include hummus, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), and haydari (yogurt dip).
Ingredients
Best Time
anytime
Cultural Significance
Meze is often enjoyed as part of social gatherings, reflecting the Turkish tradition of sharing food with friends and family.
Where to try it
İskender Kebap
İskender Kebap is a beloved dish featuring thinly sliced döner meat served over pieces of bread, topped with tomato sauce and melted butter, often accompanied by yogurt. It's a rich and flavorful meal that Istanbulites cherish.
Ingredients
Best Time
lunch or dinner
Cultural Significance
This dish originated in Bursa and has become an iconic representation of Turkish culinary pride.
Where to try it
Baklava
Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with crushed nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is a staple dessert in Turkey, known for its flaky texture and rich sweetness.
Ingredients
Best Time
dessert time
Cultural Significance
Baklava symbolizes celebration and is commonly served at special occasions and holidays.
Where to try it
Künefe
Künefe is a traditional Turkish dessert made with shredded pastry soaked in syrup and layered with cheese, baked until crispy, and often topped with pistachios. It’s a deliciously decadent treat.
Ingredients
Best Time
dessert time
Cultural Significance
Künefe is especially popular in the southeastern regions of Turkey and has become a beloved dessert across the country.
Where to try it
Ayran
Ayran is a refreshing yogurt-based drink made by mixing yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt. It’s a perfect accompaniment to savory dishes, particularly kebabs, providing a cooling contrast to spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Best Time
anytime
Cultural Significance
Ayran is a staple beverage in Turkish cuisine, often enjoyed during meals or as a thirst quencher on hot days.
Where to try it
Simit
Simit is a popular street food in Istanbul, resembling a sesame-encrusted bagel. Often enjoyed as a quick snack, it's commonly paired with cheese, olives, or jam.
Ingredients
Best Time
breakfast or snack
Cultural Significance
Simit is an integral part of Turkish street food culture and is often sold by vendors on the streets of Istanbul.