10 Street Foods a tourist must taste in Turkey

Turkey is renowned for its vibrant street food culture. Here are 10 must-try street foods for a tourist visiting Turkey:

1. Simit

A Turkish sesame-covered bread ring, often likened to a bagel. It's crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Pair it with tea for a classic Turkish experience.

2. Döner Kebab

Thinly sliced lamb, chicken, or beef cooked on a vertical rotisserie, served in bread or wraps with vegetables and sauces. A true staple of Turkish cuisine.

3. Lahmacun

A thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and spices. Often referred to as "Turkish pizza," it's rolled up with parsley, lemon, and sometimes onions.

4. Balık Ekmek

Literally "fish sandwich," it features grilled fish, lettuce, onions, and lemon juice stuffed into fresh bread. A must-try near Istanbul’s Galata Bridge.

5. Kumpir

A stuffed baked potato loaded with toppings like cheese, olives, sausage, pickles, corn, and mayonnaise. Found in places like Istanbul's Ortaköy district.

6. Gözleme

A savory, hand-rolled flatbread filled with spinach, cheese, potatoes, or minced meat. It's cooked on a griddle and served hot.

7. Midye Dolma

Stuffed mussels filled with spiced rice, served with a squeeze of lemon. A coastal favorite in cities like Izmir and Istanbul.

8. Çiğ Köfte

Traditionally raw meatballs made with bulgur, tomato paste, and spices, but nowadays often made vegan. Wrapped in lettuce with a splash of pomegranate molasses.

9. Kokoreç

Grilled lamb intestines mixed with spices, chopped, and served in bread. A flavorful option for adventurous eaters.

10. Künefe

A sweet treat made from shredded filo pastry, filled with stretchy cheese, soaked in syrup, and topped with crushed pistachios. Best enjoyed warm.

Bonus Tip

Don’t miss out on Turkish tea or Ayran (a salted yogurt drink) to complement your street food adventures!