Istanbul's Best Dry Beans and Regional Flavors
Istanbul, with its rich history, also hosts a diverse culinary culture waiting to be explored by both locals and visitors alike. Here are some of Istanbul's most satisfying flavors:
Dry Beans: Istanbul's dry beans are one of the city's most iconic dishes. Usually cooked with meat, onions, and tomatoes, this delicious meal is a staple of Turkish cuisine. You can find different versions and secret recipes in various neighborhoods and restaurants across Istanbul.
Iskender Kebab: Originating from Kocaeli but beloved in Istanbul, Iskender Kebab is a popular dish. It's typically served with thinly sliced doner meat topped with yogurt and butter. It's known for its unique flavor enhanced by the yogurt sauce.
Stuffed Meatballs (İçli Köfte): Another regional delight of Istanbul is stuffed meatballs, known as İçli Köfte. Made by mixing bulgur, minced meat, and spices, often with added walnuts, it's a type of stuffed dish.
Fish Sandwich (Balık Ekmek): Frequently found along the Bosphorus and near the Galata Bridge, fish sandwich is a popular street food where fresh fish is grilled and placed inside bread. With its sea aroma and fresh fish, it's a quintessential Istanbul street food.
Kumpir: Kumpir is one of Istanbul’s famous street foods and is commonly sold at stalls found in popular streets, squares, and shopping centers throughout the city. It is particularly common in areas such as Ortaköy, Beşiktaş, and Kadıköy. Large baked potatoes are split open and filled with butter and grated cheese. Then, a variety of toppings such as olives, corn, pickles, sausage, and hot dog are added.
Lahmacun: Lahmacun is a type of Turkish pizza that can be easily found in bakeries and restaurants throughout Istanbul. It features a thin and crispy dough topped with a mixture of minced meat, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and various spices, which is then baked in the oven. Lahmacun is typically served with lettuce, lemon wedges, and peppers. You can enjoy this fresh and crispy delicacy in lahmacun restaurants located in central areas like Taksim, Kadıköy, and Bakırköy.
Pilav Üstü Döner: Pilav üstü döner is a dish commonly offered in restaurants and döner shops in Istanbul. It consists of a serving of cooked rice topped with thinly sliced döner meat. It is usually served with yogurt, salad, or pickles on the side. You can experience the deliciousness of pilav üstü döner in areas with a high concentration of döner shops, such as Şişli, Kadıköy, and Beşiktaş.
