Turkey’s Most Popular Street Foods
1. Simit
Simit is one of the most well-known street foods in Turkey. It is a round, crunchy bread coated with sesame, often enjoyed at breakfast or with tea. In Istanbul, it's common to see street vendors selling simit from carts. It’s both an affordable and tasty snack.
Simit:
- Typically eaten with tea.
- Traditional flavor, sesame-covered bread.
- You’ll find simit vendors on almost every street corner in Istanbul.
2. Döner
Döner is one of Turkey's most famous dishes. It is made by cooking meat on a vertical rotisserie and slicing it thinly. Döner can be served as a wrap (dürüm) or with rice (pilav üstü). Döner shops are common on streets across Turkey, offering this delicious street food.
Döner:
- Thinly sliced, flavorful meat.
- Can be served as a wrap or over rice.
- Döner vendors can be found on nearly every street corner.
3. Kokoreç
Kokoreç is a street food that requires a bit of courage to try, but it’s incredibly tasty. It’s made from lamb intestines, seasoned with spices, and cooked over charcoal. The cooked kokoreç is then chopped and served in a bun. It's especially popular for a late-night snack.
Kokoreç:
- Made from lamb intestines.
- Seasoned and cooked over charcoal.
- A popular late-night snack.
4. Lahmacun
Lahmacun is often referred to as "Turkish pizza" — a thin dough topped with a spiced meat mixture and then baked. It’s typically served with lemon, onions, and parsley. Lahmacun is a popular street food, especially during lunch hours.
Lahmacun:
- Thin dough with a spiced meat topping.
- Served with lemon, onions, and parsley.
- A quick and satisfying street snack.
5. Midye Dolma
Midye dolma (stuffed mussels) is a popular street food, especially in big cities like Istanbul. Fresh mussels are stuffed with seasoned rice and herbs, then served with lemon. You’ll find street vendors selling these delicious treats, either hot or cold.
Midye Dolma:
- Fresh mussels stuffed with rice and herbs.
- Served with lemon.
- A popular street snack.
6. Börek
Börek is a pastry made by filling dough with ingredients like cheese, minced meat, or spinach, then baking it. Street vendors, often called "börekçis," sell fresh börek. It's a practical and filling snack, often eaten for breakfast.
Börek:
- Filled with cheese, minced meat, or spinach.
- Sold fresh by street vendors.
- A common breakfast and snack option.
7. Çiğ Köfte
Çiğ köfte is a spiced raw meatball made from fine bulgur, herbs, and spices. It’s usually wrapped in lettuce and served with lemon. For those who don't eat meat, vegetarian versions are also available.
Çiğ Köfte:
- A spicy and flavorful snack.
- Wrapped in lettuce and served with lemon.
- A great vegetarian alternative.
8. Kumpir
Kumpir is a baked potato filled with various toppings like cheese, sausage, olives, corn, mayonnaise, and ketchup. It’s particularly popular among young people and is commonly sold at street vendors.
Kumpir:
- A baked potato filled with a variety of toppings.
- A filling and delicious street food.
- Especially popular among young people.
9. Islak Hamburger
Islak hamburger (wet burger) is a popular late-night street food, particularly in Istanbul. The burger patty is soaked in a tomato sauce and served in a steamed bun. It’s a quick, satisfying snack for those craving something hearty.
Islak Hamburger:
- A burger patty soaked in tomato sauce.
- Popular for late-night snacking.
- A quick and filling option.
10. Desserts: Künefe, Baklava, and Ice Cream
Turkey's street desserts include künefe, baklava, and ice cream (dondurma). Especially during the summer months, you’ll often see street vendors selling fresh dondurma, and künefe and baklava are commonly found on the streets as well.
Desserts:
- Künefe, syrupy baklava, and fresh ice cream.
- Dondurma is especially popular in the summer months.
- Some of Turkey’s sweetest treats.
