Must Try Istanbul Street Foods (And a Few to Skip!)

The thrill of trying new food is half the reason I travel—and Istanbul street food was the jackpot for a foodie like me.

After three weeks of traveling through Turkey, my husband and I made it our mission to eat everything Istanbul’s street vendors had to offer. Some bites were absolutely delicious, while others… well, let’s just say they’re for a more adventurous palate.

With years of travel under my belt (and a borderline obsession with street food), I’ve learned what’s worth savoring and what might not live up to the hype.

In this post, I’m sharing my top picks for must-try street food, plus the ones I wouldn’t recommend, so you can plan your culinary bucket list.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what dishes to try, how much they’ll cost, and where to find them.

Now, let’s dig into the delicious world of street food—you’re in for a treat!

Istanbul Street Food You Need to Try

If you’re anything like me, food isn’t just part of the travel experience—it is the experience. And when it comes to Istanbul’s street food, you’re in for a flavor-packed adventure. From sweet to savory (and everything in between), here are the must-try dishes that’ll make your taste buds happy!

But before we get into it you should know that exploring Istanbul’s street food scene is an adventure that takes you across the city. To efficiently get around and discover hidden gems, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with local transportation options.

Simit: The Turkish Bagel

Price: 10-20 Liras ($.34 to $.69 US)

This little round bread, covered in sesame seeds with its crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside, is as iconic in Turkey as bagels are in New York. It’s practically sold on every street corner and is the first street food we tried on our Istanbul Food Tour.

It’s got a satisfying crunch on the outside and a soft, fluffy center—like a distant cousin to a pretzel. You can snack on it as-is or slice it open to make a sandwich.

My favorite way to eat it is with cream and honey which is the locals’ favorite way. A must try!

Bal Kaymak: Cream and Honey

Price: 5 to 26 Liras ($.14 to $.75 US)

Bal Kaymak (cream and honey) holds such a special place in Turkish hearts that there’s even a saying: “I love you more than cream and honey.”

Made with rich water buffalo milk and sweet honey, it’s a perfect addition to breakfast or a satisfying treat anytime. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s practically a national treasure.

This was my husband’s and my personal favorite. We ate with every breakfast.

Pro Tip: Pair it with Simit for the ultimate Turkish flavor combo!

Pide: The Turkish Pizza

Price: 10 Liras ($.30 US)

Pide (pee-day) is kinda like a cross between a calzone and a pizza. It is referred to as “Turkish Pizza,” and honestly, who doesn’t like pizza?

This hearty baked flatbread is loaded with all kinds of toppings, from gooey cheese and sausage to spiced meat and spinach. It’s indulgent, delicious, and completely worth it!

Kokorec: Lamb Intestine Sandwich

Price: 40 Liras ($1.37 US)

Let’s talk about one of Istanbul’s wildest street foods.

If you can get past what it’s made of (we’re talking grilled lamb intestines and organs like heart and kidneys), you’re in for a treat.

It’s basically the Turkish version of a Philly cheese steak sandwich. Trust me, I was skeptical at first, too, but after one bite, I was hooked.

Just be brave and try it. It was hands down, one of my favorite street foods.

Midye Dolma: Stuffed Mussels

Price: 15 Lira each ($.51 US)

When I was diving into my (very thorough and very necessary) food research for Istanbul, midye dolma—stuffed mussels—was high on my list to try.

These little guys are packed with herbed rice, served cold, and topped off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. I’ll admit, the idea of cold mussels threw me at first. But after one bite, I was hooked.

You’ll find these sold at street vendors on the Asian side.

Midye Tava: Fried Mussels on a Stick

Price: 10 to 20 Lira ($.29 to $.57 US)

These fried mussels are served on sticks and are downright irresistible.

Coated in a flavorful mixture of flour, eggs, and beer, they’re fried to perfection, creating a crunchy golden crust. Paired with a creamy yogurt and garlic sauce, they’re the ideal snack or a light, satisfying meal.

Baklava:

Price: 650 Lira/500 grams ($18.66 for 1.1 pounds)

There’s baklava, and then there’s Turkish baklava—trust me, they’re not the same thing. I’ve tried plenty, but nothing even comes close to the real deal in Turkey.

Baklava is paper-thin layers of buttery, flaky phyllo dough stacked high and stuffed with finely ground pistachios, walnuts, or almonds. Then it’s all drenched in sweet syrup or honey.

It’s so good that I had fresh Turkish baklava shipped home for my wedding reception!

Maraş Dövme Dondurması: Turkish Ice Cream

Price: 50 to 100 Lira ($1.44 to $2.88 US)

Let’s talk about Maraş Dövme Dondurması—the ice cream that does things its own way. This stuff is so thick and chewy that you can literally eat it with a knife and fork.

But honestly, the real treat isn’t just the ice cream—it’s the show. The vendors are basically comedians in aprons, flipping cones, pulling tricks, and keeping you guessing while you try not to laugh (or cry when they fake you out).

It’s hands down one of the most fun and unforgettable foods you’ll try in Turkey.

Turkish Coffee:

Price: 20 to 40 Lira ($1.00 to $2.00 per cup)

Turkish coffee is brewed with super-fine coffee grounds in a little pot called a cezve (usually brass or copper), and it’s served unfiltered—so don’t chug it unless you want a mouthful of grounds! The magic is in the rich, bold flavor and the way it’s steeped in tradition.

Fun Fact: those leftover grounds at the bottom are sometimes used for tasseography, a fortune-telling ritual where the patterns reveal your destiny.

Whether you’re sipping it for the taste or hoping to uncover your future, Turkish coffee is one cultural experience you can’t skip.

Turkish Kahvalti: Turkish Breakfast

Price: 10 to 100 Lira (depending on what you order) ($.29 to $12.50 US)

In Turkey, breakfast isn’t just a meal; it’s an event.

Kahvaltı (kah-VAHL’-tuh) is all about gathering around the table with family or friends, sipping lovingly brewed tea, and sharing an incredible spread of dishes. My first experience of a Turkish breakfast was on our incredible guided Food Tour of Istanbul, where we made some new friends.

The table is filled with small plates of fresh cheeses like feta and kashkaval, black and green olives, fluffy bread fresh from the oven, honey, fruit preserves, sweet butter, and of course, plenty of steaming black tea served in those charming little Turkish tea glasses.

Trust me, this is a breakfast you won’t want to miss!

Istanbul Street Foods I Don’t Recommend

There are some foods here that might not be your thing—and that’s totally okay because they were not mine either. Trying new stuff is part of the adventure, but no one’s judging if you politely pass on these.

Balık-Ekmek: Fish Sandwiches

Price: 150 Lira ($5.14 US)

I love fish, but balık-ekmek (aka fish sandwich) was just not it for my husband and me. After two bites, we tossed it. The strong fishy taste and smell, plus all the bones, made it a no-go.

Here’s the thing: everyone seemed to hype it up in my research. So maybe it’s just one of those “love it or hate it” foods. If you want to give it a shot, you’ll find it at the casual street food stands under the Bosphorus Bridge.

Turşu Suyu: Pickle Juice

Price: 10 to 20 Lira ($.29 to $.40 US)

Okay, so turşu suyu (pickle juice) is a huge deal in Turkey, but let me just say, it was a no go for me. I could barely get through a sip.

Unless you’re into chugging straight vinegar and salt, I don’t recommend it.

There are two versions: one with a vinegar base and another with lemon. You’ll find it at fish stands, markets, or from vendors dedicated to selling nothing but this salty concoction.

I even saw a woman casually sipping a full glass like it was soda. It’s definitely an acquired taste—and one I didn’t acquire!

Mısır: Street Corn

Price: 5 to 10 Lira ($.14 to $.29 US)

Mısır (roasted corn on the cob) is a street food staple in Istanbul.

But I’ve got to be real with you; it didn’t do it for me.

Sure, you can jazz it up with lemon juice, mayo, or ketchup to tweak the flavor. But even with all that, I thought it was bland, boring, and honestly, not worth the room in my belly!

You’ll see it sold at street carts all over Istanbul. But, I’d save your appetite for something more exciting.

More Street Food in Istanbul to Consider

Istanbul’s street food scene has a few more gems that deserve a shoutout. I didn’t get a chance to try these myself (there’s only so much room in one belly), but the reviews are fantastic.

If you’ve got the time and the appetite, they’re definitely worth considering!

Döner Kebab:

Price: 200 to 400 Lira ($6.82 to $13.64 US)

How did I not try this?!

Döner kebab is hands down one of the most popular street foods in Istanbul.

“Döner” means turning, which makes sense because the meat—usually lamb, beef, or chicken—is cooked on a vertical rotisserie that slowly spins.

Once it’s perfectly cooked, it’s shaved off into thin, juicy slices. You can get it stuffed into flatbreads or served on a plate with rice or salad.

The toppings are where it gets even better: lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and sauces like yogurt, garlic, tahini, or spicy red pepper sauce push this over the edge.

If you see this, go for it! It’s a classic for a reason.

Lahmacun: Turkish Street Pizza

Price: 9 to 12 Lira ($.26 to $.34 US)

Lahmacun is kind of like pizza’s thinner, meatier cousin.

This super thin disc is spread with a flavorful paste made from minced lamb or beef, chili, onions, and all sorts of spices. It’s baked in a scorching hot oven and served fresh with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Find this tasty treat at kebab shops and stands all over Istanbul.

Kumpir: Loaded Baked Potato

Price: 250 Lira ($8.53 US)

Kumpir is like a fluffy, baked potato on steroids, loaded with all the toppings like olives, peas, sausage, pickles, and finely chopped veggies. It’s one of the most popular street foods in Istanbul with many locals and is served everywhere.

I’ll be honest, I skipped it to save room in my belly for something more interesting. But hey, if you’re a baked potato fan give it a try!

Islak Burger: Wet Burger

Price: 70 Lira ($2.39 US)

This Turkish street food favorite is pretty simple.

It’s a beef patty smothered in tangy tomato sauce and tucked inside a soft, steamed bun.

I’ll admit—I skipped this one because soggy buns just aren’t my thing. But it’s got a serious fan base, so if you’re curious, give it a try and see what the hype is all about!

Is it Safe to Eat Street Food in Istanbul?

Absolutely!

Street food is a huge part of the Turkish food scene, and it’s not just delicious—it’s safe to enjoy, just like traveling to Turkey itself is safe.

Some of the best food in Istanbul can be found at street vendors, and honestly, my favorite meals during my Istanbul trip came from these unassuming little stalls.

The key is to follow the locals. Look for busy vendors with a steady crowd. If the locals trust it, you can too.

Or book a food tour with a local guide. This is what we did, and we absolutely loved it! Can’t recommend it enough.

Street food in Istanbul is a must-try for anyone looking to fully experience the city’s culinary culture.

If your still concerned, here are some tips to keep your street food adventures safe:

• Spot the blue certification number on food carts.
• Check for cleanliness—skip any that look sketchy.
• Watch them cook your food fresh right in front of you.
• Be careful with raw options like sushi or oysters.
• Stick to bottled water to stay on the safe side.

I’m sure this is just the tip of the ice burg of questions you have about visiting Turkey, so I’ve included this article on 33 Key Things to Know Before Going to Turkey + Scams to Avoid

📌 Love it? Pin it!

This post is part of my Turkey travel series! If you’re planning a trip and want more tips on where to go and what to do, check out these guides below.

Best Time to Visit Turkey: Balloons, Beaches, and Insider Tips

A Complete Guide on What to Wear in Turkey as a Woman

Where to Stay in Istanbul For First-Time Visitors + Best Hotels

That’s a Wrap!

I hope this list makes your Istanbul street food adventure as fun and tasty as mine was.

I may have only had three days in this bustling city, but I made it my mission to try as much street food as possible—and let me tell you, it was worth every bite.

While this list doesn’t cover it all, trying even a few of these foods will leave you with unforgettable memories and a very happy belly.

Catch ya later!