Turkish cuisine is one of the world’s top cuisines, joining the ranks of French, Chinese, Italian, and the like. Like the country’s cultural mosaic, the food of Turkey is very colorful and contains countless different influences and tastes. The cuisine of Turkey has continued to evolve over centuries, deriving influence from its rich history of lands that hosted first the Byzantine, and then the Ottoman Empires.
1. Balik Dürüm or Balık Ekmek (fish wrap or sandwich)
These are traditionally found in Istanbul, usually near the Galata Bridge and surrounding neighbourhoods. A Balik Dürüm is a dish that wraps with fish and other toppings. The Balık Ekmek is the equivalent to that wrap but in sandwich form.
Places where you can try:
- Emin Ali Paşa – Istanbul
- Karaköy Lokantası – Istanbul
- Balıkçı Sabahattin – Istanbul
- İnciraltı Fish Market – Izmir
- Şile Balıkçısı – Şile, Istanbul
- Akyaka Balıkçısı – Muğla
- Kumsal Restaurant – Bodrum
- Kadıköy Fish Market – Istanbul
- Ordu Balıkçıları – Ordu
- Tekirdağ Fish Restaurants – Tekirdağ
2. Midye Dolma (stuffed mussels)
Midye Dolma are stuffed mussels and one of the most popular street foods you’ll see around Turkey, especially in the coastal cities, but you can try it from the Asian side of Istanbul. These mussels are stuffed with delicious herbed and spiced rice. They are tasty,however it will have some little fishy taste, but it would be easy for you to buy a plate of these and devour them.
Places where you can try:
- Süleymaniye (Grand Bazaar) – Istanbul
- Kadıköy Fish Market – Istanbul
- Taksim Square – Istanbul
- İstiklal Street – Istanbul
- Karaköy – Istanbul
- Çeşme Fish Market – Izmir
- Aksaray – Istanbul
- Ordu Fish Market – Ordu
- Bodrum Marina – Bodrum
- Mersin Fish Market – Mersin
3. Kumpir (baked potatoes)
Kumpir is one of the best street foods that you’ll find in local tourist areas in Istanbul such as Istiklal Street. However, the best place to try it is the famous Ortaköy, Istanbul where there will be many stalls selling these. Moreover, it is a massive baked potato that can be stuff with all the most amazing and delicious toppings you wish. Imagine a build-your-own-sandwich sort of deal but with a potato. The ultimate comfort food and so filling!
Places where you can try:
- Ortaköy, Istanbul
- İstiklal Street, Istanbul
- Beyoğlu, Istanbul
- Kadıköy, Istanbul
- Çeşme, Izmir
- Mersin, Mersin
- Karaköy, Istanbul
- Antalya Marina, Antalya
- Gümbet, Bodrum
- Fethiye, Muğla
4. Gözleme (stuffed turnover)
You can find this dish all over Turkey. Gözleme is one of the popular dishes that is made with the perfect snack, or honestly, you could have it as a full meal. They are savory, Turkish-stuffed turnover stuffed with everything you can ever imagine. You can get sweet or savory ones, and everyone I had was delicious. Such a good comfort food!
Places where you can try:
- Çırağan, Istanbul
- Ortaköy, Istanbul
- Beşiktaş, Istanbul
- Bodrum, Muğla
- Antalya
- Mardin
- Kapadokya, Nevşehir
- Amasya
- Izmir
- Fethiye, Muğla
5. Simit (Turkish bagel)
It is a circular bread that looks like a Turkish version of a bagel. It is traditionally made with sesame seeds, but sometimes you can also have them topped with things such as flax, poppy seeds, or sunflower seeds. You will find these street food stands EVERYWHERE, even on the trains. You will also have the option to spread it with spreadable cheese, or chocolaty Nutella, and really, these would be good dipped in just about anything.
Places where you can try:
- Galata, Istanbul
- Kadıköy, Istanbul
- Sultanahmet, Istanbul
- Taksim Square, Istanbul
- Beşiktaş, Istanbul
- Çırağan, Istanbul
- Beyoğlu, Istanbul
- Izmir Kordon, Izmir
- Konyaaltı, Antalya
- Bodrum City Center, Bodrum
6. Kestane (roasted chestnuts)
Kestane is usually found during fall and winter. You’ll see the street vendor roasting the chestnuts over a fire on some kind of metal pan with holes drilled into them. They look beautiful to look, delicious in taste and smell even better
Places where you can try:
- Sultanahmet, Istanbul
- Taksim Square, Istanbul
- Kadıköy, Istanbul
- Beşiktaş, Istanbul
- İstiklal Street, Istanbul
- Beyoğlu, Istanbul
- Karaköy, Istanbul
- Izmir Kordon, Izmir
- Konak Square, Izmir
- Antalya Old Town, Antalya
7. Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves)
Dolmas are very popular in Turkey. You will not only see these at every restaurant, or shop in the local markets, but you will also see grape vines grown in all sorts of places. It was primarily for the leaves. Dolmas are typically grape leaves that are usually stuffed with the filling of rice, seafood, minced meat, fruit, or any combo of veggies.
Places where you can try:
- Sultanahmet, Istanbul
- Kadıköy, Istanbul
- Taksim Square, Istanbul
- Çeşme, Izmir
- Gaziantep
- Beyoğlu, Istanbul
- Antakya, Hatay
- Mardin
- Bodrum, Muğla
- Konya
8. Kahvalti
The very first thing comes while thinking about the first meal of the day in Turkish is kahvalti. It is synonymous with breakfast, but the literal meaning is “before coffee.” Kahvalti is more of a brunch in Turkey and it is mostly enjoyed with family and friends. It typically includes a spread of fresh bread, cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey, and simit (a sesame-crusted bread ring).
Places where you can try:
- Van, Van
- Karaköy, Istanbul
- Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu, Istanbul
- Mendel’s, Istanbul
- Beylikdüzü, Istanbul
- Cunda Island, Ayvalık
- Bozcaada
- Antakya, Hatay
- Edirne
- Alanya, Antalya
9. Kokoreç (grilled intestine and offal sandwiches)
Okay, this might sound gross to some of the people, but if you can pass what this meat sandwich is made of. It is very tasty. Kokoreç is one of the popular fast foods in Turkey. It consists of goat or lamb intestines wrapped around seasoned offals such as hearts, lungs, sweetbreads,or kidneys, and is grilled.
Places where you can try:
- İskenderpaşa, Istanbul
- Karaköy, Istanbul
- Beyoğlu, Istanbul
- Kadıköy, Istanbul
- Ankara
- Izmir
- Gaziantep
- Antakya, Hatay
- Mersin
- Bursa
10. Manti (Turkish dumplings)
This was one of my favourite foods that you will ever try in Turkey. Manti is one of the Turkish dumplings that is usually stuffed with things such as cabbage, potato, lamb, beef, or pumpkin. It is then served with a variety of toppings where you can go for things such as ketchup, sour cream sauce, onion sauce, garlic sauce, etc.
Places where you can try:
- Kayseri
- Gaziantep
- Beyoğlu, Istanbul
- Kadıköy, Istanbul
- Ankara
- Mardin
- Eskişehir
- Bursa
- Samsun
- Antakya, Hatay
Conclusion
Turkey’s cuisine is more than just food – it’s a reflection of the country’s rich culture, history, and warmth. From the bustling markets of Istanbul to the quiet villages of the countryside, every meal in Turkey offers a story, a tradition, and a taste of home. So next time you find yourself in Turkey, whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, be sure to savor every bite and truly experience the authentic flavors that make this country a culinary paradise.