Are you gearing up for a trip to Istanbul and curious about what delicious dishes to try? From the famous Turkish street snacks like simit and doner kebab to beloved classics such as kebabs, mezes, and baklava, Istanbul truly is a food lover’s dream. This guide will take you through the essential Turkish dishes you can’t miss, the top local eateries, and tips on how to dine like a local in Istanbul—whether you’re in the mood for a filling Turkish breakfast, fresh seafood along the Bosphorus, or delightful sweets like Turkish delight and kunefe. Let’s explore ‘What You Should Eat In Istanbul’ that will make your visit truly memorable!
1. Seafoods
We have an agreement even on the first topic of this article. You might have met with Istanbul or Turkey via social media, specifically by some characters, but it was always a house of sea foods instead of Kebab, Doner etc.
1- Seabream
You have plenty of options about cooking techniques in which you can decide. What I like most is ‘Grilled’.
2- Anchovy (Salted)
It must have the type of food in Istanbul (on its seasons). You should definitely try it.
3- Seafood Salad
If you’re looking for something with more green, there you go. Depending on the season, Seafood Salads are prepared with fresh fish and vegetables.
4- Mixed Fish Plate
Most of the restaurants in Istanbul have this option in their menu. It’s giving you an opportunity to taste their Daily brought, fresh fishes in some plate. Portions can be numbered depending on the groups or individuals.
So you’ve met with my 4 especially to suggest to all of my guests in Istanbul. I have prepared a catalogue about ‘What To Eat In Istanbul (Ultimate Food List and Locations)’ and also ‘How You Can Cook Them At Your Home’. I’m sharing this 2 editions of catalogues to my guests, even when we’ve been together for only 1 session.
Bonus: The location advice to eat these 4 foods.
(Let them know about you’re the guests of @atourguideinconstantinople so you might have a surprise)
2. Local Meatball Legend (Sultanahmet Koftecisi)
The restaurant has been in business since 1920. From generation to generation other local tastes are their expertise. You can easily find their location If you’re near Hagia Sophia or Basilica Cistern (It’s on the sidewalk of Sultanahmet Tram station for only a minute distance.)
If you absolutely have no chance to settle down for 15 minutes, you can grab and go to this local taste too. My suggestion is to have lunch break and give it some time to digest from the right way.
What you should order: Grilled Meatball on plate + Rice + Ayran (Cold Turkish Beverage based from yoğurt) and shine it with Semolina Halvah (Irmik) in the end.
Bonus: You should order and try Bean Salad (Piyaz) before the dessert (Halvah).
3. Kumpir (Baked Potato)
After baking in the oven, remove the inside of the potato and add the potato filling, carrots, pickles, corn, olives, cheddar cheese, butter, and optionally sausage, mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard.
It is consumed hot and may test your patience a bit. It is very delicious because it is hot, so it should be eaten cold and with patience.
There is only one way to eat Kumpir (Baked Potato) in Istanbul. The Ortakoy (name of the district) is famous for this local dish.
You’ll want to continue more and more until you’ve satisfied. And the location I will share will increase your appetite since it’s on the coastalyard of Bosphorus. With a glance under the bridge, you’re going to face a view.
Bonus: It’s advised to have your dinner in the evening around 5-6 pm. So you can catch your sunset.
Just know that foods in Istanbul are diverse. I have been experiencing it over the years since my hometown. It’s hard to recognize all these foods in a couple days. You should not miss the historic side of Istanbul as well as foods and local tastes. Therefore I’ve been sharing all these types of things with the people who joined my tours.
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Oğulcan ÖZDİL, Founder & Professional Tour Guide
