Melo Villareal
What is the most famous street food in Turkey?
An ancient city set in a modern world, Istanbul is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Moreover, Istanbul is a culinary heaven, where you’ll see vendors on every corner selling affordable and flavorful Turkish street food.
Whether you’re on a budget or looking for a quick yet filling snack, here are the 8 Turkish street food you should try at the City of World’s Desire:
1. Dondurma (Turkish Ice Cream)
Ever watched those videos where the ice cream vendors keep trolling their customers? That is Dondurma – a traditional Turkish ice cream that doesn’t melt or drip easily. Dondurma means frozen or freezing, a local delicacy with unexpected ingredients and flavor. This stretchy ice cream is made of sugar, milk, and salep – a powdered orchid root tuber.
2. Simit (Turkish Bagels)
A staple on-the-go breakfast, Simit, is a Turkish Bagel that even the elites can’t resist. This classic street food is sold on every street corner and is often eaten at any time of the day. But unlike American bagels, Simits are unique. It’s crispy, soft, and round in shape but twisted and covered with roasted sesame seeds.
3. Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)
Lahmacun, which means dough with meat, is a Turkish Pizza with thin and crispy flatbread topped with spicy ground meat. It’s often served warm with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. Although Lahmacun is available in other countries, its ground meat topping is to die for, making it one of the most famous Turkish street food.
4. Balik Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
Another popular street food in Turkish cuisine, Balik Emek, is a fish sandwich you should try. This mouthwatering sandwich consists of a grilled or fried filet fish with different vegetables, like parsley, onions, and lettuce. Balik Emek is usually served with mackerel and sold in the Bosphorus region, a great alternative to kebabs and grills.
5. Doner Kebab (Meat in Pita Bread)
Your visit to Turkey won’t be complete without trying the classic Doner Kebab, a flavorful street food adored worldwide. Doner Kebab consists of stacked meat slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Then, sliced and stuffed on crunchy pita bread with herbs and vegetables. Also, it’s often served with lamb or chicken meat and paired with rice, salad, or fries.
6. Kokorec (Grilled Sheep Intestines)
If you’re in for something unique and extra challenging to eat, consider trying Kokorec. This controversial street food is a Turkish delicacy that not everyone will enjoy since it’s made of grilled sheep intestines. The seasoned sheep intestines are wrapped in sweet bread and grilled over a charcoal fire – a post-drunk food you should try at least once.
7. Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)
A Turkish street food that locals enjoy, Midye Dolma is a snack you can see on Taksim’s street corner at night. This Turkish delicacy is a mussel stuffed with rice seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. It’s served on a tray and eaten with freshly squeezed lemon. So if you want a light yet filling snack before you head to sleep, try Midye Dolma.
8. Kumpir (Stuffed Baked Potato)
Looking for healthy yet delicious Turkish street food? Then, Kumpir is definitely a must-try. Kumpir is a popular Turkish street food, a baked potato stuffed with loads of toppings. These huge baked potatoes are sold on street corners, where vendors offer an array of toppings you can choose from, like sweetcorn, olives, mushrooms, cheese, and Russian salad.
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