Top 10 Street Food Option in Istanbul
Despite cultural differences in street food, all nations have their own food alternatives. Street food is particularly popular in Latin America and southern Asia. There are two options for street food in Turkey. The most basic sort of street food is small mobile vendors selling maize, simit, and chestnuts, while the other type is small eateries offering wraps and sandwiches (called dürüm in Turkish) or other Turkish meals. In this article, we will discuss the second one.
Find A Street Food Option Nearby
Ozzie’s Kokoreç
Ozzie’s Kokoreç used to sell kokoreç (grilled sheep’s intestines) in a mobile food stand. Then they became popular among a community of famous people and they are now operating in a nice and modern Asmalımescit building which has a historical texture. Kokoreç is one of the most notable dishes when referring to street food and in this restaurant you can eat the most delicious one. You must book a table before you go to Ozzie’s, they only accept customers with a reservation.
Tarihi Balık Dürümcü Mehmet Usta
It’s a small spot in Karaköy which sells fish dürüm. They include some greens, onions and spices to their recipe and that makes their “dürüm” so delicious. There is always a line in front of the spot due to the popularity of Mehmet Usta. Karaköy is a must-see location when visiting Istanbul, and eating fish dürüm here should be on your to-do list if you visit the district.
Asri Turşucusu
Asri Turşucusu, located in Beyoğlu Balık Pazarı, is the perfect location to taste various kind of pickles. The options here are quite extensive such as cucumber pickle, lettuce pickle, greengage pickle, aubergine pickle, pepper pickle and more! They sell the products in a glass with their famous pickle juice if you want to consume your pickles right on the spot. You can also buy pickles from the store to consume later on.
Selahattin Usta Kokoreç
Another great spot for Kokoreç! Selahattin Usta is located in Eminönü and very famous for the constant taste for many years. Spice up your kokoreç with various spices, onions and greens. You may try to consume ayran or şalgam alongside the meal. Also Eminönü is a very historical area in Istanbul that you should add to your destination list and now you know where to eat while you are in this district.
Tarihi Eminönü Balık Ekmek Barbaros Teknesi
If you are in Eminönü but in the mood for eating another option. You can try this place. The spot is located on a boat and prepares one of the most delicious balık-ekmek (fish sandwich). While you are eating, you can enjoy the beautiful seaside view, and watch people fishing. They prepare the sandwiches with greens, onions and spices and serve them with mini chili pepper pickles.
Kızılkayalar
Kızılkayalar is a popular spot established in Beyoğlu. Then they established other branches due to the popularity. The most popular food hear is “Islak Hamburger”. Other options worth trying are dürüm döner with kashar cheese, toats (dilli kaşarlı or kavurmalı kaşarlı is the greatests), and other burger options. There are also varies kind of juices.
Beyoğlu Kelle Söğüş
Muhammet Usta is the chef owner of the place. They are the experts of “Beyin Söğüş”. Also this spot is a popular in meyhane (Turkish tavern) and you can prolong your dining experience by ordering take-out and bringing it to the restaurant area where you will dine.
Galata Simitçisi
Simit is another common street food in Turkish culture. Previously it was only sold by mobile guys walking in the neighborhoods and shout to let peple know simit guy in the region. Nowadays most of the bakeries are selling it either. One of them is Galata Simit, located in Galata in a mini sympathetic shop. You can order simit alongside with cheese, honey, cold cuts or you can order simit sandwiched with the fillings of your choice. There are also other bakery goods such as muffins etc…
Basta Street Food Bar
It’s a very modern style street food restaurant established by chefs who used to work in fine dining restaurants. As a result, Basta offers a gastronomic experience both for tourists and locals. They are only few options in the menu but the taste of all is amazing. Signature dish in the restaurant is Kuzu dürüm (lamp wrap).
Köfteci Mehmet Abi
Köfteci Mehmet Abi cooks a real old school Turkish style street food. The guy is 60 years old. Mehmet Abi has been doing this job for 30 years in the same area. He works only nights. He starts his tour from Karaköy seaside at 23:00 and walk to Galata Bridge and stay there until 5:00 AM. He cooks delicious meatballs (Köfte) in charcoal fire and makes yummy sandwiches.
