With influences from both Europe and Asia, the culinary scene in Istanbul is as diverse as it is delicious. We’re talking spiked meats and some of the most delicious sweets you’ve ever tasted! Here are five must-try foods when visiting this city.
Kebabs
Kebabs are a staple in Turkish cuisine. There are a few versions worth trying—doner kebab (slow-cooked meat sliced from a vertical rotisserie) and shish kebab (skewered grilled meat). Enjoy it wrapped in flatbread or served with rice and vegetables for a satisfying meal.
@live_thedash The best kebab in Istanbul 🇹🇷 #turkishfood #kebabshop #istanbulcity #istanbulfood #turkishkebab ♬ original sound – Live_TheDash
Baklava
This rich, sweet dessert made of layers of flaky pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and soaked in syrup is pure decadence. You’ll find it in many varieties—try pistachio or walnut baklava from famous shops like Karaköy Güllüoğlu for an authentic experience.
@halimeyy1 BESTT baklava in Istanbul – ⭐️Address👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemankeş Cd. No:67, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul ⭐️Name – Karaköy Güllüoğlu – Nadir Güllü ⭐️Closest station – Tophane istasyonu (4min walk from the station) #istanbultravelguide #istanbuldiaries #baklavaturkey #bestbaklava #foodrecommendation #turkeyfood #foodistanbul #istanbultraveltips #istanbulturkey #farukgulluoglu #nadirgullu #karakoygulluoglu ♬ Famous Mozart's Turkish March(872150) – East Valley Music
Simit
Simit is the perfect on-the-go snack. This sesame-crusted bread ring is crispy on the outside and soft inside. Enjoy it plain, with cheese, or served alongside tea.
@brent.timm.travel My first time eating simit in 🇹🇷 #istanbul #turkey #simit #streetfood ♬ She Share Story (for Vlog) – 山口夕依
Meze
Turkish meze is a selection of small dishes typically served before the main meal, and it’s the perfect way to sample a range of flavors. From hummus and dolma (stuffed grape leaves) to eggplant dips and seafood, meze is the best way to get a taste of the city’s culinary diversity.
@kendineozgemutfak @nevlokantameze / @zorlucenter 📍 #işbirliği değildir ücret tarafımca karşılanmıştır. Mezeleri baya baya iyiydi ve fiyatları piyasaya göre oldukça uygunnnn 🌸🌸🌸 yani lezzet fiyat olarak bu kadar şahane bir mekanı size tanıtmasam olmazdı. Üstelik konum olarak çok merkezi. Arkadaşlarınızla iş çıkışı hızlıca program yapmak için birebir ❤️ 6 lı meze tepsisi – 750 Fellah köfte – 295 Kokoreç -440 #mekan #mekankeşfi #mekanönerileri #mekanlar #tanıtım #mekantanıtım #nevmezelokanta #zorlucenter #istanbul #nereyegidelim #neredeyiyelim #rakımeze #meze ♬ orijinal ses – kendineözge
Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Turkish delight, or lokum, is a famous sweet treat that dates back centuries. Made from sugar and starch, these chewy, fragrant cubes come in a variety of flavors.
@oktaykuruyemi34 En kaliteli lokumlar kalite extra fıstıklı Top quality Turkish delights with quality extra pistachio المسرات التركية عالية الجودة مع الفستق الإضافي عالي الجودة Турецкие деликатесы высшего качества с добавлением качественных фисташек. #turke #türkiye🇹🇷 #istanbul #eminönü ♬ orijinal ses – Oktaykuruyemiş34