Discover the Flavors of Istanbul: 10 Must-Try Turkish Foods

Welcome to Istanbul, a city where East meets West and every street corner offers a new culinary adventure. If you're planning a trip to this vibrant city, you're in for a treat. We at JAM are foodies and Istanbul is one of our favorite cities in the world for eating! From savory kebabs to sweet baklava, Istanbul's food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Our Istanbul Guide has dozens of recommended restaurants, cafeterias, cafes and more to help you to enjoy eating your way through this foodie paradise!

Here are the top 10 Turkish foods you absolutely must try during your visit to experience the best of Istanbul food.

1. Turkish Breakfast (Kahvaltı)

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast, a feast for the senses. Expect a spread of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggs, and a variety of breads. Don’t forget to try menemen, a delicious scrambled egg dish with tomatoes and peppers. Pair it all with a cup of strong Turkish tea.

2. Simit

Often referred to as the Turkish bagel, simit is a circular bread encrusted with sesame seeds. It's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for a quick snack on the go. You’ll find simit vendors on almost every street corner.

3. Iskender Kebap

Named after its creator, Iskender Efendi, this dish features thinly sliced lamb served over pieces of pita bread, topped with tomato sauce and melted butter. It’s usually accompanied by a side of yogurt. A true delight for meat lovers!

4. Lahmacun

Often called Turkish pizza, lahmacun is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs. Roll it up with some fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and enjoy!

5. Börek

Börek is a savory pastry made from thin layers of dough filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat. It’s a popular breakfast item but can be enjoyed any time of the day.

6. Köfte

These Turkish meatballs are made from ground beef or lamb mixed with spices and herbs. They’re usually grilled and served with rice or bread. Don’t miss out on trying them at Sultanahmet Köftecisi, one of Istanbul’s oldest and most famous köfte restaurants.

7. Pide

Pide is another type of Turkish flatbread, often shaped like a boat and filled with various toppings such as cheese, spinach, or minced meat. It’s baked to perfection and is a must-try for any pizza lover.

8. Gözleme

Gözleme is a traditional Turkish flatbread stuffed with various fillings such as spinach, cheese, or minced meat. It’s cooked on a griddle and served hot, making it a perfect street food snack. You can find gözleme vendors in many markets and street corners.

9. Baklava

No trip to Istanbul is complete without indulging in baklava. This sweet pastry is made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It’s the perfect way to end any meal.

10. Turkish Delight (Lokum)

Finish your culinary journey with some Turkish delight. These chewy, sugar-dusted confections come in a variety of flavors, including rose, lemon, and pistachio. They make for a great souvenir to take home.Istanbul is a city that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. 

Enjoy the best of Istanbul food with our guide!

Istanbul is a city that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you're a foodie or just looking to try something new, these 10 must-try Turkish foods will give you a true taste of Istanbul food culture.

To make the most of your culinary adventure in Istanbul, don't forget to check out our comprehensive Istanbul Travel Guide available at jamtravel.shop. Packed with insider tips, detailed maps, and must-see attractions, it's your perfect companion for exploring this vibrant city. Get your guide today and start planning your unforgettable journey! Happy eating!

PS: Follow along as we post memories from our trips, including some of our many visits to Istanbul filled with great food at our Instagram!