Istanbul is a place where the smells of spices, roasted meat and freshly baked pastries are present in every corner. Being an East and West melting pot, the city has an unsurpassable street food culture that tells the story of its diverse past and rich life. A stroll in the streets of Istanbul is not merely a sightseeing tour but a journey through all senses with each bite being a narrative.
Individuals who intend to visit the city should not miss the street food scene. Be it in the evening when you are in a hurry or on a break admiring the Bosphorus, the food in the streets of Istanbul will not only leave you full but will also not make you broke. Most Istanbul Tour Packages, Istanbul Holiday Packages, and Istanbul Travel Packages currently have food trails to make sure that the visitors do not miss this gastronomic treat. Get your tastebuds to the following top 10 must-try street foods in Dubai with the help of the best travel agency in the country.
Here are some of the street foods to try in Istanbul
1. Simit- The Turkish Bagel
Simit is a bread ring covered with sesame seeds and crispy on the outside and soft inside. It is one of the popular breakfast foods peddled by red cart vendors. Serve it with Turkish tea as a traditional morning in Istanbul.
2. Balik Ekmek Fish Sandwich by the Bosphorus
Balik ekmek, mackerel fillet freshly grilled and served in a bun with lettuce and onions is a standard fare in the waterfront. Have a go in the vicinity of Eminonu or Karakoy with a ferry perspective of the Golden Horn.
3. Kumpir -Baked Potato with Stuffing
Ortakoy is the place to have kumpir, massive baked potatoes with toppings of olives, pickles, cheese and Russian salad. All bites are heavy, filling and to your taste.
4. Dohner -The Turkish Wrap Icon
The trip cannot be complete without diner. It is made of seasoned meat (most often lamb or chicken) which is layered horizontally on a vertical rotisserie and then sliced and stuffed in pita or served over rice.
5. Midye Dolma Stuffed Mussels with a Squeeze of Lemon
This is a street snack and consists of mussels filled with rice, pine nuts and spices. They are sold by the piece by the vendors, and one simply continues to eat them until full- one of the most addicting bites in Istanbul.
6. Kokorec Grilled Lamb Intestines
Kokorec is not the dish to be taken lightly, but locals love it. Grilled seasoned lamb intestines are cut using herbs and served in bread. It is crispy, spicy and surprisingly tasty.
7. The Borek is a Flaky Pastry stuffed with Savory fillings
Borek is a traditional baked product created in layers of yufka (thin dough), cheese, spinach, or minced meat. An all-time favorite snack or a ready-made meal, most of the bakeries serve it fresh and hot.
8. Lahmacun- Flatbread Pizza- Turkish
Lahmacun is also referred to as the Turkish pizza; it consists of thin flatbread that is adorned with minced meat, vegetables and herbs. It is usually rolled up with parsley and a bit of lemon which makes it refreshing, as well as filling.
9. Ci g Kofte Spicy Raw Bulgur Balls
A spicy combination of bulgur, tomato paste, and herbs, 2, which is originally prepared using raw meat but is frequently vegetarian. It is formed in patties and served with lettuce and pomegranate sauce.
10. Tavuk Pilav- Street Classic Chicken and Rice
Tavuk pilav is a simple yet delicious meal consisting of buttery rice, shredded chicken and chickpeas. It is a common occurrence to find it being sold on mobile carts and it is a favorite of both students and workers.
Conclusion
Whether it is crispy simit in the morning, sizzling kokorec at night, street food in Istanbul is an adventure to the senses. The city has got something to suit every palate-savory, sweet, spicy or refreshing. Every food item shows a piece of Turkish cuisine that is a blend of centuries of trade, migration and tradition.
Your gastronomic experience is one booking away. By booking Istanbul Tour Packages, Istanbul Holiday deals, and Istanbul Travel Packages with the top-rated travel agency in Dubai, you have a chance to explore the streets of Istanbul, get insider tips, and unparalleled Flavors. Not only visit Istanbul but taste it, live it and carry the memories home with each bite of a delicious meal.
