Turkey's most populous city, Istanbul, is known for its crowds, traffic and hustle and bustle, but it makes up for this intensity with the unique beauties it offers. This unique city, which connects two continents, offers sightseeing routes and flavour stops for every budget with its historical richness, Bosphorus view and multicultural structure. One of the first questions that visitors to Istanbul search on the internet is usually the same: “What to eat in Istanbul?” Here is the answer! We have compiled 17 unique flavours that reflect the spirit of Istanbul that you must taste when you visit the city.
Discover 17 Authentic Dishes Symbolizing Istanbul’s Famous Seven Hills
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1. Don't Leave Without Trying Fish Bread in Eminönü
Fish bread, which has become one of the symbols of Istanbul, takes on a different meaning on the banks of Eminönü. Follow the fragrant smell that envelops the whole street and taste this nostalgic flavour.
2. Sultanahmet Meatballs: Flavour from the Heart of History
In Sultanahmet, which is fascinating with its historical texture, you will be welcomed by the meatball restaurants identified with its name. These meatballs, which you will not forget once you taste them, have a special place on the flavour map of Istanbul.
3. Sariyer Böreği: The Silent Hero of Breakfast
With minced meat, cheese, spinach, potato... Whatever you choose, Sarıyer pastry will make your breakfast unforgettable. Especially when accompanied by the sea air...
4. The Master of Offal: Uykuluk in Sütlüce
Prepared from veal or lamb neck, spleeniness is a special type of offal known for its contribution to the immune system. Don't forget to visit Sütlüce to taste its real flavour.
5. Kanlıca Yoghurt: Pure flavour crowned with powdered sugar
Any milk makes yoghurt, but Kanlıca yoghurt is something else. Try this unique yoghurt with powdered sugar and feel the difference.
6. Ortaköy Kumpiri: Colourful Flavour
Don't leave Istanbul without having a delicious baked bean kumpir on Ortaköy beach, where you can sit against the sea and fill it with whatever you can find.
7. Dry Bean Break in Süleymaniye
Right next to Mimar Sinan's masterpiece, the Süleymaniye Complex, a classic but unforgettable flavour: Dry beans. You will understand the difference when you eat here.
8. Boza and Leblebi: A Warm Memory of Winter Evenings
A warming tradition on cold evenings: boza with a side of chickpeas. Although we don't see bozacı on the streets anymore, this nostalgic taste still keeps the spirit of Istanbul alive.
9. Enjoying Ice Cream in the Islands
You can't go to the islands without tasting colourful ice creams. In a waffle or in a cornet, however you like... Coolness and tranquillity together.
10. Simit and Istanbul View in Üsküdar
Watching Istanbul with eyes closed starts with a bagel on Üsküdar beach. Morning, noon or evening... A bagel is the companion of every moment.
11. Beyoglu Chocolates: Another Name for Happiness
It is impossible to be indifferent to the sweet smell that covers the streets of Beyoğlu. Reward yourself with handmade chocolates.
12. Taksim's Famous Wet Hamburger
A taste sensation that has spread not only in Istanbul but all over Turkey: The wet hamburger. Take a bite in Taksim and the rest will come by itself.
13. Stuffed Mussels: It's everywhere, but it's different in Istanbul
You can find it all over Istanbul, from Silivri to Üsküdar. It is another experience to try this flavour that leaves a mark on the palate with its spicy inner pilaf.
14. Pickle Juice: Refreshment with Sour
Spicy, sweet, red to purple... Meet hundreds of kinds of pickle juice from Beşiktaş to Balat. A different story is hidden in every sip.
15. Follow the Smells of Cookies
In neighbourhoods like Kireçburnu, Şişli and Beşiktaş, the smell of fresh shortbread cookies wafting through the streets will surely draw you to a bakery. Watch your nose!
16. Fish with appetisers in Kumkapi
At Kumkapı, the intersection of cultures, the harmony of seafood and appetisers reaches another dimension. It is an ideal stop for a pleasant dinner.
17. The Most Beautiful Turkish Delight: Ottoman-Inspired Desserts
The lokum shops you come across in Fatih or Beyoğlu bring you together with the exquisite flavours from the Ottoman Empire. A Turkish delight with your coffee completes the memory of Istanbul.