To get the finest street food in Istanbul in 2021, go to ancient areas such as Sultanahmet and Beyoglu (aka Taksim). Sultanahmet is Istanbul’s most touristy area, and it is surrounded by districts like as Sirkeci and Eminonu. Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, and Karakoy are all located in Beyoglu, Istanbul’s contemporary district. While exploring these areas, you may easily go off the beaten path and discover eateries frequented by locals. Street food may be found on Istiklal Street, the center of Beyoglu, as well as Sirkeci and Eminonu, which are local cuisine spots near Sultanahmet. 

taste-street-food-in-istanbul

Midye Dolma In Istanbul

Midye Dolma is a famous street dish in Istanbul that consists of mussels filled with herbed rice, currants, and pine nuts. There are usually street vendors where you may sample this wonderful cuisine, but there are also some established stores. Mercan Kokorec and Sampiyon Kokorec, in particular, are two locations I strongly suggest. Mercan Kokorec and Sampiyon Kokorec are two well-known chains with locations in tourist areas. These businesses may be found at Beyoglu Fish Market (near Taksim Square) or Kadikoy Fish Market. 

Simit 

Simit is an essential element of everyday life in Istanbul. On the streets of Istanbul and on the city’s iconic boats, you may observe many people eating breakfast with simit. Turkish tea, by the way, works very well with simit. Most street bagel sellers put cheese inside the bagel, and it’s a delicious combination. If you want something sweet, you may have your bagel combined with Nutella. 

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Grilled Fish

Balik Ekmek (fish sandwich) may be found around Istanbul. However, when it comes to fish sandwiches, Eminonu is the first location that springs to mind for the residents. It’s a treat to eat fish sandwiches beside the Eminonu fish boats that stand alongside the sea. You may enjoy your fish sandwich while sitting on the street stools and watching the Galata Tower. 

Near the Galata Bridge, which links Karakoy and Eminonu, there are many fish sandwich businesses. If you wish to dine in a formal setting, there are a number of fish restaurants that provide tables under the Galata Bridge where you may sample excellent mackerel. Taksim and Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s most famous tourist attractions, are both within walking distance of Galata Bridge. 

Doner Kebab

Doner Kebab is by far Istanbul’s most popular street dish. The best doner stores may be located in historic areas. In Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Besiktas, and Uskudar, I recommend going to the packed local restaurants where you can’t even get a seat. Donerci Sahin Usta in the Grand Bazaar and Asim Usta (aka Karadeniz Doner) in Besiktas are two locations in Istanbul where you can have a fast and delicious lunch. Zumrut Doner, located near Spice Bazaar, is well worth a visit. 

Wet Burger In Istanbul

Islak Hamburger is another one-of-a-kind Istanbul dish (wet burger). Siraselviler Street in Beyoglu has a plethora of businesses selling Islak Hamburger. The Islak Hamburger, which is served around Taksim Square, is a must-have street dish in Istanbul’s nightlife. A steamed burger is covered with a unique sauce that moistens the burger. This burger is made with a lot of butter, and the burger meat is peppery. As a result, it’s a one-of-a-kind burger worth tasting.