Best Street Food Istanbul (You Can Eat Without Getting Sick)
Hi, I’m Bekir. In recent years, I’ve been trying to understand the world and have been traveling.
Street food is everywhere here. It smells amazing, it is amazing, and locals eat it without a second thought. But you? You’ve got one stomach and one shot at this trip.
So yes, you can enjoy the food without gambling your gut. You just need to know what to eat, where to get it, and how to avoid the rookie mistakes. Let me walk you through it — no stress, no regrets. Just good food.
Is it safe to eat street food in istanbul (And How to Stay Safe)
Let’s be real — things have changed big time in Turkey.
Prices have gone through the roof. And when inflation hits hard, it doesn’t just mess with money — it changes the way people live, shop, and yes… even eat.
That’s what’s happening in Turkey right now. Food costs have exploded, and some restaurants are struggling to keep up. Sadly, a few cut corners — using lower-quality ingredients, skipping hygiene standards — and it’s the customers who pay the price. Literally.
Now add this to the chaos of Istanbul — one of the most crowded cities in the world — and yeah, things can get a little wild.
But don’t stress. I’ve lived here for years, and I’ll give you real, practical tips to eat well, stay safe, and enjoy every bite — no nasty surprises.
Please note that due to frequent price fluctuations in Turkey, I’m currently unable to share accurate pricing information.
Be sure to check out these tips for your trip to Istanbul
- Istanbulkart vs Single Ticket (How is public transportation in Istanbul)
- Your Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Taxi Scams in Istanbul
- 10 Turkish Phrases Every Tourist Should Know to Avoid Scams in Istanbul
Balik Ekmek ( Fish Sandwich) Safe Street Food in Istanbul
Eminonu is one of Istanbul’s busiest and most iconic areas — and yes, you’ll probably find yourself there at some point. The moment you get close to the water, the air smells like grilled fish. That’s Balik Ekmek (Fish Sandwich), a must-try street food in the city.
You’ll notice boats by the shore selling these sandwiches. They’re famous, crowded, and tempting. But here’s a smarter move: skip the boats and head under the Galata Bridge. That’s where you’ll find local-approved restaurants that serve the same classic sandwich — cleaner, fresher, and safer.
Why It’s a Safe Option:
- High turnover = always fresh ingredients
- Regular inspections by city authorities
- Preferred by locals — and that says a lot
Insider Tip:
Eating on a rocking boat might sound like an adventure, but it usually means no soap, no sink, and nowhere to sit. The restaurants under the bridge? They’ve got real kitchens, seats, and actual hygiene standards.
And for the full experience, don’t just grab a soda — pair your fish sandwich with a glass of pickle juice. It’s bold, local, and surprisingly refreshing.
Simit: It’s Everywhere… But Is It Actually That Good?
In Istanbul, simit is sold on almost every corner, but hygiene matters. While street vendors offer fresh simit, the hygiene standards are not always regulated. Bakeries, on the other hand, typically provide a more controlled and hygienic environment. For safer and fresher simit, it’s best to grab one from a bakery in the morning. However, not every bakery is trustworthy. There are also street vendors who take hygiene seriously. Let me share two reliable places where you can enjoy simit with peace of mind.
Why you should still try it (at least once):
- It won’t break the bank.
- It’s edible nostalgia.
- It’s a local habit.
You can find simit on almost every corner in Istanbul — but I know a special spot where it tastes better. Imagine this: fresh simit, hot Turkish tea, a stunning Bosphorus view… and yes, your wallet will thank you.
1) 👉 [Istanbul on a Budget: Explore Like a Local for Just $40.]
Also,
2) If you are on your way to Taksim, Grab a simit here
Islak Hamburger (Wet Burger) Istanbul's Irresistible Late-Night Snack
The Most Reliable Places for Islak Hamburger (Wet Burger) in Istanbul
- Kizilkayalar Hamburger – Taksim, Kadıkoy, Besiktas, Cengelkoy
- Bambi Cafe – Taksim, Osmanbey, Sirkeci, Mecidiyekoy, Kadıkoy
You can safely enjoy food from both places. I personally prefer Kizilkayalar.
Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels): A Must-Try Turkish Street Food
Midye Dolma (stuffed mussels) pronounced: “Mid-yeh Dol-mah is not exclusive to Turkey. Similar dishes can be found throughout the Mediterranean, Middle East and Greece. But it’s especially popular in Istanbul and the coastal regions of Turkey. This street food, which consists of mussels stuffed with rice and spices, is often sold fresh. While there are concerns about hygiene, as many videos show the unsanitary conditions in which they are prepared, if you can find a reputable place, it’s definitely a must-try while in Turkey.
You’ll find street vendors selling midye dolma (stuffed mussels) on almost every corner in Istanbul. They’ll offer you more and more as you eat, and if they realize you’re a tourist, they may charge high prices. For both hygiene and taste, it’s better to avoid street vendors and find a reputable place to enjoy this delicacy.
Reliable, High-Quality, and Delicious Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels) in Istanbul
- Midyeci Ahmet
- Kadıkoy Midyecisi
- Midyeci Ismail
Kokorec (Grilled Lamb Intestines) – A Different Kind of Delicious
Kokorec (Grilled Lamb Intestines) is one of Turkey’s most iconic and controversial street foods. Made from seasoned and grilled lamb or sheep intestines, it’s a dish deeply rooted in Turkish street food culture — and no, locals are not giving it up anytime soon.
Over the past few years, the price of kokorec has gone up a lot. But despite inflation, Turks still love it. Why? Because it’s more than just food — it’s a tradition, a late-night ritual, and for many, the ultimate comfort snack.
When do locals eat kokorec?
Not in the morning — definitely not. Kokorec is a classic late-night food, especially popular after a night of drinking. It’s heavy, spicy, and exactly what many crave after the bars close. If you’re looking to experience Turkey like a local, this might be your boldest (and most flavorful) step.
Pro tip: Choose a place that’s busy and smells amazing — locals know where to go. If you’re not sure, just follow the crowd.
Top-Rated Kokoreç Spots in Istanbul You Can Trust
- Cengelkoy Kokoreccisi
- Sampiyon Kokorec
- Eminonu Gala Kokorec
Tavuklu Pilav (Chicken and Rice): A Staple of Turkish Street Food Culture
Tavuklu pilav (Chicken and Rice) is a popular turkish food. If you travel through different cities in Turkey, you’ll notice that almost every corner has a place where people are enjoying this classic dish. In Istanbul, there’s no shortage of pilav vendors. But let me make it easy for you — I’ll point you to the best and most reliable spots to get your hands on this delicious comfort food. And don’t forget to pair it with a cold glass of ayran — a traditional yogurt-based drink that perfectly complements the flavors of this dish.
Top-Rated Tavuklu Pilav (Chicken and Rice) Spots in Istanbul You Can Trust
- Historical Kalkanoglu Pilavcisi
- Famous Unkapani Pilavcisi
- Tarihi Karakoy Pilavcisi
Kumpir (Baked Potato)
If you’re traveling in Istanbul and looking for a hearty street food experience, you’ll definitely come across kumpir — a popular Turkish take on the baked potato.
But this isn’t your average potato.
Kumpir starts with a large baked potato that’s cut open and mashed with butter and cheese until it’s creamy and fluffy.
Then comes the fun part: the toppings.
You can load it up with just about anything — olives, pickles, corn, peas, sausage, Russian salad, spicy sauces, and more.
The result is a customizable, over-the-top meal in a potato.
In Istanbul, the go-to place for kumpir is Ortakoy, a lively waterfront neighborhood along the Bosphorus.
You can walk there from Besiktas, and once you arrive, you’ll find a whole street lined with kumpir stands.
Just a heads-up — the vendors can be a bit… enthusiastic.
Don’t be surprised if they loudly try to get your attention and steer you into their shop.
It’s all part of the experience.
Where to Eat Dessert in Istanbul?
Istanbul is full of amazing dessert spots and patisseries — seriously, too many to count. I’ll write a full post about them soon, but for now, here’s my top pick: Karakoy Gulluoglu.
It’s not just famous — it truly deserves the hype. The baklava and other desserts here are buttery, crispy, perfectly sweet, and honestly? A bite feels like a warm hug from Turkish culture itself. Prices are fair, the quality is top-tier, and it’s just a short walk from Eminonu.
Is it safe to eat street food in Turkey
what to eat in taksim
The best thing to eat in Taksim? Hands down, it’s the famous Islak Hamburger (Wet Burger from Kızılkayalar) — and while you’re there, don’t miss out on their shawarma, too.
What is turkey's most popular food
That’s a tough question — Turkish cuisine is incredibly diverse and rich. But if I had to choose, I’d go with Iskender kebab. And for the most authentic experience, you’ve got to try it in Bursa, the city where it was born.
what is traditional turkish food?
Traditional Turkish food is a rich blend of flavors influenced by the Ottoman Empire and a mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian cuisines. Some of the most well-known dishes include kebabs, mezes (small appetizers), dolma (stuffed vegetables), börek (savory pastries), and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Staples like lentil soup, rice pilaf, and grilled meats are common across the country. Don’t miss Iskender kebab, lahmacun (Turkish-style pizza), and menemen (a scrambled egg and tomato dish). And for dessert, baklava and Turkish delight (lokum) are absolute must-tries.
how much is a sandwich in istanbul
Is istanbul expensive to visit
Yes, Istanbul can be an expensive city to visit — but with the right choices, a budget-friendly trip is absolutely possible.
You’ve come to Istanbul for a day trip and are wondering if you should visit other cities in Turkey as well?
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