Let's talk about the distinctive features of Turkish cuisine.
Istanbul - a wonderful city not only for exploring the history and culture of Turkey but also for a gastronomic tour. Here you can fully enjoy the unique national cuisine inherited from the Ottoman Empire.
Meat and fish dishes in Istanbul
Istanbul-style wet hamburger
Kizilkayalar or Istanbul-style wet burgers are steamed, which gives them their unusual taste. This street food speciality is a must-try in Istanbul.
Price: from 5 TRY.
Where to try it: in Taksim Square.
Address: Suadiye Mahallesi, Bağdat Cd. 367b, 34740 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey Website: kizilkayalar.com.tr Phone: +90 216 411 11 77 Working hours: Sunday to Thursday from 7:30 to 03:00, Friday and Saturday from 7:30 to 04:00.
Turkish cutlets orIçli Köfte
Turkish meatballs (Içli Köfte) are served as meaty balls with a delicious crispy coating. The coating is made from bulgur, onions, nuts, spices, and herbs.
Price: from 22 TRY.
Where to try it: in the Sultanahmet area.
Address: Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No:12, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Website: sultanahmetkoftesi.com Phone: +90 212 513 64 68 Working hours: from 10:30 to 23:00.
Iskender kebab
The most popular type of kebab is meat cooked in a special way:
grilled lamb or ram fillet;
lavash is preliminarily poured with tomato sauce with many spices;
the finished dish is dipped in melted butter made from sheep's milk.
A generous and satisfying portion is usually accompanied by ayran (yogurt drink) or black grape juice.
The birthplace of this original kebab is considered to be the thermal resort city of Bursa, located 90 km from Istanbul. However, you can also find places in the megacity of Istanbul to indulge in Iskender Kebab.
An alternative to kebab is Durum, which is minced meat served in lavash bread.
Price: from 40 TRY.
Where to try it: in the eastern part of Istanbul, in the Kadikoy area.
Address: Erenköy, Bağdat Cd. Çınardibi Uğurlu Apartmanı D:375/1, 34738 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey Website: iskenderiskenderoglu.com.tr Phone: +90 216 302 03 34 Working hours: from 11:00 to 22:00.
Fried fish
Balık Izgara is a popular dish found in Istanbul's eateries. It can be prepared with a single type of fish (such as mullet, sea bass, sea bream, or mackerel) or a mix of fish. The best restaurants to taste this dish are those located near the Bosphorus, such as on the Galata Bridge. Traditionally, grilled fish in Istanbul is accompanied by a highly nutritious vegetable juice made from purple carrots, radishes, salt, and spices.
Price: from 25 TRY.
Where to try it: near the Galata Tower and the bridge of the same name.
Exact address: Erenköy, Ethem Efendi Cd. No:61, 34738 KadIkoy/İstanbul, Türkiye
Vegetarian dishes in Istanbul
Steamed white beans
White beans are highly beloved in Istanbul, and they are often served in one of the following ways:
with rice;
in tomato sauce with a mixture of peppers;
in a creamy spicy sauce.
This bean dish is called "fava." According to Turkish culinary traditions, fava beans are typically enjoyed with ayran, a traditional yogurt-based drink.
As an alternative to this dish, you can try the following mezes (appetizers):
kopoglu - fried eggplant;
puhamara - from peppers and nuts;
hummus - from chickpeas.
Price: from 20 TRY.
Where to try it: near the Suleymaniye Mosque.
Address: Ali Kuşçu, Büyük Karaman Cd. no/14, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Phone: +90 537 967 60 74 Working hours: from Monday to Saturday from 08:00 to 22:00.
Istanbul style eggplant
Many of the establishments in Istanbul sing an ode to eggplant, preparing them in a variety of ways:
karnıyarık - fried with minced meat;
h
ünkar Beğendi
- in the form of mashed potatoes with lamb stew.
Where to try it: near the famous Hagia Sophia mosque.
Address: Emin Sinan Mahallesi, Piyer Loti Cd. No:35, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Website: hanzadeterracerestaurant.com Phone: +90 212 518 80 81 Working hours: from 12:00 to 23:00.
Traditional Turkish soups in Istanbul
Istanbul is known for its approach to soups, and the following soups are particularly beloved by tourists:
düşbere - broth in which you can find small dumplings and tomato paste;
kelle paça made from the head and legs of a lamb.
These dishes are accompanied by garlic sauce.
It is believed that such soups relieve hangovers and are extremely easy to digest.
Price: from 30 TRY.
Where to try it: in the historical Sultanahmet area.
Address: Emin Sinan, Piyer Loti Cd. No:30, 34126, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Website: zeferan.com.tr Phone: +90 212 638 22 12 Working hours: from 07:00 to 23:00.
Turkish Pizza or Lahmacun
Lahmacun, also known as Turkish pizza or pide, is a thin flatbread generously topped with finely minced meat or a meat and vegetable mixture with spices. Before serving, it is typically sprinkled with lemon juice. Unlike traditional pizza, it does not contain cheese, although it is commonly enjoyed with ayran, a yogurt-based beverage.
Price: from 30 TRY.
Where to try it: in the historical Sultanahmet area.
Address: Binbirdirek, Peykhane Cd. No:27, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Website: wa.me Phone: +90 212 517 61 99 Working hours: from 10:30 to 02:00.
Dessert Dzhazerye in Istanbul
The Dzhazerye round cakes are traditionally made with nuts, spices and carrot juice. The ingredients are cooked until they reach a thick consistency, eliminating the distinct taste of carrots.
It is important that the Dzhazerye are fresh. An indicator of their expiration date: cakes should not stick to hands and wrapping paper.
Price: from 35 TRY.
Where to try it: in one of the pastry shops in the Sultanahmet area.
Address: Hoca Paşa, Muradiye Cd. No:51, 34080 Sirkeci - Fatih/Fatih/Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Website: hafizmustafa.com Phone: +90 212 527 66 54 Working hours:around the clock.
Turkish vodka - raki
Raki is a national alcoholic beverage with an alcohol content of approximately 45%. It is made from grapes and anise. Before serving, the vodka is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 3 (one part raki and three parts water).
Price: from 80 TRY (per 0.33 l).
Where to try it: in one of the restaurants in the centre of Istanbul or on your own by buying in the supermarket TM Tekel, Kulip.
Of course, in Istanbul, there are plenty of places where you can taste lokum, baklava, simit, and other classic delicacies. However, the mentioned dishes deserve special attention as there are very few equivalents outside this magical city.
