EAT IN ASIA / Food destinations / Turkey - turkey food
TOP 10 Turkish street food
Do you sometimes find yourself in a situation when you want to see as many places and things as it is possible and do not want to spend time on eating? But still, finally, you feel that you are hungry and really need to grab something? Or maybe it is to hot to have a proper meal and you would prefer to skip it and spend that time in a pleasant shadow?
If so, you will probably appreciate local food stalls or any kind of a street food. Quick, tasty, regional, and offering a wide choice. And Turkey is full of that. Burgers, kebabs, fruits and vegetables, juices, sweets or nuts. Actually, whatever you want, you can find.
Are you looking for some tips? Here we go! Check our Top 10 list!
1. Dürüm
Dürüm kebab is kind of a kebab that is served in a traditional Turkish flat bread – lavash. Usually chicken or lamb meat is rolled with fresh vegetables. In almost all Dürüm kebabs, you will find tomatoes, salad and onion. Pair it with a local drink like ayran and you will get a regular Turkish meal. Quick, freshly made and so Turkish.
2. Tombik döner
This specialty is a döner kebab variety in which shredded meat is put into a crispy bun. Turkish pide bread is soft inside and crispy outside. The crust is very often sprinkled with sesame seeds. Apart from the meats served in stripes, pide bread is stuffed with fresh vegetables like these in the dürüm kebab. So, you will most probably get tomatoes, salad and onion. Add to that the sauce you like and enjoy the meal!
3. Porsiyon
Can’t you make a decision whether you would prefer a regular meal on a plate or grab something quickly? Porsiyon is for you. Your lunch box will serve you as a plate. It will be filled with shredded meat, some fresh vegetables, French fries and/or rice. Pack into your bag and have a restaurant meal in a scenery you love.
4. Burger with meat balls or chicken
For all those who cannot survive without burgers, Turkey also has something. If you are longing for a Burger King or Mc Donald’s, try to have a strong will and pick something local. I know, the well-known sign is tempting, but please, at least once try Turkish burgers. Burgers with chicken or preferably with meat balls with herbs and Turkish spices will give you an option both to have a local food and still have you beloved burger.
5. Rolls with eggplant and cabbage vs rolls with Turkish cheese
Are you looking for something both local and Western? Try pastries and rolls from bakeries. Select local fillings like eggplant, cabbage or Turkish cheese – peynir. Don’t expect it to be sweet! Danish style rolls are savory, crunchy from outside and soft inside.
6. Grilled corn from the cob
No meat, no additives, only natural ingredients. Corn and salt. Grilled, crispy but still soft inside. Aromatic, light and delicate. Grilled corn from the cob is a great option for a quick snack during the day, especially when the weather is cooler. Corn from the cob will give you an extra heat during autumn or winter days. Hot, satiating and quick. What shall you need more? Maybe a mulled wine? don’t worry, you will get it in Turkey too, so be watchful.
7. Chestnuts
You cannot leave Turkey without trying them. Grilled on big plates or baked on large pans, Turkish chestnuts are soft, creamy inside and have a wonderfully charcoal smell. Big, delicate and sweet. Chestnuts are sold from trolleys and prepared just in the moment. Warm and packed in paper bags, they offer you something more than just a pleasure. Chestnuts are a great snack, even if you are not hungry.
8. Juices
Nothing will quench your thirst as well as natural, freshly squeezed juices. Packed with minerals and vitamins, will do miracles with your organism. All you lost during a long day of sightseeing and causes your tiredness will be refilled. And believe me, you will regain energy and will for next active hours. Freshly squeezed on your eyes, made from ripe fruits and with no extra sugar or water, fresh fruit juices are vitamin bombs. So, remember to drink them. Well, actually, if you forget, street food sellers will remind you.
9. Fruits
A plethora of fresh fruits is waiting for you in Turkey. Starting with these that are the most common like oranges, through more seasonal like pomegranates and ending on super creamy persimmon fruits, if you love fruits, you will definitively find something for yourself. So colorful, so aromatic and so fresh. Although some of them do not have a perfect shape or skin, don’t avoid them. Listen to the seller that will advice you and pick you the best one. Soft, juicy, ripening on the sun and full of aromas. You have to try them. Select these that are seasonal and regional, and you will be able to fully appreciate their taste. If you are still not convinced and prefer fruits well known, it is OK. Apples, pears, bananas, tangerines or sweet pomelos are waiting for you. Just remember, ask about the origin and try to find local sellers.
10. Ice creams
Yes, finally you have ice creams. For all sweet lovers, a Turkish street has something to offer. Ice creams are sold either from a trolley or from a small bar or better to say kiosk. Typically, ice creams are stored in big stainless-steel containers and have a lot of regional and traditional flavors. Apart from the most popular ones like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and hazelnut or pistachio, you will find some more Turkish ones. Look for a lemon, mango, chestnut or pomegranate flavor and compare it with what you know from abroad. These are better, am I right? Also, try to find a local ice cream seller that is make a show and playing with you. Let yourself be a child and play with him. A couple of minutes while waiting for you scoops will be unforgettable moments and will give you a lot of fun.
If you like to find out more about TOP Street foods around the world, read our posts on Mexican, Japanese and Hungarian street foods:
Burgers and Hungarian local street food - you must try it!
8 TOP best Japanese street foods not to be missed
Try, enjoy and make your own TOP list!
Author: Beti – A passionate traveler and lover of Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Japanese dishes, Bernadeta brings her culinary and cultural experiences to life in her writing. Beyond her travels, she’s an avid technology enthusiast with a deep interest in data processing, merging her love for exploration with analytical insights.
Photographer: Adalbert – An aficionado of computers and photography, Adalbert captures the essence of diverse cuisines with a discerning eye. A connoisseur of rich flavors and particularly fond of meat-based dishes, he combines his technical skills with his passion for the culinary arts in every shot.
