The most famous dishes of Istanbul: What to Eat in Istanbul?

Istanbul cuisine is a unique mosaic of flavors where different cultures, communities, and geographies have come together for centuries. With the elegance of the Ottoman palace cuisine, the abundance of Anatolia, and the influence of the Balkan, Greek, and Arab cuisines, Istanbul is truly a gastronomic capital. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the most famous local dishes that everyone who visits Istanbul should definitely try.

Hünkar Begendi

Hünkar Begendi is one of the magnificent dishes that the Ottoman palace cuisine has brought to the present day. It takes its name from Sultan Abdülaziz’s admiration for this dish after returning from his visit to France. Lamb meat is sautéed on a creamy beğendi prepared with roasted eggplant, flour, milk and butter. It has a very intense flavor profile. The best places to taste this dish in Istanbul include Ottoman cuisine restaurants in Sultanahmet and traditional restaurants in the Çemberlitaş area.

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Döner

Döner is not just a fast food in Istanbul cuisine, it has become a cultural symbol. Istanbul style döner is prepared by blending beef and lamb meat, marinating it with yogurt and spices and cooking it over a wood fire. It is served as a sandwich, on rice or as a wrap. The Historical Karadeniz Döner in Beşiktaş and Kasap Osman Döner in Sirkeci are among the most well-known and preferred addresses of Istanbul döner culture.

Sultanahmet Köftesi (Sultanahmet Meatballs)

Sultanahmet Meatballs have been one of Istanbul’s most iconic local dishes since the 1920s. Prepared by kneading finely ground beef, stale bread, onion, cumin and black pepper, the meatballs are grilled and served with dry bean salad and ayran. The meatball shops around Sultanahmet Square continue to serve this flavor.

Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)

Balık ekmek offers the smell of the Bosphorus and the street culture of Istanbul together. Freshly caught horse mackerel or mackerel is grilled and placed between warm bread. Lettuce, onion and lemon are added to it. The most iconic address for this flavor is Eminönü Pier and the Galata Bridge area. It is definitely recommended to drink pickle juice with it.

Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels)

Stuffed mussels are an indispensable flavor of Istanbul's coastal city tradition. The mussels are filled with rice, onion, pine nuts and plenty of spices and cooked in olive oil. Lemon is squeezed on top when served. Kadıköy Bazaar, Beşiktaş Fish Market and Ortaköy Beach are the most popular centers for stuffed mussels.

Kokoreç

Kokoreç has a special place among Istanbul's night food. It is prepared by wrapping cleaned lamb intestines with suet and cooking them like döner over a coal fire. It is finely chopped and mixed with thyme, chili pepper and sumac when served. The kokoreç restaurants in Taksim Square, Kadıköy Bazaar and Beşiktaş are the best places to serve this flavor.

Kumpir

Kumpir is prepared by cracking the skin of a large baked potato, mixing butter and kashar cheese inside, and then filling it with the desired ingredients. Ortaköy in Istanbul is the capital of kumpir. Here you can prepare your own kumpir with hundreds of different ingredients.

Zeytinyağlı Yaprak Sarma

It is one of the most important representatives of Istanbul's classic meze culture. It is wrapped in fresh grape leaves with a mixture of rice, currants, pine nuts, onions and spices. It is served cold and lemon is squeezed on top. It is an essential starter plate, especially in traditional Istanbul taverns.

Güllaç

Güllaç is a special dessert made only during Ramadan since the Ottoman Empire. Walnuts are placed between thin güllaç leaves softened with milk, sugar and rosewater and pomegranate seeds are sprinkled on top. It is indispensable for iftar tables with its light and aromatic texture.

Höşmerim

It is a traditional dessert brought to Istanbul by Balkan immigrants. It is prepared by combining fresh unsalted cheese, semolina and sugar. It is among the favorites of those who like light desserts.

Istanbul cuisine is not just a tourist attraction, it is a deep-rooted and living culture. Elegant recipes from the Ottoman palace cuisine, flavors consumed by the public on the streets, and tables where traditions from Anatolia come together have made Istanbul the shining star of the gastronomy world. Being able to taste each of these unique flavors on site is one of the best ways to get to know Istanbul.