12 Turkish Street Food Dishes in Istanbul with Prices (2025)

Istanbul is a city where food is everywhere. Street food is abundant, from simple boiled corn to daring kokoreç. You’ll find pastries, chestnuts, juices, and mussels sold on the streets at low prices. Don’t be afraid to eat from these vendors—most have been around for years, and their reputation is vital to them. If they disappoint, they lose business.

Istanbul Street Food: Quick Note

• Cheapest: Simits (20-40 TL | €0.5 – €1) – Crispy Turkish bagels, perfect for a quick snack. Found everywhere.
• Sweet: Chestnuts (from 90 TL | €3.07) – Roasted on busy streets, a seasonal favorite.
• Extravagant: Kokoreç (from 200 TL | €6.85) – Spiced lamb intestines served in bread. Try Ozzie’s Kokorec.
• Local Classic: Balık Ekmek (from 150 TL | €5.14) – Delicious fish sandwiches, best enjoyed in Anadolu Kavagi.
• Vegan: Çiğ Köfte (from 40 TL | €1.37) – Spicy bulgur patties served with lemon and flatbread.

Simit (20–40 TL*)

*€0.5–€1 as of January, 2025

The most affordable and beloved Turkish fast food. You’ll see simits sold in street stalls, by vendors with carts, or even carried on trays balanced on heads, with sellers shouting, “Simit, simit, simit!” You can also visit a bakery for hot, fresh simits. The best ones are at Galata Simitci and Tarihi Taşfırın Simiti on the Asian side in a small bakery.

Fried Chestnuts (from 90 TL*)

*€3.07 as of September 3, 2024

Their season starts in autumn, but you’ll find them year-round, especially on busy streets or near ferry stations like in Beşiktaş. Prices in tourist areas are higher than in residential ones.

Döner (200–400 TL*)

*€6.82–€13.64 as of September 3, 2024

Thinly sliced meat from a vertical rotisserie, wrapped in lavash (dürüm), bread, pita, or served on a plate. The meat is usually accompanied by lettuce, onions, and fries. Without sauces, it might feel dry. The best places include Karadeniz Döner in Beşiktaş, Dönerci Engin’in Yeri in Beyoğlu, Zümrüt Büfe in Eminönü, Kasap Osman in Beşiktaş, and Basta! in Kadıköy, where they prepare it with sauces — a trendy fast food option blending Europe and Asia.

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Kokoreç (from 200 TL*)

€6.82 as of September 3, 2024

For the adventurous eaters. Kokoreç is made from lamb intestines and fat, stuffed into bread. The intestines are often grilled on a skewer, and you’ll spot them behind the glass of the shop. If you’re up for it, try Midiyeci Ahmet or Gala Kokoreç. We also recommend Ozzie’s Kokoreç, Kral Kokoreç in Eminönü (Europe), and Mercan Kokoreç in Kadıköy (Asia).

Balık Ekmek (from 150 TL*)

*€5.11 as of September 3, 2024

Balık Ekmek, or fish sandwich, is a staple in Istanbul. You’ll find delicious options throughout the city, especially in Balat. Ones of the best in the city is in Anadolu Kavağı — a fishing village near the Black Sea. Another popular spot is Mehmet Usta.

Tip: Avoid buying Balık Ekmek near the Galata Bridge or underneath it, where scammers charge ridiculously high prices.

Stuffed Mussels (15 TL each*)

€0.51 as of September 3, 2024

Stuffed mussels can be served hot or cold. They’re filled with spiced rice and taste incredible when drizzled with lemon. The best ones are found at Balık Pazarı (Fish Market Street near Istiklal) or Sahne Sk. and Gala Kokoreç near Karaköy. Look for restaurants with “Midye” on the sign, or try places with “Kokoreç,” as they often serve mussels as well. Whatever you do, avoid portable vendors; while some are fine, there’s a high risk of getting sick.

Wet Burger (from 70 TL*)

*€2.39 as of September 3, 2024

A wet burger is a simple, no-vegetables burger soaked in a special tomato sauce, sometimes spicy. Kizilkayalar is one of the best spots in the city, but wet burgers are easy to find, and the recipe is straightforward—most places do a decent job.

Pickle Juice and Turkish Pickles (from 150 TL/kg*)

**€5.11 as of September 3, 2024

Pickle juice holds a special place in Turkish cuisine — not just as a drink, but as a remedy and comfort. It’s warming, appetizing, and satisfying. Before pickles became a staple on market shelves, they were sold from mobile stalls and small shops in the heart of neighborhoods. Some of these traditional pickle shops have maintained their quality for years. For the most delicious pickle juice, head to Asri Turşucu in Beyoğlu, Soydan Turşucu in Beşiktaş, or Meşhur Özcan Pickles in Kadıköy.

Çiğ Köfte – Vegan! (from 40 TL*)

*€1.37 as of September 3, 2024

Originally made with raw meat, the street food version of Çiğ Köfte is now entirely vegan, made with spiced bulgur. It’s served with lemon, flatbread, and lettuce leaves. For a great taste, try Çiğköfteci Ali Usta, or visit Vegan Istanbul, where you can find many affordable vegan dishes. It’s not exactly fast food, but it’s definitely delicious!

Corn on the Cob (from 40 TL*)

*€1.37 as of September 3, 2024

You’ll find corn on the cob, both boiled and grilled, on many street corners. Though it’s mostly a winter treat, it’s available from street vendors year-round.

Kumpir (from 250 TL*)

*€8.53 as of September 3, 2024

Kumpir is a large baked potato filled with a variety of toppings and sauces of your choice. The dish is a star of the Ortaköy district, where dozens of spots serve mouthwatering kumpir. Start with the 1991 Tarihi Ortaköy Kumpircisi in Beşiktaş-Ortaköy, or try Allpato Kumpir for an equally delicious experience.

Freshly Squeezed Juices (from 40 TL*)

*€1.37 as of September 3, 2024

Freshly squeezed juices are a common sight at markets like Kadıköy Market or on Bahariye Street. Pomegranate, orange, and many other varieties are available, with prices starting from 40 TL.

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