When I first arrived in Istanbul, I thought there was only kebab too.
But the moment I discovered the true charm of Turkish cuisine, one of the world's top 3 cuisines, I was completely captivated.
The charcoal aroma wafting through every street, the temptation of sweet baklava, and authentic Turkish coffee brewed on sand.
Are you also wondering what to eat in Istanbul? Then this guide is perfect for you!
Table of Contents
What is Turkish Food?
What is Turkish food?
It's a diverse feast of flavors as varied as Istanbul's geographical characteristics where East meets West. Recognized as one of the world's top 3 cuisines alongside French and Chinese,
Turkish cuisine boasts a 600-year tradition of culinary culture built since the Ottoman Empire era.
It's not just about kebab - it showcases amazing diversity with unique regional characteristics.
Tip: Turkey uniquely has a developed drinking culture among Islamic countries. Try enjoying kebab with Efes beer!
Istanbul Food Tour: 10 Essential Items
What foods must you try in Istanbul?
Let me introduce 10 essential items that even locals approve of.
I was also confused about what to order at first!
- Döner Kebab - Representative kebab with vertically grilled meat sliced thin
- Shish Kebab - Traditional kebab grilled on skewers over charcoal
- İskender Kebab - Premium kebab served with tomato sauce and yogurt
- Baklava - Perfect harmony of nuts and syrup, Turkey's signature dessert
- Turkish Coffee - Traditional coffee registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Menemen - Turkish-style scrambled eggs, local breakfast menu
- Efes Beer - Turkey's national beer, perfect combination with kebab
- Pilaf - Turkish-style fried rice, basic side dish with kebab
- Pide - Traditional Turkish bread baked in wood-fired oven
- Adana Kebab - Regional specialty kebab famous for spicy seasoning
Local Tip: Baklava is sold by kilogram price. Famous places cost 200-300 lira ($16-24), general bakeries cost 100-200 lira ($8-16).
How to Properly Enjoy Turkish Food
How should you enjoy Turkish food? If you just eat, you'll only experience half of it.
Sitting cross-legged and sharing various dishes like Turkish people do is the real Turkish culture.
It's like our Korean baekban restaurants where side dishes come out when you order the main menu.
Turkish coffee ritual is especially important.
After drinking coffee made in the traditional method of brewing on sand, there's even the fun of fortune-telling with the coffee grounds at the bottom of the cup.
In 2025 Istanbul, many coffee festivals are held, so you can have an even more special experience if you time your visit right.
Caution: When eating kebab, make sure to choose places that grill over charcoal. The taste is completely different from gas grilling!
Creating Your Own Istanbul Culinary Tour
How do you plan an Istanbul culinary tour?
From my experience, a systematic approach is important.
First, visit the Turkish Coffee Museum at the Grand Bazaar, then experience the world of spices at the Spice Bazaar.
Next, taking a Bosphorus cruise while admiring Istanbul's skyline from the water makes a perfect course.
The baklava restaurant tour is also unmissable. In Istanbul, visit famous places like Güllüoğlu(operating since 1820) and Hacı Bozan Oğulları (established in 1958). Locals are so serious about taste that they even go to Gaziantep to buy baklava.
On the Asian side in Kadıköy, you can also leisurely enjoy a cup of coffee while appreciating street art.
Tour Tip: With the Istanbul Tourist Pass, you can also receive real-time guide services via WhatsApp, making it easy to get information about the nearest restaurants!
Meeting Turkish Culture Through Food
What does Turkish food mean to us?
It's more than just a meal - it's a special journey to experience the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations.
Even the history of kebab contains deep traditions dating back to at least the 11th century, spreading throughout the region during the Ottoman Empire.
Turkey uniquely developed secular culture among Islamic countries, allowing free alcohol consumption and coexistence of diverse food cultures.
Baklava was a royal dessert provided to Janissaries during Ramadan, and Turkish coffee is recognized for its cultural value, being registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
In 2025, various coffee festivals and exhibitions are held, providing many opportunities to experience local culture more deeply.
Cultural Experience: You can even receive a certificate by participating in Turkish coffee making classes. It's a great opportunity to show off your skills to friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
How did you find Istanbul's traditional foods?
I hope you experience the special stories and flavors from kebab to baklava to Turkish coffee.
What started as a simple food journey to satisfy hunger has now become a precious experience understanding Turkish culture as a whole.
What kind of taste memories will you create in Istanbul?
I hope you experience the true charm of Turkish cuisine!