Istanbul is renowned not only for its historical and cultural richness but also for its unique cuisine. In this enchanting city, you can encounter flavors from the Ottoman palace cuisine as well as from all corners of Anatolia. As Mavi Filo Car Rental, we have compiled a list of must-try foods in Istanbul for you.
1. Kebabs and Meat Dishes
A visit to Istanbul would be incomplete without trying kebabs. Throughout the city, you can find kebab restaurants offering Adana kebab, Urfa kebab, shish kebab, and Iskender kebab. Especially in areas like Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Kadikoy, you will find numerous delicious kebab places.
2. Fish and Seafood
Situated between two seas, Istanbul is rich in fresh fish and seafood. We highly recommend trying the fresh fish offered by the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara in the city's seafood restaurants. Fish sandwiches, lakerda (cured bonito), stuffed mussels, and shrimp casseroles are among the must-try dishes.
3. Mezes and Olive Oil Dishes
One of the indispensable parts of Istanbul's cuisine is the mezes. Olive oil dolmas, hummus, haydari, spicy ezme, and eggplant salad are must-try appetizers before the main course. The meze culture is especially vibrant in Istanbul’s taverns, which play a significant role in the city's social life.
4. Street Food
Istanbul's street food is also quite famous. Must-try street flavors include stuffed mussels with their wonderful aroma, crispy simit (sesame bread rings), fresh lokma (fried dough pastries), and ice cream. You can also discover local delicacies like fish sandwiches in Eminonu and roasted chestnuts in Galata.
5. Desserts
Istanbul is renowned for its desserts as well. Baklava, kadayif, kunefe, and kazandibi, dating back to the Ottoman era, can be found in the city's patisseries and dessert shops. Additionally, traditional Turkish desserts like boza, rice pudding, and milk pudding are also very popular.
6. Breakfast
In Istanbul, breakfast is a ritual in itself. A breakfast table adorned with various cheeses, olives, fresh bread, honey, clotted cream, sucuklu yumurta (eggs with Turkish sausage), and menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers) provides a perfect start to the day. Breakfast spots in areas like Besiktas and Ortakoy are quite popular.
Discover Istanbul’s Flavors with Mavi Filo Car Rental
To explore Istanbul's unique cuisine, you need a vehicle that allows you to comfortably navigate the city. As Mavi Filo Car Rental, we offer you comfortable and reliable cars. Whether in the city center or in more distant areas, you can easily reach the culinary spots and enjoy Istanbul. With our car rental services, it will be much easier to explore every corner of Istanbul and embark on an unforgettable gastronomic tour.
