Istanbul is a city that bridges two continents, Europe and Asia, and has a rich and diverse culinary heritage that reflects its multicultural and historical influences. Istanbul cuisine is a fusion of Ottoman, Balkan, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cuisines, with a variety of dishes, flavors, and ingredients that will satisfy any palate. Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast, a street snack, a fine dining experience, or a sweet treat, Istanbul has something for everyone. In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the most popular and delicious dishes that you should try in Istanbul, and where to find them.
Turkish Breakfast
The best way to start your day in Istanbul is with a traditional Turkish breakfast, which is more like a feast than a simple meal. A typical Turkish breakfast consists of an assortment of breads, pastries, cheeses, meats, eggs, jams, honey, butter, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and salads, served with tea or coffee. You can also find some regional specialties, such as menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers), sucuklu yumurta (fried eggs with spicy sausage), borek (filled pastry), and kaymak (clotted cream). Turkish breakfast is a social and leisurely affair, so don't rush and enjoy the variety of flavors and textures.
Where to eat Turkish breakfast in Istanbul:
- Van Kahvalti Evi: This cozy and popular cafe in Cihangir serves a delicious and authentic breakfast from the eastern province of Van, which is famous for its breakfast culture. You can choose from a variety of dishes, such as otlu peynir (herbed cheese), bal kaymak (honey and cream), murtuga (fried flour and butter), and kavut (roasted wheat flour). You can also order the Van breakfast plate, which includes a selection of cheeses, eggs, jams, and breads.
- Sade Kahve: This charming and elegant cafe in Bebek offers a stunning view of the Bosphorus and a satisfying breakfast menu. You can enjoy the classic Turkish breakfast plate, or try some of their specialties, such as the spinach and cheese omelet, the avocado toast, or the pancakes with berries and chocolate. You can also order fresh juices, smoothies, and coffees to complement your meal.
- Namli Gurme: This is a gourmet delicatessen and restaurant in Karakoy, where you can find a wide range of high-quality products and ingredients, such as cheeses, olives, jams, honey, nuts, dried fruits, and more. You can either create your own breakfast plate from the buffet, or order from the menu, which includes dishes such as the menemen, the sucuklu yumurta, or the simit (sesame bread) with cheese and tomato. You can also enjoy the lively and colorful atmosphere of the place.
Islak Burger
If you are looking for a quick and cheap snack in Istanbul, you can't go wrong with the islak burger, which literally means "wet burger". This is a mini burger with a thin and juicy beef patty, cheese, tomato sauce, and garlic, served in a soft and moist bun. The burgers are kept in a glass steamer, which makes them wet and warm. The islak burger is a popular street food in Istanbul, especially in the late hours of the night, when people crave something greasy and satisfying after a night out.
Where to eat islak burger in Istanbul:
- Kizilkayalar: This is the most famous and oldest place to eat islak burger in Istanbul, located in Taksim Square. It has been serving the wet burgers since 1979, and claims to be the inventor of the dish. You can find a constant queue of customers, who order the burgers by the dozen. The burgers are cheap, small, and addictive, so you might end up eating more than you planned.
- Bambi Cafe: This is another popular and well-known place to eat islak burger in Istanbul, also located in Taksim Square. It has been operating since 1958, and offers a variety of fast food options, such as doner, tost (grilled cheese sandwich), and ayran (yogurt drink). However, the islak burger is their signature dish, and you can enjoy it with a side of fries and a cold drink.
Menemen
Menemen is a delicious and easy-to-make Turkish dish, consisting of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices, cooked in a large skillet or a clay pot. It is usually served hot, with bread, cheese, and olives, and sometimes with additional ingredients, such as sucuk, pastirma (cured beef), or cheese. Menemen is a common breakfast dish in Turkey, but it can also be eaten as a light lunch or dinner. It is a simple and satisfying dish, with a rich and spicy flavor.
Where to eat menemen in Istanbul:
- Lades Muhallebi: This is a traditional and cozy restaurant in Beyoglu, where you can find a variety of Turkish dishes, such as soups, salads, meatballs, and desserts. However, their specialty is the menemen, which they prepare with fresh and organic ingredients, and serve in a clay pot. You can choose from different types of menemen, such as the plain, the cheese, the sucuk, or the pastirma, and enjoy it with bread and tea.
- Sutis: This is a modern and stylish cafe and restaurant in Beyoglu, where you can find a wide range of Turkish and international dishes, such as pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and cakes. However, they also offer a great breakfast menu, which includes the menemen, made with fresh and quality ingredients, and served in a skillet. You can also order other breakfast items, such as the borek, the simit, or the pancakes, and enjoy the chic and comfortable atmosphere.
Simit, Açma, and Çatal
Simit, açma, and çatal are three types of Turkish pastries that are commonly eaten as a snack or a breakfast item, usually with tea or coffee. Simit is a circular bread with a hole in the middle, coated with sesame seeds, and baked until golden and crispy. Açma is a soft and fluffy bread, shaped like a ring or a knot, and sometimes sprinkled with nigella seeds or cheese. Çatal is a crunchy and buttery pastry, shaped like a twisted stick or a crescent, and sometimes topped with sugar or chocolate. These pastries are widely available and affordable in Istanbul, and you can find them in bakeries, street carts, or cafes.
Where to eat simit, açma, and çatal in Istanbul:
- Simit Sarayi: This is a popular and well-established chain of cafes and bakeries in Istanbul, where you can find a variety of simit, açma, and çatal, as well as other pastries, cakes, and cookies. You can choose from different flavors and fillings, such as cheese, olive, chocolate, or nutella, and enjoy them with a hot or cold drink. You can also order sandwiches, salads, soups, and pizzas, and enjoy the modern and cozy setting.
- Simitci Dünyasi: This is another popular and well-known chain of cafes and bakeries in Istanbul, where you can find a wide range of simit, açma, and çatal, as well as other pastries, breads, and muffins. You can also find different types of simit, such as the whole wheat, the oat, or the multigrain, and enjoy them with a hot or cold drink. You can also order breakfast plates, toasts, wraps, and burgers, and enjoy the casual and friendly atmosphere.
