Home to some of the tastiest produce, traditional cooking methods and influences from Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Turkey’s food is surprising, delicious and delightful (pun definitely intended). As well as restaurants serving traditional Ottoman and contemporary cuisines, there are countless street stalls and markets serving all sorts of Turkish favourites.
1. Gozleme
This iconic Turkish snack of cheese, meat and veggies stuffed in flatbread is a budget-friendly bite that will satisfy everyone. Cheese and spinach are the most famous fillings, but you’ll find all sorts of combos as you travel around.
2. Lokum
Love it or hate it, this divisive treat, known internationally as turkish delight, can be found in shops, bazaars and street stalls all over the country. Made from rosewater, sugar, cornflour and water (and sometimes nuts and other ingredients), these bite-size jellies go down a treat. Do like a local and enjoy it with Turkish coffee.
3. Simit
As far as quick and easy snacks go, it’s hard to pass up simit, a bread similar to a sesame-encrusted bagel. Carts selling simit can be found at bus and train stations, main streets and other busy thoroughfares.
4. Cig kofte
Made with bulgur, onion, tomato paste and spices, this south-eastern specialty is essentially a big ol’ vegetarian ‘meatball’. They're traditionally eaten by rolling it into a lettuce leaf and squeezing lemon juice or pomegranate molasses on top.
5. Balik ekmek
If you’re spending time along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, balik ekmek, or fish sandwiches, is a must-try street food. It's typically made with grilled mackerel served on a baguette with onion, salad and sumac.
6. Manti
Though the ingredients that fill these boiled dumplings vary, the most popular are ground beef or lamb, onion and spices. They're served with garlicky yoghurt, and though they’re small, it’s easy to polish off a plate yourself.
7. Turkish coffee
Turkish coffee is known around the world for its unique brewing method. It's made with finely ground arabica beans, often with cardamom, in a cezve – a pretty copper or brass pot with a long, thin handle. It has a thick foam layer on top and leaves a muddy sediment at the bottom of the cup.
8. Cay
Cay, or Turkish tea, is a staple of Turkish culture. It's brewed in a two-piece teapot with loose black tea leaves on top and water at the bottom. It’s mild in flavour and is typically enjoyed black with sugar.
Learn more about what to drink in Turkey
Learn more about Turkish dishes