If you are a food lover who enjoys food tourism, then Istanbul is the city for you. Your food experience can't go wrong with the amazing types of food and restaurants around the city.
Istanbul is a city with a rich and diverse culinary history, and there are many delicious foods that you must try while you're there. Here are a few of Must try Turkish food and iconic dishes:
Döner kebab
This is a classic Turkish dish made of thinly sliced meat that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It is often served in pita bread with vegetables and sauces, it is also served in many variations like Iskender, porsiyon (which means portions), you can read my article about the best Döner sandwich place in Istanbul here.
Lahmacun
This is a flatbread that is topped with ground meat, onions, tomatoes, and spices. It is then baked in a wood-fired oven.
Served with salad and lemons, you can put the salad inside and squeeze the lemon and wrap it, then start eating it as a wrap sandwich. You can slice it into smaller pieces and eat them one by one, that works too. It is common to order more than one, as it is thin and doesn't really satisfy your hunger. Don't forget to order Ayran as the drink with Lahmacun.
Bonus tip: if you are a local or have kitchen access whilst staying in Istanbul, you can make the Lahmacun mix (tutorial video here). And take it to the nearest Lahmacun place. They will add the mix to the bread for you. It will be way cheaper and you will have plenty of Lahmacun (obviously, it depends on how heavy your mix is). Charged by the piece after done.
Köfte
These are grilled meatballs made with ground beef, onions, bread crumbs, and spices. They are typically served with tomato sauce and a side of rice.
Köfte is celebrated and eaten on many different occasions, so it is easily found everywhere and served with different sides.
There are a few places that are very famous for their Köfte, but here are the top 2:
Sultan Ahmet köftecisi
Located near the center of Istanbul and one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world hagia sophia mosque and a few other famous attractions. This place has been serving köfte since 1920 and the place owners are the same for 4 generations now.
It is kind of a tradition to go and visit Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque, then go to Sultan Ahmet köftecisi to get lunch, so if you are in the are, make sure to pay this place a visit.
Note: There are 2 places that have the same name side to side, both are similar but not the same (the other name is "meşhur sultanahmet köftecisi"). You can find lines outside but those lines move really quickly and shouldn't take you long to get inside and have your meal.
Location: Google Maps here
Köfteci Yusuf
Started in 1996, this place is the biggest Köfte restaurant in Europe and the most famous Köfte place in Türkiye, having more than 260 branches all over the country (at the time of writing this post). Starting with only selling Köfte, Köfteci Yusuf has grown to sell Burgers, Döner, and a few other dishes.
Being this big, it means it is very affordable, which gives room for more people to eat at Köfteci Yusuf all the time. Another part of making this place loved by all people is they sell all the products they serve. They sell raw Köfte, raw Burgers, sauces, and, everything else they serve at the restaurant. Most of the food they sell is very tasty and well-made.
Location: search "Köfteci Yusuf" in google maps and you can find the nearest one.
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