3 Must-Try Tastes in Istanbul
If you’re visiting Istanbul, these three flavors are an absolute must. They perfectly reflect the city’s spirit, street culture, and rich culinary heritage.
- Simit & Turkish Tea
One of Istanbul’s most iconic street foods, simit is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and covered in fragrant sesame seeds. You’ll find simit vendors on almost every corner of the city.
It’s more than a snack—it’s part of Istanbul’s daily rhythm.
How to enjoy it?
Grab a freshly baked simit and pair it with a traditional glass of Turkish tea.
Locals love having simit and tea by the seaside, in parks, or on a ferry crossing the Bosphorus.
On the ferry, even the seagulls might try to share your simit!
This simple duo is affordable, delicious, and offers a truly authentic Istanbul experience.
- Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
One of the most famous flavors rising from Istanbul’s waterfront is balık ekmek—a freshly grilled fish fillet placed between warm, crusty bread. It represents the very essence of Bosphorus cuisine.
The most iconic spot to try it is Eminönü, where boat vendors have been serving balık ekmek for decades. A bit of onion, greens, and a squeeze of lemon turn it into the perfect street food.
Why should you try it?
Enjoying a fish sandwich by the water in Eminönü with seagulls overhead is a unique Istanbul moment.
It’s a filling, flavorful, and truly local culinary experience.
- Baklava & Turkish Coffee
Turkey’s world-famous dessert, baklava, is made of paper-thin layers of pastry filled with pistachios or walnuts and soaked in a rich, buttery syrup.
Each slice requires precision, mastery, and patience. Many of Istanbul’s renowned baklava shops work with master chefs from Gaziantep, making the city an excellent place to taste high-quality baklava.
To complete the experience, pair it with Turkish coffee.
Slow-brewed, aromatic, and perfectly foamy, Turkish coffee balances the sweetness of the baklava and creates a delicious harmony.
Where to try it?
Explore traditional baklava shops in the Historic Peninsula or modern dessert cafés in Karaköy for an unforgettable treat.
Discover These Flavors on Our Istanbul Tours!
If this made your mouth water, why not experience these flavors firsthand? On our Istanbul food tours, you’ll get to taste authentic simit with Turkish tea, enjoy a fresh balık ekmek by the Bosphorus, and indulge in exquisite baklava paired with traditional Turkish coffee.
Join us and let your taste buds explore the heart of Istanbul’s culinary culture while wandering through its historic streets and vibrant neighborhoods. Each bite tells a story -come and experience it with us!