Food & Dining
Must-Try Dishes:
- Kebabs: İskender, Adana, Şiş - various grilled meat preparations
- Mezes: Small appetizers like hummus, ezme, haydari, stuffed vine leaves
- Balık Ekmek: Fish sandwich from street vendors near Galata Bridge
- Börek: Savory pastries filled with cheese, meat, or spinach
- Lahmacun: Thin flatbread with minced meat topping
- Pide: Turkish pizza with various toppings
- Baklava: Sweet pastry with nuts and syrup - try Karaköy Güllüoğlu
- Turkish Delight (Lokum): Soft candy in various flavors
- Simit: Sesame-covered bread rings sold by street vendors
- Turkish Tea (Çay): Strong black tea in tulip glasses
- Turkish Coffee: Thick, strong coffee served in small cups
Dining Tips: Lunch is main meal (12-3pm). Dinner late (7-11pm). Service charge (servis ücreti) sometimes included in bill. Tap water free but bottled water charged. Street food is safe and delicious. Try local lokantas (simple restaurants) for authentic, affordable meals.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian options available but not always clearly marked. Vegan more challenging. Halal food everywhere. Inform restaurants of allergies (alerji).