10 Must-Try Traditional Turkish Dishes in Istanbul

Istanbul, with its rich culinary heritage, is a paradise for food lovers. From savory dishes to sweet delights, the city offers a variety of traditional flavors that reflect Turkey's diverse culture. If you're visiting Istanbul, don’t miss the chance to taste these iconic dishes that will make your trip unforgettable.

Yaprak sarması, or stuffed grape leaves, is a beloved staple in Turkish and wider Mediterranean cuisine, particularly known for its use of olive oil and fresh herbs. Tender grape leaves are wrapped around a flavorful mixture of rice, pine nuts, currants, onions, and spices like mint and dill. These bite-sized rolls are gently cooked in olive oil and lemon juice and served cold, making them light, refreshing, and ideal for warm-weather meals. Yaprak sarması is naturally vegan and commonly found as part of a meze spread or as a side dish in many restaurants throughout Istanbul.

If you ask a Turk what reminds them most of their grandmother’s kitchen, mantı will likely be the answer. These tiny handmade dumplings, filled with seasoned ground meat, are boiled and served with a generous topping of garlicky yogurt and a drizzle of melted butter mixed with paprika. Some versions include dried mint or sumac for extra flavor. Mantı is rich, comforting and best enjoyed slowly. While traditional mantı is filled with minced meat, vegan versions made with lentils or tofu can be found in select modern restaurants, especially in neighborhoods like Kadıköy and Cihangir. You can also visit specialty spots like Bodrum Mantı, which focus exclusively on this beloved dish.

This crispy, golden delight is a true comfort food. İçli köfte is made with a thin bulgur shell stuffed with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices. Deep-fried to perfection, it’s best enjoyed as an appetizer or a light snack. The combination of crunchy texture and savory filling makes içli köfte a favorite among locals and tourists.

A visit to Istanbul is incomplete without trying döner, one of Turkey’s most beloved street foods. This delicious dish features thinly sliced meat (usually lamb, chicken, or beef) roasted on a vertical spit. Served in pita bread, lavash, or on a plate with rice and salad, döner is a versatile meal that caters to every taste. For the best experience, head to a local favorite like Bayramoğlu and enjoy its freshly prepared döner with a uniquely rich taste.

Kebap is another Turkish classic that you simply must try. Istanbul offers a wide variety of kebabs, from the smoky flavors of Adana and Urfa kebab to the rich taste of Iskender kebab, which is served with tomato sauce, yogurt, and melted butter. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, kebab showcases the depth of Turkey's grilling traditions.

To end your culinary journey on a sweet note, indulge in some baklava, a beloved Turkish dessert made with layers of thin phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts and soaked in sweet syrup. Pistachio and walnut varieties are especially popular and you can find them in nearly every pastry shop. One of the most recommended spots being the Güllüoğlu, known for its quality and tradition. For the ultimate treat, pair your baklava with a cup of rich Turkish coffee.

Dinner is not complete without soup, especially if it's a quintessentially Turkish meal. A light Mercimek çorbası (lentil soup) is always served to start the meal. If you are having döner or kebab, don't forget to order half a lentil soup in advance. Lentil soup is a staple in Istanbul’s culinary scene. Made from red lentils, carrots, and potatoes, this hearty soup is both nutritious and comforting. Served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of chili flakes, it’s the perfect start to any meal, especially during chilly days. If you want to try a variety of Turkish soup recipes, head to Karaköy Soup House, where you’ll find over 20 different options all in one place.

Karnıyarık is a classic Turkish home-cooked dish and a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create deep flavor. This comforting meal features eggplants that are slit and roasted, then stuffed with a savory filling of ground beef, onions, garlic, and tomato paste. It's baked until bubbling and soft, often served with rice or bulgur. Karnıyarık is loved for its balance of smoky, sweet and savory notes. While the traditional version includes meat, vegetarian versions made with lentils or mushrooms are gaining popularity in Istanbul’s modern restaurants. Şahin Restaurant, one of the oldest eateries in the Beyoğlu area and praised by the likes of The Guardian and Anthony Bourdain, is renowned for its home-cooked meals, especially its signature dish, karnıyarık.

Lahmacun is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a mixture of spiced ground meat, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, then baked to perfection. Often referred to as Turkish pizza, it’s typically served with fresh parsley, onion slices and a squeeze of lemon, rolled up and eaten by hand. It’s light, flavorful and a favorite for a quick yet satisfying meal. While the traditional topping includes lamb or beef, vegan versions using lentils or plant-based mince are now offered in trendier restaurants and cafés throughout Istanbul. Among the highest-rated restaurants for lahmacun, you can easily find Mahir with its two locations, the original in Şişli and the new one located in the heart of Beyoğlu.

Börek is a flaky, buttery pastry that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Made with thin layers of yufka (a type of phyllo dough), it’s typically filled with white cheese, minced meat, spinach, or potatoes and then baked or pan-fried until golden and crisp. Börek can be enjoyed at Turkish breakfast, as a light lunch or as a snack with Turkish tea. Though traditional recipes often include dairy and eggs, vegan versions filled with spiced vegetables and olive oil are also among common alternatives.