National Classics

• Turkish Kebab (Kebab): Comes in many varieties—Adana kebab is spicy and juicy, while doner kebab is often served in a wrap.
• Turkish Flatbread (Pide): An oval-shaped baked bread, typically topped with cheese, minced meat, or eggs.
• Turkish Dumplings (Manti): Small beef-filled dumplings served with yogurt and spicy oil.
• Grilled Fish Sandwich (Balik Ekmek): A classic Istanbul street food, found under the Galata Bridge.
• Dolma and Stuffed Vegetables: Rice-stuffed grape leaves or vegetables, light and refreshing.

Breakfast & Desserts

• Turkish Breakfast (Kahvalti): A spread of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey, clotted cream, fried eggs, and black tea.
• Baklava: Layers of flaky pastry filled with pistachios and syrup, intensely sweet.
• Turkish Delight (Lokum): Available in rose, nut, and fruit flavors—great for souvenirs.
• Turkish Coffee & Black Tea: Thick, unfiltered coffee; tea served in tulip-shaped glasses, often enjoyed throughout the day.
• Turkish Ice Cream (Dondurma): Stretchy and chewy—street vendors’ playful performances are part of the fun.

Where to Eat

• Istanbul: Independence Avenue and the Galata area are packed with street food; Kadıköy is known for markets and cafés.
• Cappadocia: Testi kebab (clay pot kebab) in Göreme is a local specialty—best reserved in advance.
• Gaziantep: Known as Turkey’s food capital, famous for pistachio desserts and kebabs.

Practical Tips

• Local-popular kebab spots usually offer great value—lunch combos are especially good value, with meals around 200–400 lira per person.
• Bread and tea served before the meal are often free, and tea is commonly offered after meals without extra charge.
• Street food and market stalls mostly accept cash—carry small bills, especially lower-denomination lira notes.
• Restaurants may add a service charge; tipping is usually 5–10%, though some upscale venues include it.
• Tap water isn’t safe to drink—opt for bottled water. Also be cautious about the source of ice in street drinks.
• During Ramadan, some restaurants have limited hours during the day; evening iftar meals are lively and highly recommended.