What to Eat in Different Neighborhoods of Istanbul?

On both the European and Anatolian sides of Istanbul, you can taste many different flavors. However, some dishes and drinks are so closely associated with certain districts or neighborhoods that visitors to Istanbul want to try these specialties in their famous locales. Although each district has its unique characteristics, we've listed the most famous ones for you.

Sultanahmet Meatball (Fatih)

Sultanahmet meatballs are a dish synonymous with Istanbul that people never forget. Accompanied by piyaz (bean salad) and spicy appetizers, these delicious meatballs take their name from Sultanahmet, one of the regions of the Historic Peninsula. There are many restaurants and buffets in Sultanahmet where you can enjoy this famous dish.

Balık Sandwich (Eminönü)

Eminönü means fish sandwich, and fish sandwich means Eminönü. Even people who have never been to Istanbul know this. You can't fully experience Istanbul without eating fish from the famous Eminönü fish vendors, which are often featured in popular culture. You don’t necessarily have to sit in a restaurant to enjoy a fish sandwich. You can eat fresh fish from the street vendors by the sea and enjoy it with the famous turnip juice for a unique taste.

Wet Burger (Beyoğlu)

A favorite snack among young people and university students, the wet burger is a must-try in Taksim. This small but incredibly tasty and filling burger is often eaten as a final snack before heading home after a fun night out. Those exploring the Taksim area should definitely try it—we guarantee you'll get hooked.

Baked Potatoes (Ortaköy)

Who could have guessed that boiled, baked potatoes combined with butter, cheddar cheese, and various appetizers would create such an amazing flavor? The famous stuffed baked potatoes of Ortaköy are legendary. Whenever you crave stuffed potatoes, you’ll find yourself making the trip just to eat them. While the vendors in Ortaköy are especially popular, you can also experience this delight in Beşiktaş.

Kanlıca Yogurd (Beykoz)

If you want to try the famous Kanlıca yogurt featured in films and TV series, head towards Beykoz. The taste of this renowned yogurt, which you can eat in the charming neighborhood of Kanlıca, will linger on your palate. One of the most important and unique features of Kanlıca yogurt is that it is entirely natural, without any additives. There are many places in Kanlıca where you can enjoy this yogurt.

Stuffed Mussels (Sarıyer, Beykoz, Beşiktaş, Bakırköy, Kadıköy)

When it comes to street food, stuffed mussels are one of the first things that come to mind. This famous snack, a combination of mussels, rice, and lemon, can be found along almost any coastline. You can enjoy stuffed mussels in coastal districts such as Sarıyer, Beykoz, Beşiktaş, Bakırköy, and Kadıköy. Whether you prefer them served as portions in restaurants or individually from street vendors, stuffed mussels are a treat.

Waffle (Ortaköy)

Another flavor associated with Ortaköy, alongside stuffed baked potatoes, is the waffle. With its fruits, candies, and delicious sauces, the waffle is a popular treat in many parts of Istanbul. However, when asked what Ortaköy is known for, waffles often come to mind right after stuffed baked potatoes. It's also worth noting that Kadıköy has many famous waffle sellers.

Ottoman Sherbet (Fatih)

If you haven't tried traditional Ottoman sherbet, a refreshing drink for hot weather, you're missing out. Made with ingredients like cloves, cardamom, anise, and root ginger, this unique flavor is also chosen for its health benefits. Named for its use as a syrup in the Ottoman palace kitchen, you can enjoy this delicious drink in Fatih and many other neighborhoods.

Börek (Sarıyer)

Who wouldn't want to taste delicious börek with a view in Sarıyer, one of the most popular districts on the European side? When it comes to börek, Sarıyer is one of the first places that come to mind in Istanbul. Sarıyer has become such a brand in this regard that you can find a Sarıyer Börek shop in almost every district of Istanbul. Nevertheless, we still recommend going to Sarıyer specifically for börek. After all, everything is best in its place. The variety of börek is endless—minced meat, cheese, potatoes, spinach, leeks... In short, you can find every kind of börek imaginable in any börek shop in Sarıyer.

Bean Stew (Süleymaniye)

Bean stew is arguably the one irreplaceable dish in Turkish cuisine. While bean stew is made in its unique way in almost every region of Türkiye, in Istanbul, its place is in Fatih Süleymaniye. Since Süleymaniye is an important cultural and tourism center, you can find some of the finest flavors of our country here. Bean stew, being a significant part of Ottoman cuisine, holds a special place on the menus of the restaurants in Süleymaniye. If you want to indulge in an unforgettable bean stew feast, you should try one of the renowned restaurants in Süleymaniye.