You can bring some of the most iconic Turkish Street Food right into your own kitchen with these easy, no-fuss recipes! They’re the kind of dishes you’d see on the streets of Istanbul—simple, bold, and made with a few fresh ingredients. From grilled köfte tucked into crusty bread to quick snacks you’d spot at street carts, each recipe keeps things casual and unfussy. They come together fast, don’t need any special tools, and work great for a laid-back lunch or dinner at home.
Doner Kebab
If you want to try some popular and delicious Turkish street food at home, this Doner Kebab Recipe is an excellent choice. Doner kebab, also known as döner or döner kebap, is a type of meat that is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat, often lamb, chicken, or beef, is marinated with a blend of spices and herbs and then is stacked in an inverted cone shape, slowly rotating next to a heat source. As it cooks, the outer layers are thinly sliced and served with sliced tomatoes, and Sumac Onions in bread, or over Turkish Rice Pilaf.
To learn more: Turkish Doner Kebab Recipe
Pogaca
Pogaca (Turkish Cheese Buns) is one of the most popular savory pastries in Turkey.
Just like Fatayer - Homemade Lebanese Pies, they are perfect as a quick breakfast on the go, a tasty snack when you feel peckish, or a great addition to your kids' lunch box.
To learn more: Pogaca (Turkish Cheese Buns)
Izgara Kofte
Grilled Lamb Kofta (Izgara Kofte in Turkish) is one of the most popular street foods in Turkey made with minced lamb and aromatic spices such as coriander and paprika.
It is extremely easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills.
To learn more: Turkish Grilled Lamb Kofta - Izgara Kofte
Turkish Soft Bread Rings - Acma
Açma, also known as Turkish Soft Bread Rings, is a popular street food known for its soft, pillowy texture and rich, buttery taste. It is a staple at Turkish bakeries and makes a perfect breakfast on the go or tea-time snack. Some enjoy this soft, airy bread plain, while others prefer it stuffed with cheese or olives, always paired with a cup of Turkish Tea - Çay.
To learn more: Açma - Turkish Soft Bread Rings
Kol Boregi
Kol Böreği, or Turkish Arm Borek, is a delicious savory pastry filled with a mixture of ground meat, onions, and spices. It is very easy to make with store-bought phyllo or yufka. It’s a recipe that brings a little bit of Turkish tradition to your kitchen without much fuss. Kol Böreği works wonderfully for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, but it’s just as enjoyable as a snack or appetizer.
To learn more: Kol Böreği - Turkish Arm Borek
Lahmacun
Homemade Turkish Lahmacun (or Lahmajun-Lahmajoun) is a super-thin crispy flatbread topped with minced beef or lamb mixed with vegetables, herbs, and spices.
You can find this popular street / fast food everywhere in Turkey, in restaurants, cafes, and fast-food shops.
To learn more: Turkish Lahmacun
Gozleme
Gozleme, also known as Turkish Pancakes, is a delicious savory Turkish flatbread filled with a variety of ingredients like mince, cheese, spinach, or potatoes.
If you've ever traveled to Turkey or even just walked around a Turkish neighborhood, you've probably come across gozleme.
To learn more: Gozleme (Turkish Pancakes)
Simit
Simit (Turkish Sesame Bagel), is a sesame-crusted circular bread that is usually served for breakfast.
It is often sprinkled with sesame seeds and has a slightly sweet and nutty taste. Simit bread is one of the most popular street foods in Turkey and you can easily buy them from cafes, bakeries, or small food carts.
To learn more: Simit (Turkish Sesame Bagel)
Karadeniz Pidesi
Karadeniz Pidesi (or Kapali Bafra Pidesi) is a type of Turkish Pide made with a simple and delicious filling consisting of minced beef, onions, and spices. A traditional pide is usually oval-shaped, like a boat, however, when shaping this regional Pide, you combine the two edges of the dough over the filling so that is completely covered.
Hence this famous snack/street food is also known as Kapali Bafra Pide, meaning closed pide from Bafra.
To learn more: Karadeniz Pidesi
Tantuni
Tantuni is an iconic Turkish street food made with lightly seasoned small cubes of beef stir-fried in a special pan.
This traditional dish is typically served wrapped in lavash bread together with chopped onions, tomatoes, sumac, and parsley. Originating from Mersin city of Turkey, this delicious Tantuni kebab wrap is full of Mediterranean flavors you will love!
To learn more: Tantuni
Cig Borek
Çiğ Börek (Çiborek or Chebureki) is a thin crispy deep-fried pastry filled with ground beef, onions, and spices. They are perfect as an appetizer, breakfast/brunch item, or snack on the go.
This delicious fried turnover is a national dish of Crimean Tatars but is also a popular snack/street food throughout Turkey, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia.
To learn more: Çiğ Börek - Chebureki)
Adana Kebab
Adana Kebab (a.k.a Adana Kebap or Adana Kofte) is a delicious hand-minced meat kebab mounted on a skewer and then grilled over charcoal. This delicious spicy ground lamb kebab is a staple of Turkish street food and can be found on menus around the world.
To learn more: Adana Kebab (Adana Köfte)
Boyoz Pastry
Boyoz pastry is a traditional Turkish street food that is made from a simple dough that consists of flour, water, and sometimes a touch of olive oil.
The dough is then left to rest, allowing it to develop its characteristic crispy and flaky texture. The unique texture and flavor of Boyoz set it apart from other pastries.
To learn more: Turkish Boyoz Pastry
Leave a Reply