Top 10 street foods in Turkey

SENA ALKAN - ANKARA

In almost all Turkish cities street food is a savior for locals as well as tourists, who can enjoy different tastes at vendors popping up on every corner. The following are the most-consumed street food in Turkey, like "simit" (Turkish bagels) and roasted chestnuts.

Wet burgers

Forget all the burgers you've seen in the past since you are about to meet a Turkish-style wet burger (sloppy joe), which is very delicious. In Taksim Square at the beginning of İstiklal Street, dozens of small takeaway shops sell wet burgers.

Baked potato

One of the most famous street foods in Istanbul is the baked potato, known as "kumpir" in Turkish. A huge baked potato is cut in half and filled with butter and cheese for the base. The seller then asks for your preferred filling - from a mind boggling range of ingredients, including corn, pickled red cabbage, pickles, Olivier salad, yogurt, jalapenos, olives, etc.

Kanlıca Yogurt

A widely consumed food in Turkey, yogurt is a main ingredient in nearly all dishes in Turkish cuisine. Istanbul's Kanlıca neighborhood has been famous for creamy, tasty yogurt since 1893. Kanlıca yogurt has no additives and is good for the digestive system. Top your yogurt with honey, powdered sugar, jam or you can try plain Kanlıca yogurt.

Grilled & Boiled Corn

Many street sellers stand grilling ears of corn. Fried corn is very popular to eat while strolling down streets, along with boiled corn, which is put into a paper box and - according to your preference - you can add toppings, such as ketchup or red pepper.

Fish sandwiches

Istanbul fishermen have been catching fish in the Golden Horn. In the last 50 years, a tradition arose that sees freshly caught fish from the Marmara Sea cooked and sold on fishing boats. Eating a fish sandwich is a must if you visit Istanbul's historic peninsula, which includes Eminönü.

Simit

Simit is a staple food item readily accessible to the public from town bakeries, simit wagons or men on the street that balance a massive tray on their heads. Simit is a nice starter for any day.

Roasted Chestnuts

Roasted chestnuts signal the cold days of winter. Dozens of streets sellers roast chestnuts and put them in a paper bag. The smell of roasted chestnuts will make you want to eat more and more.

Lahmacun

Lahmacun is one of the most popular fast foods in Turkey. With thin-crispy dough and a delicious combination of minced meat, lamb or beef, mixed with fresh chopped onions, garlic, parsley, peppers and tomatoes, it qualifies as one of the healthier fast foods around. Also known as "Turkish pizza," lahmacun is a unique combination of fresh ingredients and complimentary spices, including paprika, red pepper flakes and occasionally cinnamon.

Gözleme

Made of hand-rolled dough that is lightly brushed with eggs and butter and filled with various toppings, such as minced beef, chopped lamb, fresh or smoked seafood and vegetables (spinach, zucchini, eggplant, onion and potato or mushrooms and cheese), these delicious "fillings" are sprinkled onto the dough before the dough is closed up and fried.