Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know Before Tasting the Streets of Istanbul
1. Is street food in Istanbul safe to eat?
Yes, for the most part, Istanbul’s street food is safe and widely enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Stick to busy vendors with high turnover, avoid items sitting out too long in the sun, and trust your senses—if it smells and looks fresh, it usually is.
2. Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes! While many dishes contain meat, there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly street foods:
Vegetarian: Simit, Börek (cheese or spinach), Kumpir with veggie toppings, Roasted Chestnuts, Boiled Corn, Fruit juices, Lahmacun (veggie version in some places)
Vegan: Fresh fruits, roasted chestnuts, boiled corn, veggie kumpir (request no cheese or butter)
3. What time of day is best for street food?
It depends on what you want to try:
Morning: Simit, Börek, fresh juice
Midday: Balık Ekmek, Döner, Lahmacun, Tavuk Pilav
Evening: Kumpir, Midye Dolma, Kokoreç
Late night: Islak Hamburger, Kokoreç, soups near Taksim
4. Can I pay with a credit card or contactless payment?
Most street food vendors prefer cash, especially small and traditional ones. Some modern vendors in areas like Kadıköy or Karaköy may accept contactless cards or QR payments. It’s best to carry small bills in Turkish Lira.
5. Is tipping expected at street food stalls?
No, tipping is not expected or required at typical street vendors or carts. However, rounding up or saying “teşekkür ederim” (thank you) is always appreciated. If you’re eating at a small sit-down street eatery (lokanta), you can leave small change if the service was great.
6. How do I know what’s in the food if I have allergies?
Many street vendors don’t have ingredient lists, so it’s best to ask directly or carry a translated allergy card. Common allergens include:
Gluten (breads, börek, kumpir)
Dairy (cheese, dondurma, kumpir)
Shellfish (Midye Dolma)
Nuts (sometimes used in desserts or mussel stuffing)
7. Can I eat street food on the go or should I stay nearby?
You can absolutely eat on the go many locals do. Some vendors provide small stools or counters to eat nearby, especially in busy areas like Beşiktaş, Eminönü, and Ortaköy. Always be mindful of foot traffic and nearby seating if available.
8. Is street food available year-round?
Yes! Istanbul’s street food culture is active all year. However, certain items are seasonal:
Winter: Roasted chestnuts, soups, islak hamburger
Summer: Dondurma, fresh juices, watermelon slices
Check our Seasonal Food Guide for more details.
9. Can I drink tap water in Istanbul?
Tap water is technically safe, but most locals and travelers prefer bottled or filtered water. For drinking and brushing your teeth, bottled water is widely available and affordable.
10. Do vendors speak English?
Not all vendors speak English, but many in tourist-heavy areas can understand basic words or gestures. It helps to learn a few key Turkish phrases, check out our Local Tips page for useful ones.
11. Is it okay to take photos of food vendors?
Yes, but it’s polite to ask first, especially if you’re photographing the vendor, not just the food. Most are friendly and proud of their offerings, so a smile and a quick “Fotoğraf çekebilir miyim?” (Can I take a photo?) goes a long way.
12. Where can I find the best street food in Istanbul?
Head to areas like Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Karaköy, Eminönü, and Taksim for a wide range of authentic street food. Use our Street Food Spots and Street Food Map to discover exact locations.
13. Can I suggest a street food vendor or dish for the website?
Absolutely! We love discovering new spots. Visit our Contact page and select “Suggest a Spot,” or tag us on Instagram using #TasteIstanbulLocal.
Need help planning what to try first? Visit our What to Eat page or use the Plan Your Food Day tool for a personalized food route!