Meat lovers will appreciate the wide variety of kebabs, including Adana kebab, İskender kebab, and shish kebab, along with spiced meat or bulgur patties known as köfte. For a classic first course, try the comforting red lentil soup mercimek. Meals traditionally begin with a selection of meze appetizers, such as hummus, olives, local cheeses, and eggplant salad, alongside stuffed grape leaves like dolma and sarma. If you enjoy street food, don't miss kokoreç (spiced grilled offal in bread), flaky gözleme flatbreads, crispy lahmacun flatbreads, and the famous grilled fish sandwich balık ekmek at the Eminönü pier.
A traditional Turkish breakfast is an absolute must, featuring a generous spread of cheeses, fresh vegetables, eggs, savory sauces, and warm pastries. The best place to experience it is the dedicated breakfast street in the Beşiktaş district. Pair your meal with strong Turkish tea served in classic tulip-shaped armudu glasses, freshly brewed Turkish coffee, or warming winter salep. For dessert, indulge in layers of nutty baklava, colorful Turkish delight (lokum), and chewy dondurma ice cream.