Introduction
Did you know you can enjoy tasty Turkish food without breaking the bank? From the busy streets of Istanbul to the exotic bazaars in Southeast Turkey, there are many affordable dishes that will be a treat for your taste buds.
If you want to try budget-friendly Turkish meals but don´t know where to start, then this guide to Turkish food will help you on your culinary adventure.
Key Takeaways
- Turkish cuisine has a rich history and is a mix of flavours from different cultures.
- You will experience warm hospitality when eating delicious Turkish cuisine in restaurants.
- You will learn about some of the best inexpensive foods to try, as well as their ingredients.
- Find out which of Istanbul’s best neighbours offer budget-friendly meals.
- Learn about the culinary specialties of south-eastern Turkey
A Brief History of Turkish Cuisine
Turkish food has a long and fascinating history. It mixes flavours and ingredients from many cultures and regions, including Central Asia, Persia, and the Middle East.
Turkey played a crucial role in the Silk Road, developing into a significant hub for the trading of herbs and spices, many of which found their way into classical Turkish cuisine.
The Ottomans were also responsible for introducing new ideas and ingredients from all corners of the Ottoman Empire. As a result, modern-day Turkey is full of exciting dishes. These meals are integral to Turkey’s rich cultural heritage.
Turkish Hospitality
Trying out cheap traditional Turkish food also means meeting kind people. You’ll receive a warm welcome when dining out in Turkey, from small food stalls to family restaurants. The food is not just tasty but also made with special care.
Restaurant owners in parts of the country that foreign tourists rarely visit may offer extra dishes for free. The generosity of Turkish people is truly amazing, and for me, it is part of the joy of visiting the country.
Turkish Food Markets
The local markets in Turkey are a must-see for food lovers. You can buy fresh vegetables and fruit, spices, olives, and herbs without spending a fortune. It’s a fun way to get to know the culture and even cook your own Turkish meals if you are renting an apartment. The ingredients for authentic Turkish food don´t have to be expensive.
The Best Turkish Dishes
Street food stalls and family restaurants called Lokantas are excellent places to eat, both cheap and tasty. You can try kebabs, pastries, or sweets that are light on your wallet.
Kebabs: A National Favourite on a Budget
Trying a köfte, or doner kebab, in Turkey is a must. Many people love Turkish Kebabs and find them to be very inexpensive. There are so many different types of kebabs; sometimes they are on a skewer, other times they are in a pitta wrap. For more information on all of Turkey’s national and regional kebabs, see the complete guide to Turkish kebabs.
Pide and Lahmacun (Tukish Pizza)
Looking for something quick yet tasty? Pide and Lahmacun are excellent choices. These Turkish versions of pizza are wallet-friendly. You can find them throughout Turkey, and they are real favourites. You can buy them straight from the bakery or eat them in simple restaurants, which are often family-owned. Turkish pizza, known as Pide, has a boat-like shape, filled with cheese, and a variety of toppings, unlike Lahmacun, which is round and typically consists of ground meat, chopped onion, or peppers without any cheese. It’s easy to become addicted to Pide.
Meze Dishes
Meze are famous Turkish dishes that come before your main course. Meze is a collection of small eateries that serve a variety of food items. Sharing meze dishes is a relaxing way to taste different flavours. Meze dishes may include hummus, stuffed grape leaves, kofte, dips, and more. They are both delicious and cheap. They are usually also served with a salad, even if you don´t ask for it. Remember that all of this is just the starter course. So, be careful not to order too much food for your main dish.
Turkish Soups
Turkey has a variety of hot and cold soups that are perfect for warming you up or cooling you down. From lentil soup (Mercimek Çorbası) to chicken soup (Tavuk Çorbası), don’t forget the famous yoghurt soup (Yoğurt Çorbası) or cold yoghurt and cress soup (Cacık), which you won’t find in many parts of the world. If you are in the Black Sea region of Turkey, you should try anchovy soup (Hamsi Çorbası). It is delicious and not as salty as you might imagine. Turkish soups are both heart warming and affordable.
Other Inexpensive National and Regional Delicacies
Turkey is full of affordable gems to discover. Each region has its own special dishes waiting for you. Let’s go on a food adventure and find these hidden culinary treasures.
Çiğ Köfte: These are spicy cold bulgur wheat patties often served in a lettuce wrap.
Köfte: These are the Turkish version of meatballs and are usually served together with rice or bread.
Gözleme: A savoury Turkish flatbread stuffed with different types of fillings, such as cheese, spinach, or meat.
Menemen: scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, and spices. It is usually a breakfast dish.
Dolma: grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with a mixture of rice and herbs.
Kumpir: a baked potato filled with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, sausage, and vegetables. This famous street food is both real comfort food and very filling.
Midye Dolma: Mussels stuffed with spiced rice. You can often find them for sale on the streets of large coastal cities. I probably wouldn‘t recommend you try them on the street, especially in hot weather.
Börek: a delicious Turkish pastry that is usually filled with cheese, meat, or spinach. People typically eat it in the morning, and you can find it all over the country.
Balık Ekmek – This is basically a fish sandwich typically found in coastal cities. In Istanbul, it is very popular. However, I’m unsure if I would enjoy eating fish caught in the Bosphorus.
İçli Köfte: These are deep-fried bulgur balls filled with minced meat, onions, and spices.
Muhlama: This is a traditional cheese fondue-like dish that comes from the Black Sea region. It is made with cornmeal and cheese.
Karnıyarık: This delicious meal is one of my favourites. It is aubergine/eggplant that is stuffed with minced/ground meat, tomatoes, and spices.
Mantı: Turkish style dumplings that can be similar to Ravioli and are filled with a variety of fillings.
Vegan-friendly and Vegetarian Turkish food
Vegans will find many options in Turkish cuisine. From stuffed peppers to salads, these dishes are both healthy and not too expensive. However, Turkish cuisine often incorporates dairy products, even adding melted butter to the rice. So, always mention to the waiter that you are vegan and not just someone who doesn´t eat meat.
Traditional Turkish Breakfast
A traditional Turkish breakfast can be a wonderful start to the day. It consists of a huge number of small dishes, that are placed on a breakfast table and shared. There are a lot of hot, cold, sweet, and savoury items to try. Of course, you will find plenty of fresh bread and simits (Turkish bagels), all washed down by lots of Turkish tea or coffee.
Desserts: From Baklava to Dondurma
For dessert lovers, Turkey has a lot to offer. You can enjoy baklava, Turkish delight, or dondurma (Turkish ice cream) after your meal without spending much. People with a sweet tooth should check out our complete guide to Turkish desserts.
Istanbul’s Culinary Scene
Istanbul is a food lover’s dream. Though more expensive than other parts of the country, there are affordable restaurants.
There are secret places in Istanbul that serve up inexpensive, tasty food. These spots are not the usual tourist attractions. In fact, the main key to finding inexpensive food in Istanbul is to travel away from the typical tourist traps of Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu, and Taksım. You can find good restaurants in these neighbourhoods, but they tend to be more expensive. Here is a list of some other neighbourhoods in the city, as well as recommended restaurants.
Kadıköy (Asian Side): This is one of the best neighbourhoods for finding wonderful and inexpensive meals. The Kadıköy Market (Çarşı) and the surrounding streets are excellent places to find delicious and affordable dishes. Some highly recommended Turkish restaurants in Kadıköy that can be found easily using Google Maps include:
Ciya Sofrasi – 4.8 stars
Çiya Kebap – 4.7 stars
Kanaat Lokantası – 4.5 stars
Tarihi Karaköy Güllüoğlu – 4.5 stars
Kadıköy Çarşısı – 4.5 stars
Kuzguncuk Köftecisi – 4.5 stars
Resto Han – 4.9 stars
Beşiktaş – This bustling neighbourhood is famous for its vibrant cafes, meyhanes (taverns), and street food. Beşiktaş Market (Çarşı) is particularly popular for cheap food. Keep in mind that restaurants serving fish are typically more expensive than those serving meat. If you love football, you could combine watching a fantastic football match with a fantastic meal.
Ahtapot Fish Restaurant – 3.7 stars
Besiktas Carsi Balik Restaurant – 3.6 stars
Eminönü – This neighbourhood is located near the historic Spice Bazaar and the Galata Bridge, Eminönü is an excellent spot for traditional Turkish street food.
Tatseven Restaurant – 4.5 stars
Neslihan Büfe 4.3 starts
Hamdi Restaurant – 4.4 stars
Fatih – This is one of Istanbul’s oldest neighbourhoods, and there are many traditional restaurants and street food stalls, especially around the Fatih Mosque.
Fatih Çiğ Köfte – 4.5 stars
Fatih Kebap – 4.5 stars
Havuzlu Restaurant – 4.5 stars
Ayasofya kebab House: 4.8 stars
Aksaray – This neighbourhood is known for its many different food options, including Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cuisines. All of which are reasonably priced.
Baba Söğüş – 4.5 stars
Kebapçı Etiler – 4.4 stars
There are many food tasting tours in Istanbul, and if you are a Turkish food enthusiast, perhaps it would be a good idea to have an expert guide you through the secret restaurants of Istanbul that are usually well hidden from tourists.
Southeast Turkey – A Foodie Paradise
Specialities from Gaziantep, Adana, Sanliurfa, and Mardin
When I think of the best Turkish food, I always think about Southeast Turkey. It has just about everything a foodie like me could ask for. Arab and Persian cultures strongly influence the exotic flavours, and this region is known for the amazing hospitality of restaurant owners and staff. This region is perfect for those wanting to combine an adventure holiday in a historically fascinating destination with a culinary adventure, trying famous traditional Turkish dishes from the region.
Gaziantep is Turkey’s food capital. Famous local dishes, include its sweets and desserts, such as “baklava” and “katmer,” are filled with Pistachios and are must be tasted when you visit Gaziantep.
Adana is perfect for those who love meat. It’s famous for the Adana kebab, made from lamb or beef. It’s marinated in spices and grilled, a must try dish when visiting Adana. Probably my favourite Turkish dishes, it’s now available in many parts of the country. In the nearby coastal city of Mersin, you will find the famous Tanuni, meat filled wraps which are a popular street food.
Urfa, or Sanliurfa, also stands out, with its delicious Urfa kebabs, spicy “Lahmacun,” and tasty eggplant dishes.
Mardin offers a mix of Arabic, Kurdish, and Turkish culture, which is incorporated into its food. Try the “Mardin kebab” and “Kelle paça.”
Popular Turkish Drinks to Accompany Meals
If you want to enjoy Turkish food, you need the perfect drink to go with it. Turkey has a wide range of tasty and unique drinks and they can make your meal even more special.
Turkish Tea: Turkish tea, known as “çay,” is a hit in Turkey. It’s a big part of their culture, with people drinking about eight glasses a day. You’ll find it served in special tulip-shaped glasses. It’s strong yet sweet, making it a favourite among many.
Turkish Coffee: If you love coffee, don’t miss out on Turkish coffee. It’s made in a special way, giving it a thick, strong taste. This coffee is enjoyed slowly to truly appreciate its rich flavour in every sip.
Rakı: Rakı is a famous alcoholic drink in Turkey, known as the “national drink.” It tastes of anise and has a high alcohol content of 48%. This drink is often mixed with water and ice, turning into a cool, refreshing drink during meals. It is a bit similar to Greek Ouzo.
Turkish Wine: Turkey has a long history of winemaking, and there are a wide range of quality white and red wines to choose from. In spite of the high taxes placed on alcohol in Turkey, when compared to most places in the west, there are still bargains to be found. Check out our complete Turkish wine guide.
Learn How to Cook Turkish food.
While travelling in Turkey, you will have the chance to taste many affordable dishes. You can join a Turkish cooking class to learn how to make some of these dishes. These classes specifically aim to educate tourists on the fundamentals of Turkish cuisine. Typically, these classes span half a day and provide instruction in English. It’s also a great chance to meet other people from all over the world. There are many of these classes available, especially in Istanbul cooking academies.
Conclusion
Turkey is a place where you can find tasty meals that don’t have to cost a fortune. There are not so many chain restaurants in this part of the world, as most people enjoy eating in small and friendly restaurants, where food is lovingly prepared by expert chefs.
To sum up, Turkish food is a wonderful choice, especially for those watching their budget. By exploring street food and local family run lokanta restaurants, you can discover new tastes and save money. Don’t be afraid to try some of the new items mentioned in this guide on your next trip to Turkey, as you will be pleasantly surprised.
