Kuzu kelle is an intriguing Turkish dish employing an unusual ingredient – the sheep’s head. It is prepared in two traditional ways; boiled and served cold, known as kelle söğüş; or roasted and served hot, more familiar under the name tandur kelle. The cold variety is usually cut in thin slices and is generously covered in salt, parsley, and onions before serving. The roasted head is usually served straight from the oven, while still steaming, and the juicy parts are usually delicately separated by the cook and presented to guests. For the locals, the sheep’s head is an authentic delicacy that is commonly enjoyed in local restaurants. It represents an exquisite meal because of the numerous pieces, each employing a different texture and flavor. The lean, firm tongue and the rich, juicy brain are usually considered to be special parts of the meal. If it is not served whole in restaurants and at local markets, where it is usually accompanied by a variety of vegetables, chili, and fresh herbs, sheep’s head can be found at numerous food stalls, served as a snack inside buns or wraps. Locals prefer to consume it as a breakfast dish, eaten before they start their working day. For the tourists, however, the dish represents an unusual meal, not recommended for the faint-hearted, but for those who prefer to enjoy and taste authentic meals without prejudice.
Boyoz is a Turkish pastry that was brought over to the country by Sephardic Jewish immigrants from Spain in the late 15th century. Nowadays, it is prepared exclusively in Izmir, following the original recipe. The pastry is made with flour, sunflower oil, and tahini. Tahini increases the nutrient value of boyoz, but it also makes the dough rise in layers. Boyoz is additionally filled with ingredients such as cheese, meat, olives, artichokes, or spinach. Traditionally, this flavorful pastry is served as an essential part of breakfast, when it is accompanied by hard-boiled eggs sprinkled with black pepper and a glass of Turkish tea.
Grilled sardines are a simple, traditional seafood dish especially common in coastal Mediterranean areas and during summer months, when fresh sardines are plentiful. The dish is straightforward and emphasizes the natural flavors of the sardines: they are typically marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt (although a variety of spices and herbs can also be added, depending on the region) before being grilled over a charcoal fire. The dish is usually served as an appetizer or a part of a meze, along with bread, boiled potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or salads, and is best paired with lighter, sweeter local white wines.
Islak hamburger, also known as wet burger or Taksim hamburger, is a popular street food item in Turkey, especially renowned in Istanbul. This unique take on the hamburger consists of a beef patty placed inside a soft bun that is then drenched in a flavorful tomato-based sauce and steamed, resulting in a moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful burger. The process makes the bun very soft and the entire burger almost melts in your mouth, differentiating it from the typical dry and grilled versions found elsewhere. The sauce, rich in tomatoes and a blend of spices, infuses the burger with a tangy and slightly spicy flavor, enhancing the taste of the beef patty. After being soaked in this sauce, the burgers are stacked in a special steamer to keep them warm, further ensuring that they retain their moistness and flavor until served. Islak hamburgers are typically served late into the night, making them a favorite among night owls and after-party crowds seeking a satisfying and flavorful snack. They are often found in small eateries and street food stalls throughout Istanbul and other parts of Turkey, offering a quick, delicious, and inexpensive meal option.
Nohutlu pilav is a traditional dish that's usually sold as street food. This pilaf is made with a combination of white rice, chickpeas, oil, butter, onions, and vegetable stock. The ingredients are cooked and once done, nohutlu pilav is served either on its own or with the addition of pieces of chicken or pickled chili peppers. The dish is usually sold in Istanbul and throughout Turkey from glass street vending carts. It's recommended to pair it with a cup of refreshing ayran.
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For the “5 Worst Rated Turkish Street Food” list until May 21, 2026, 7,247 ratings were recorded, of which 4,201 were recognized by the system as legitimate.
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