Amidst Istanbul’s tapestry of rich history, colorful architecture, vibrant night life, and warm, smiling locals is a cuisine that just as remarkably dynamic as its other treasures.

Turkish cuisine is known for its seemingly infinite breadth of flavor imparted by herbs and spices such as mint, parsley, cinnamon, cumin, garlic, and dill. What’s remarkable is that even with the wealth of flavors, the Turks are able to maintain a balance of tastes, never overpowering.

Turkish cuisine is diverse, a wonderful exposition of the abundant flora and fauna with which the land is blessed. When in Istanbul, expect to indulge in delicious vegetable-based dishes, lamb, breads and pastries, cheeses, and yogurt.

Worried about gaining too much weight from all the good food in Istanbul? Burn the calories by walking around the city and admiring its gorgeous sights.

Enjoy this guide to the best food in Istanbul and where to get them at reasonable prices:

If you’re used to a grab-and-go kind of breakfast, kahvalti will take you by surprise. Kahvalti is not just a dish; it is an experience to savor. Let’s start with the Instagram-ready presentation of a pot of tea, little plates of olives, cheeses, delicately-cooked eggs, tomatoes and cucumbers, cream and honey, an assortment of jams, yogurt, and fragrant, freshly baked bread. The culmination is a wonderful cup of local coffee.

Kahvalti is a meal of grandeur, but what’s even grander than the breakfast spread is the tradition of family gathering enclosed in the experience. When in Istanbul, strike a conversation with the locals and invite them to a traditional breakfast.

Here are the best places to have kahvalti in Istanbul:

• VAN KAHVALTI EVI | Cihangir
  For traditional Anatolian breakfast
  What to order: Eggplant pancake, Kahvalti, Kavut
  Price range: 20 to 30 TRY ($5.83 to $8.75)
  When: 08:00 – 17:00 Daily
  Where: Defterdar Yokusu, No. 52/A, Cihangir, Istanbul
• RUMELI KALE CAFE | Rumeli Hisar
  For a quiet breakfast with breathtaking views of Bosphorus
  What to order: Kahvalti, Manti, Pastirma (Cured beef)
  Price range: 20 to 65 TRY ($5.83 to $18.96)
  When: 05:00 – 21:00 Daily except Wednesdays
  Where: Yahya Kemal Caddesi No. 16, Rumeli Hisari, Sariyer, Istanbul
• BACKYARD | Bebekoy
  For eating breakfast with a picturesque backdrop
  What to order: Grilled halloumi salad, Kahvalti, Backyard lasagna
  Price range: 20 to 50 TRY ($5.83 to $14.59)
  When: 07:30 – 23:00 Daily
  Where: Etiler, Otlukbeli Cad, Bebekoy Sok No. 4, 34337 Istanbul

If you belong to the type of people who can’t fathom other people’s fascination with eggs, Turkish omelet, or menemen, will definitely help you understand. In this dish, the eggs are lightly scrambled in creamy butter with onion, tomatoes, and green pepper. The tomatoes are cooked through to impart a saucy zing to the omelet.

As with most Western restaurants, menemen is usually served with a side of meat. In Istanbul, the common accompaniment is sucuk, a kind of a beef sausage that is both spicy and succulent. An accompaniment is not necessary, but more yummy food is always better. Besides, breakfast in Istanbul always means a feast.

Here are the best places to have menemen in Istanbul:

• PRIVATO CAFE | Beyoglu
  For generous true-to-Turkish style servings
  What to order: Menemen, Flatbread with spinach and cheese, Kahvalti
  Price range: 10 to 35 TRY ($2.92 to $10.21)
  When: 08:30 – 24:00 Daily
  Where: Galip Dede Cad. Timarci, Sok No. 3B Galata/Beyoglu, Istanbul
• LADES MENEMEN | Beyoglu
  For top bill-worthy menemen
  What to order: Pastrami menemen, Yumurta, Eggs with cheese
  Price range: 5 to 15 TRY ($1.46 to $4.38)
  When: 11:30 – 21:30 Daily
  Where: Katip Mustafa Celebi, Istiklal Cadessi, Sadri Alisik Sokak 14/A, 34433, Beyoglu, Istanbul
• EMIRGAN SUTIS | Sariyer
  For lavish breakfast spreads
  What to order: Grilled halloumi salad, Tereyagi bal (Honey butter), Menemen
  Price range: 7 to 26 TRY ($2.04 to $7.58)
  When: 05:30 – 02:00 Daily
  Where: Emirgan Mahallesi, Sakip Sabanci, Caddesi, No. 46, Sariyer, Istanbul

A popular misconception about meze is that it is an assortment of side dishes and/or appetizers, akin to South America’s tapas, Korea’s banchan, and Italy’s antipasti. The truth is that meze is a meal itself, often served with traditional alcoholic beverages such as raki, arak, and mastika.

Meze is a smorgasbord of traditional Mediterranean dishes served in small platters, a hodgepodge of hot and cold dishes, of seafood, meat, cheeses, vegetables, and dips. Meze favorites include souvlaki (grilled meat on skewers), halloumi cheese (either grilled or fried), pastrami, sarma (grape leaves stuffed with lamb, rice, and herbs), tarama (mashes potatoes with olive oil and fish roe dip), and artichoke salad.

Here are the best places to have meze in Istanbul:

• INCIRALTI | Beylerbeyi
  For meze and raki in the picturesque area of Beylerbeyi
  What to order: Grilled sea bass, Meze, Muhammara
  Price range: 8 to 18 TRY ($2.27 to $5.11)
  When: 10:00 – 02:00 Daily
  Where: Arabacilar Sok No. 4, Beylerbeyi, Istanbul
• SAFE MEYHANESI | Fatih
  For upholding more than a century of culinary tradition
  What to order: Pastry stuffed with cheese and meat, Spiced mutton liver, Pilaki
  Price range: 17 to 50 TRY ($4.82 to $14.18)
  When: 13:00 – 02:00 Daily
  Where: Yedikule, 34107, Fatih, Istanbul
• HAYDARPASA MYTHOS | Kadikoy
  For mezes in the beautiful Haydarpasa train station building
  What to order: Cheesecake, Patlican Sarma (Stuffed grape leaves), Marinated salmon
  Price range: 18 to 49 TRY ($5.11 to $13.90)
  When: 11:30 – 01:00
  Where: Rasimpasa, Haydarpasa Gari, 34716 Kadikoy, Istanbul

Doner kebab is Turkey’s greatest gift to the global culinary map. “Doner kebab” loosely translates to “rotating kebab” as it is a gigantic stack of meat roasted vertically in a rotating manner.

The most popular variant of doner kebab in Istanbul is a mixture of lamb and beef, with the fat melting away as if to marinate the leaner parts of the meat to result in succulent, flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth layers of charred meat.

There are several ways of serving doner kebab – on a plate with a side of onions, tomatoes, pickles, and yogurt; rolled in flatbread; and naked – with no sides, no garnishes.

Here are the best places to have doner kebab in Istanbul:

• BAYRAMOGLU DONER | Beykoz
  For no-nonsense melt-in-your-mouth doner kebab
  What to order: Doner with rice, Baklava, Rice pudding
  Price range: 6 to 24 TRY ($1.70 to $6.81)
  When: 11:00 – 23:00 Daily
  Where: Ruzgarli Bahce, Seyfi Baba Sk. No. 2, 34805 Kavacik, Beykoz, Istanbul
• ADANA OCAKBASI | Sisli
  For mouthwatering kebabs and offal
  What to order: Doner kebab, Eggplant kebab, Sweetbread
  Price range: 7 to 25 TRY ($1.99 to $7.09)
  When: 12:00 – 01:00 Daily
  Where: Bozkurt Mahallesi, Ergenekon Caddesi, Baysungur Sk. No. 2/D, Sisli, Istanbul
• KARADENIZ PIDE VE DONER | Besiktas
  For doner kebab that is worth the phenomenally long queue
  What to order: Doner kebab, Iskender kebab, Kemalpasa
  Price range: 4 to 17 TRY ($1.13 to $4.82)
  When: 11:00 – 16:00 Daily except Sundays
  Where: Sinanpasa, Mumcu Bakkal Sk. No. 6, 34353 Besiktas, Istanbul

Istanbul boasts of a wide variety of kebabs, and iskender kebab is one kind that you must never miss. Named after its inventor, Iskender Efendi of Bursa, iskender kebab is basically lamb kebab lovingly smothered with tomato sauce, topped with warm sheep butter, and finished off with a side of yogurt.

What you may notice is that people in Istanbul can be a bit intense about iskender kebab, with several eateries claiming to be the birthplace of the well-loved dish, or at least, to be a descendant of the great Iskender Efendi, who changed the landscape of kebab in this wonderful city. It is that good!

Here are the best places to have iskender kebab in Istanbul:

• BURSA ISKENDER KEBASI | Sisli
  For iskender kebab that is the actual “real deal”
  What to order: Iskender kebab, Kemalpasa, Eggplant salad
  Price range: 11.50 to 44.50 TRY ($3.33 to $12.89)
  When: 06:00 – 22:00 Daily
  Where: Buyukdere Cad. No. 153/A, Zincirlikuyu, Sisli, Istanbul
• KASAP OSMAN | Sirkesi
  For kebabs that are masterfully crafted by a butcher
  What to order: Iskender kebab, Tavuk sis (Grilled minced chicken), Sutlac
  Price range: 11 to 20 TRY ($3.19 to $5.79)
  When: 09:00 – 23:00 Daily
  Where: Hoca Pasa Mh., 34112, Sirkesi, Istanbul
• MABEYIN | Uskudar
  For enjoying kebabs in an elegant 19th century mansion
  What to order: Iskender kebab, Pastrami, Cig kofte
  Price range: 15 to 60 TRY ($4.34 to $17.38)
  When: 12:00 – 23:00 Daily
  Where: Burhaniye Mahallesi, Eski Kisikli Caddesi, No. 7, Uskudar, Istanbul

Adana kebab is named after the city of Adana, one of the famous “kebab cities” of Turkey. Adana kebab is minced lamb meat on a skewer. It might look like just another skewer of meat, but the preparation it entails is nothing short of remarkable.

Traditional adana kebab is made from young male lamb, carefully minced and mixed with tail fat and red peppers. The addition of tail fat guarantees that the meat doesn’t dry up as it cooks; the red peppers, on the other hand, lend a welcome kick to the kebab. Have your yogurt shake ready to cool off your tongue!

Here are the best places to have adana kebab in Istanbul:

• ZUBAYIR OCAKBASI | Beyoglu
  For adana kebab you will never forget
  What to order: Adana kebab, Pirzola (Lamb chops), Kanat (Chicken wings)
  Price range: 10 to 60 TRY ($2.90 to $17.41)
  When: 10:00 – 01:00 Daily
  Where: Sehit Muhtar Mahallesi, Istiklal Caddesi, Bekar Sokak, No. 28, Beyoglu, Istanbul
• ADANA YUZEVLER | Besiktas
  For authentic adana kebab
  What to order: Adana kebab, Ustam kebab, Doner durum
  Price range: 16 to 30 TRY ($4.56 to $8.56)
  When: 12:00 – 23:00 Daily
  Where: Etiler Merkez Mahallesi, Nispetiye, Caddesi, No. 70, Besiktas, Istanbul
• ADANA OCAKBASI | Sisli
  For adana that’s often imitated all over the city
  What to order: Adana kebab, Chicken wings, Liver kebab
  Price range: 14 to 30 TRY ($3.99 to $8.56)
  When: 12:00 – 01:00 Daily
  Where: Bozkurt Mahallesi, Ergenekon Caddesi, Baysungur Sokak, No. 2/D, Sisli, Istanbul

Manti has been the subject of debate among foodies – is it pasta? Is it dumpling? A little bit of both, perhaps? While the preparation appears to largely be of Chinese influence, the way it is served is unmistakably a lot like pasta.

Just like its history, manti preparation varies from place to place. Turkish manti is boiled and rather smaller in size than elsewhere, where it is steamed and significantly bigger. All over Istanbul, the most common variant you’ll find is generously stuffed with lamb and chickpeas, drizzled with yogurt, and finished off with hot butter, chili powder, and ground sumac. It’s also easy to find vegetarian options such as potato- or chickpea-stuffed.

Here are the best places to have manti in Istanbul:

• KARDESIM MANTI | Sariyer
  For fresh, handmade manti without additives
  What to order: Manti, Yaprak Sarma, Erise
  Price range: 12 to 30 TRY ($3.42 to $8.56)
  When: 10:00 – 23:00 Daily
  Where: Emirgan Mahallesi, Dogru Muvakkithane Caddesi, No. 14/1, Sariyer, Istanbul
• AGA KAPISI | Fatih
  For one of Istanbul’s best-kept secrets
  What to order: Tiramisu, Manti, Tavuklu Salata
  Price range: 8 to 20 TRY ($2.28 to $5.71)
  When: 08:00 – 01:00 Daily
  Where: Demirtas Mahallesi, Nazir Izzet, Efendi Sokak, No. 11, Fatih, Istanbul
• HINGAL MANTI | Uskudar
  For manti of assorted flavors and colors
  What to order: Kiymali manti, Karisik manti, Sebzeli manti
  Price range: 15 to 40 TRY ($4.28 to $11.41)
  When: 11:30 – 20:30 Daily
  Where: Kisikli Mahallesi, Kisikli Caddesi, No 132, Uskudar, Istanbul

Kunefe is an ancient dessert with a history that goes as far back as the 10th century. A sampling of kunefe is mandatory when you’re in Istanbul, not only because of its role in Turkey’s culinary history but because it is really, really good.

Kunefe is warm, crispy, sweet, cheesy, syrupy, doughy, and a little savory from the crumbled pistachio nuts sprinkled on top. It is best consumed right out of the oven when the kadayif cheese is still hot and stringy. This delightful Turkish dessert resembles a cheese tart but instead of a pastry base, it has shredded dough protecting the gooey cheese inside. It is definitely the perfect, sweet ending to a spicy kebab meal.

Here are the best places to have kunefe in Istanbul:

• AKDENIZ HATAY SOFRASI | Fatih
  For authentic Hatay specialties
  What to order: Kunefe, Baba ghanoush, Liver kebab
  Price range: 12 to 35 TRY ($3.42 to $9.98)
  When: 08:30 – 24:00 Daily
  Where: Iskenderpasa, Mahallesi, Ahmediye, Caddesi, No. 44/A, Fatih, Istanbul
• LEZZET-I SARK ANTEP SOFRASI | Fatih
  For delectable kunefe
  What to order: Kunefe, Durum, Adana kebab
  Price range: 11 to 30 TRY ($3.14 to $8.56)
  When: 08:30 – 22:00 Daily
  Where: Rustem Pasa Mahallesi, Hasircilar, Caddesi, No. 52, Fatih, Istanbul
• KUNEFIS | Besiktas
  For an assortment of Turkish desserts
  What to order: Menemen omelette, Stuffed meatballs, Kunefi
  Price range: 6.50 to 18.50 TRY ($1.85 to $5.28)
  When: 09:00 – 24:00 Daily
  Where: Turkali Mahallesi, Ihlamurdere, Caddesi, No. 62/A, Besiktas, Istanbul

Baklava is Turkey’s most popular dessert, bearing historical significance which goes as far back as the 8th century. Several countries claim to be the birthplace of this sweet dessert, but no historical account seems reliable enough to be taken as fact. One well-embraced fact, however, is that baklava is a definite must whenever in Istanbul.

It is believed that in the ancient times, baklava was fit only for royalty due to its richness and complexity. Fortunately, in the 21th century, baklava can be found in every corner of Istanbul – even outside of Middle East. It is layers upon layers of flaky filo dough bound by rosewater syrup or honey, and filled with ground nuts in the middle.

Here are the best places to have baklava in Istanbul:

• GAZIANTEPLI BAKLAVACI BILGEOGLU | Kadikoy
  For heavenly baklava made with clarified butter
  What to order: Pistachio baklava, Walnut baklava, Mebrube
  Price range: 30 to 70 TRY ($8.56 to $19.97)
  When: 08:00 – 21:00 Daily
  Where: Caferaga Mahallesi, Nailbey Sokak, No. 1/B, Kadikoy, Istanbul
• KOSKEROGLU | Kadikoy
  For the most exceptional pistachio baklava
  What to order: Kadayif, Baklava, Durum
  Price range: 32 to 130 TRY ($9.13 to $37.08)
  When: 07:00 – 24:00 Daily
  Where: Kemankes Karamustafa Pasa Mahallesi, Mumhane Caddesi, No. 2/D, Beyoglu, Istanbul
• HAFIZ MUSTAFA | Fatih
  For baklava to write home about
  What to order: Pistachio baklava, Walnut baklava, Kunefe
  Price range: 9.50 to 16.50 TRY ($2.71 to $4.71)
  When: 06:30 – 22:00 Daily
  Where: Hobyar Mahallesi, Hamidiye, Caddesi, No. 84, Fatih, Istanbul

Culinary purists argue that lahmacun is not exactly pizza in the truest sense of the word; for the rest of the foodies, however, it’s a simple case of “tomato, tomahto”. This Turkish pizza makes use of a thin flatbread as base, which is then topped off with minced beef or lamb, vegetables, herbs and spices. Lahmacun is good as a snack, an appetizer, or as a meal itself – any time of the day.

Several variants of lahmacun have emerged in the foodie market, but among the favorites are garlicky, doused with red chili flakes, and really crispy. All these are worth a try, but you can’t go wrong with the classic, either.

Here are the best places to have lahmacun in Istanbul:

• LAHMACUN SALONU | Bayrampasa
  For delicious, garlicky lahmacun
  What to order: Lahmacun, Adana durum, Urfa durum
  Price range: 1.50 to 8 TRY ($0.43 to $2.28)
  When: 11:00 – 22:00 Daily
  Where: Yildirim Mahallesi, Ali Fuat Basgil, Caddesi, No. 96, Bayrampasa, Istanbul
• TATBAK | Sisli
  For aromatic lahmacun you can smell from meters away
  What to order: Lahmacun, Yogurt kebab, Chicken wings
  Price range: 8.50 to 45 TRY ($2.42 to $12.84)
  When: 11:00 – 21:00 Daily except Sundays
  Where: Tesvikiye Mahallesi, Valikonagi, Caddesi, Akkavak Sokak, No. 38/C, Sisli, Istanbul
• HALIL LAHMACUN | Kadikoy
  For freshly prepared lahmacun everytime
  What to order: Lahmacun, Kunefe, Pide
  Price range: 3.50 to 10 TRY ($1 to $2.85)
  When: 11:30 – 21:00 Daily
  Where: Caferaga Mahallesi, Gunesli Bahce, Sokak, No. 26, Kadikoy, Istanbul

Simit is a popular street food that you’ll find in every corner of Istanbul. From afar, it looks like a chocolate-glazed donut, but it is actually fluffy bread with a crunchy sesame exterior.

It’s common to see street carts and vendors peddling simit, but for simit in its most perfect state, you have to go straight to the bakery and get your stash as soon as the Turkish bread is ushered out of the brick oven.

Freshly baked, simit has that distinct roasted sesame aroma to stir your senses, only to be lulled by the soothing warmth of chewy dough. Simit is definitely delicious on its own but feel free to smear spreads, jams or pair it with cold cuts and vegetables.

Here are the best places to have simit in Istanbul:

• CITIR SIMIT CAFE | Sisli
  For oven-fresh simit round-the-clock
  What to order: Simit, Menemen, Omelette
  Price range: 1.25 to 8 TRY ($0.36 to $2.28)
  When: 08:00 – 17:00 Daily
  Where: Fulya Mahallesi, Vefa Deresi Sokak, No. 17/A, Sisli, Istanbul
• SIMIT SARAYI | Beyoglu
  For excellent breakfast to start your day
  What to order: Mixed wrap, Simit, Manti
  Price range: 8 to 22 TRY ($2.26 to $6.23)
  When: 06:30 to 14:00 Daily
  Where: Kocatepe Mahallesi, Tarlabasi Bulvari, No. 6, Beyoglu, Istanbul
• IPEK FIRIN | Beylikduzu
  For unforgettable simit
  What to order: Simit, Durum kofte, Manti
  Price range: 12 to 30 TRY ($3.40 to $8.49)
  When: 06:00 – 24:00 Daily
  Where: Baris Mahallesi, Ada Ciftligi Caddesi, No. 1, Beylikduzu, Istanbul

Durum is common Istanbul fare. It is one way of preparing kebab, in which the grilled meat is wrapped in a flatbread called lavash. Lavash is excellent for durums as it is sturdy enough to hold in the meat, veggies, and sauce but not too thick that it becomes a bread-y experience. Lavash is light, chewy, and is the perfect complement to the flavorful grilled meat.

Durum is considered a complete meal in itself as it has bread, meat, and vegetables. The sauce – usually yogurt-based, perfectly binds the whole components into one delectable experience. Some durumcus amp the experience by grilling the durum before serving it – this gives it an extra crisp and a layer of charred, smoky flavor.

Here are the best places to have durum in Istanbul:

• KARADENNIZ DONER | Besiktas
  For massive durums
  What to order: Doner durum, Iskender kebab, Doner sandwich
  Price range: 9 to 24 TRY ($2.55 to $6.79)
  When: 10:30 – 18:00 Daily
  Where: Sinanpasa Mahallesi, Mumcu Bakkal Sokak, No. 6, Besiktas, Istanbul
• DURUMZADE | Beyoglu
  For Bourdain-approved durums
  What to order: Adana durum, Urfa durum, Taruk durum
  Price range: 8 to 16 TRY ($2.26 to $4.53)
  When: 08:00 – 17:00 Daily
  Where: Huseyinaga Mahallesi, Kamer Hatun Caddesi, Topcekenler Sokak, No. 1, Beyoglu, Istanbul
• CANIM CIGERIM | Beyoglu
  For one-of-a-kind liver durum
  What to order: Liver durum, Chicken durum, Baklava
  Price range: 8 to 26 TRY ($2.26 to $7.36)
  When: 12:00 – 24:00 Daily
  Where: Asmalimescit Mahallesi, Minare Sokak, No. 3/A, Beyoglu, Istanbul

Eating balik ekmek (grilled fish sandwich) on a warm, sunny day must be on the top of any Istanbul travel itinerary. Selling balik ekmek by the Bosphorus strait is a half-century old industry. Back when fishing was the main source of living of Istanbulites, fishermen sold grilled fish sandwiches on their boat to augment their livelihood.

You can get your balik ekmek at fish markets or from makeshift food carts on boats by the Galata Bridge or Ataturk Bridge. Traditional balik ekmek consists of grilled whitefish, lettuce, and a drizzle of lemon, but it has evolved to include pickled vegetables and grilled chilies.

Stroll the beautiful city with a balik ekmek in hand – you’d want to be doing it over and over until you leave.

Here are the best places to have balik ekmek in Istanbul:

• MERCAN RESTAURANT | Beyoglu
  For tasty seafood dishes
  What to order: Roasted lamb intestines, Balik ekmek, Stuffed mussels
  Price range: 6 to 30 TRY ($1.70 to $8.49)
  When: 12:00 – 02:00 Daily
  Where: Huseyinaga Mahallesi, Sahne Sokak, No. 5, Beyoglu, Istanbul
• EMIN USTA | Beyoglu
  For legendary balik ekmek
  What to order: Balik ekmek
  Price range: 9 TRY ($3.50)
  When: 12:00 – 20:00 Daily
  Where: Arap Cami, Fermeneciler Cd No. 79, 34421, Beyoglu, Istanbul
• TARIHI EMINONU | Fatih
  For historical balik ekmek
  What to order: Balik ekmek
  Price range: 8 TRY ($2.26)
  When: 09:00 – 22:00 Daily
  Where: Galata Koprusu No. 28, Eminonu, 34421, Fatih, Istanbul

Selling potatoes on the streets is nothing new – we have fries and chips everywhere but Istanbulites always have to take things to higher levels – potato not excluded. In Istanbul, there is this popular street food called kumpir, or loosely translated, “maxed out baked potato”.

Kumpir is definitely not your ordinary baked potato. It starts with a ginormous potato, which is sliced in the middle for a generous smearing of butter and cheese, and is finished off with an overwhelming assortment of toppings. Common toppings you’ll see at street stalls are corn, pickled vegetables, pickled beets, olives, hotdogs, kisir, and a dollop of yogurt.

Kumpir is great whenever you feel like just sitting and enjoying the refreshing Istanbul scenery.

Here are the best places to have kumpir in Istanbul:

• BEBEK WAFFLE & KUMPIR | Besiktas
  For kumpir you wouldn’t want to share
  What to order: Cheese kumpir, Karisik kumpir, Waffle
  Price range: 12 to 16 TRY ($3.42 to $4.56)
  When: 09:00 – 16:00 Daily
  Where: Bebek Mahallesi, Cevdetpasa Caddesi, No. 38/B, Besiktas, Istanbul
• PATATOS | Beyoglu
  For when you can’t decide whether to have doner, burger, or kumpir
  What to order: Chicken doner, Kumpir, Beef doner
  Price range: 8.50 – 17.50 TRY ($2.42 to $4.98)
  When: 24 Hours Daily
  Where: Tomtom Mahallesi, Istiklal Caddesi, No. 185/A, Beyoglu, Istanbul
• ORTAKOYLU KUMPIR EVI | Besiktas
  For kumpir with street cred
  What to order: Kumpir
  Price range: 15 TRY
  When: 09:00 – 16:00 Daily
  Where: Ortakoy Merkez Mahallesi, Mecidiye, Koprusu Sokak, No. 1/6, Besiktas, Istanbul

Kofte, just like pretty much any food in Istanbul, is a big deal in this city, so much so that it is almost as sacred as religion. You’ll find restaurants claiming to have the best kofte in town, and you can’t find it in you to disagree because it’s practically impossible to find Turkish meatballs in Istanbul that you wouldn’t end up loving.

Historically made with scrap meat, onions, and spices, kofte was invented as a means of stretching a Turkish family’s food budget. Nowadays, choices for meat are beef, lamb, pork, and chicken. These are then grilled atop hot coals which render a deep, smoky flavor that make it distinctly Turkish in nature.

Here are the best places to have kofte in Istanbul:

• FINDIK KABUGU RESTORAN | Fatih
  For an assortment of mouthwatering kofte
  What to order: Kofte, Liver kebab, Manti
  Price range: 10 to 20 TRY ($2.85 to $5.69)
  When: 09:00 – 23:00 Daily
  Where: Balat Mahallesi, Murselpasa, Caddesi, No. 91, Fatih, Istanbul
• KOFTECI ARNAVUT | Fatih
  For kofte with the locals’ seal of approval
  What to order: Kofte, Kebab, Moussaka
  Price range: 6 to 14 TRY ($1.71 to $3.99)
  When: 06:00 – 16:00 Daily
  Where: Balat Mahallesi, Murselpasa, Caddesi, No. 139, Fatih, Istanbul
• TARIHI SULTANAHMET KOFTECISI | Fatih
  For kofte made of 100% pure beef
  What to order: Lamb shish kebab, Kofte, Cheese kofte
  Price range: 14 to 26 TRY ($3.99 to $7.40)
  When: 11:00 – 23:00 Daily
  Where: Alemdar Mahallesi, Divanyolu, Caddesi, No. 12, Fatih, Istanbul