As Turkey’s largest city and cultural heart, Istanbul is a melting pot of diverse culinary traditions. The city’s gastronomic scene is as impressive as its grand mosques and bustling bazaars.
While many “turkey things” may tantalize your palate, one dish reigns supreme in its ability to satisfy meat lovers—kebab.
Understanding the Kebab
The term ‘kebab’ typically refers to a range of meat dishes in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. It’s derived from the Arabic word ‘kabab,’ which roughly translates to ‘roast.’ In Turkey, the kebab takes on various forms, from skewered meats to stews, each one distinct in preparation, ingredients, and taste.
Traditionally, kebabs are made with lamb or beef, although variations with chicken, fish, or even vegetables are not uncommon. The meat is often marinated with a mix of spices and herbs before being grilled over charcoal, infusing it with a characteristic smoky flavor that has come to define Turkish kebabs.
What makes kebabs unique and why are they so universally loved? The secret lies in the perfect harmony between the meat’s richness, the spices’ complexity, and the grilling process’s intensity.
This combination results in a culinary experience that is both simple and sophisticated, offering a burst of flavors in every bite.
Exploring the Istanbul Kebab Restaurants
If you’re looking for the perfect kebab experience in Istanbul, you’re in for a treat. The city is home to a myriad of restaurants, each offering their unique spin on this beloved dish. Here are some must-visit Istanbul kebab restaurants:
1. Sultanahmet Koftecisi Selim Usta
Nestled in the heart of Sultanahmet, this historic restaurant has been a kebab hotspot since 1920. It specializes in ‘kofte,’ a variation of kebab shaped into meatballs. Here, the koftes are succulent, flavorful, and rightly famous throughout Istanbul and beyond.
2. Durumzade
Famed for being featured in Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations,” Durumzade is an unassuming eatery revered for its ‘Durum.’
This wrap, brimming with flavorful kebab meat, is a popular fast-food option in Turkey. This spot, which stays open till late, is your perfect destination for midnight kebab cravings.
3. Beyti
Beyti, an upscale restaurant in Florya, is famed for its namesake kebab – the ‘Beyti Kebab.’ This unique dish comprises minced lamb rolled in a layer of lamb fat.
The kebab, which has gained global fame, is a must-try when you visit Istanbul – a star among the Turkey things.
4. Hamdi Restaurant
Positioned near the Spice Bazaar, Hamdi Restaurant offers an impressive kebab menu and panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
The restaurant’s ‘Ali Nazik Kebab,’ an exquisite blend of meat, aubergine, and yoghurt, is a standout dish that’s sure to impress.
5. Sehzade Erzurum Cag Kebabi
In proximity to the Grand Bazaar, this modest eatery serves up the ‘Cag Kebabi.’ This type of kebab hails from Erzurum in eastern Turkey and features marinated lamb slowly roasted over a wood fire.
The result is tantalizingly tender, smoky meat that is truly irresistible.
6. Ciya Sofrasi
This restaurant, located in the Kadikoy district on the Asian side of Istanbul, is a treasure trove of Anatolian cuisine.
It features a wide variety of kebabs that extend beyond the typical shish and doner variants. For the adventurous foodie, this is a must-visit.
7. Adana Ocakbasi
As its name implies, this restaurant is famed for the ‘Adana Kebab’—a fiery, skewered minced meat kebab. Located in Kurtulus, Adana Ocakbasi serves some of the best Adana kebabs in Istanbul, and spice lovers will find it irresistible.
Venturing into Istanbul’s kebab scene takes you on a culinary journey like no other. It’s an experience that moves beyond dining, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture and warmth of Turkish hospitality.
The rich tapestry of flavors, the smoky aroma of grilled meat, the bustling ambiance of local ‘ocakbasi’ (grill houses) all form part of the “turkey things” that make your Istanbul experience unforgettable.
In Istanbul, every kebab tells a story. Every bite transports you on a journey, and every restaurant visit is an encounter with the city’s culinary soul. Istanbul kebab restaurants are a testament to the city’s vibrant food culture, providing a meaty adventure that stands out among the many “turkey things” to explore in this historic city.
