Ayaküstü Lezzetler in Kağıthane, İstanbul

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Istanbul

Must-try foods in Istanbul

• Cağ Kebabı
  Cağ KebabıOriginally from Erzurum but a massive trend in Istanbul in 2026, this 'horizontal' kebab features marinated lamb stacked on a spit and grilled over wood fire. Unlike the vertical döner, slices are skewered onto small sticks (cağ) and served progressively until you say stop. For the most authentic 2026 experience.
• Beğendi
  BeğendiA pinnacle of Ottoman 'Palace Cuisine' still revered in 2026. This 'Sultan’s Delight' consists of tender, slow-cooked lamb served over a smoky, velvety eggplant purée enriched with kashar cheese and butter. Historic lokantas like Hünkar in Nişantaşı (operating since 1950) remain the gold standard for this dish.
• Balık Dürüm
  Balık DürümWhile the classic 'Balık Ekmek' (fish sandwich) remains iconic, the 2026 trend favors the 'Balık Dürüm'—grilled mackerel wrapped in thin lavaş bread with a secret blend of spices, pomegranate molasses.
• Midye Dolma
  Midye DolmaA ubiquitous Istanbul street snack consisting of mussels stuffed with aromatic herbed rice, currants, and pine nuts. In September 2026, you'll find vendors everywhere from İstiklal Avenue to Beşiktaş. The local ritual is to eat them standing up.
• Lahmacun
  LahmacunOften called 'Turkish Pizza,' this thin, crispy dough is topped with a spicy minced meat mixture (lamb or beef) with herbs and vegetables. In 2026, the debate over the best lahmacun continues to center on the 'Gaziantep style' (with garlic) vs. 'Urfa style' (with onion). It is traditionally rolled up with a handful of fresh parsley, sumac-onions.
• Kokoreç
  KokoreçAn iconic, late-night Istanbul staple made of seasoned lamb intestines wrapped around sweetbreads and grilled horizontally. Chopped finely with tomatoes and green peppers, it's served in a crusty half-bread. While controversial to some, in 2026 it remains a local favorite in Kadıköy and Beşiktaş, often paired with a glass of spicy şalgam (turnip juice).

Trip guide

• About Istanbul
  About IstanbulIstanbul is a transcontinental city located at the junction of Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. As of September 2026, the city remains a primary cultural and economic center in Turkey, characterized by its documented history as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Historical Heritage The city was established as Byzantium by Greek settlers in approximately 660 BC.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit Istanbul are during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures are mild and pleasant for sightseeing. Summer (July and August) can be uncomfortably hot, humid, and crowded, while winter is often cold and rainy but offers the lowest prices. To avoid peak crowds and high hotel rates, aim for late spring or early autumn, as these periods balance ideal weather with more manageable tourist numbers.
• Getting around
  Getting around Istanbul

  • International Aviation (IST and SAW) Most travelers arrive via Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side; both are major global hubs served by Turkish Airlines and various international budget carriers.
  • Istanbulkart Public Transit System This universal contactless smart card provides seamless access to the city's extensive network of metro lines, iconic historical trams, yellow public buses, and the Marmaray transcontinental commuter rail.
  • Public Ferry Services (Şehir Hatları) A scenic and efficient way to travel between the European and Asian continents, these large passenger ferries depart regularly from major piers like Eminönü, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, and Üsküdar.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Purchase an Istanbulkart at transit hubs to pay for all public transportation including ferries, trams, and buses.
  • Always carry a small amount of cash in Turkish Lira for street food vendors and small shops that do not accept credit cards.
  • Look for 'Lokantas' or tradesmen restaurants to enjoy authentic, high-quality local meals at a fraction of tourist prices.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Istanbul

  • GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026: The debut of this major global technology and AI summit is currently taking place at the Istanbul Expo Center (September 9–10).
  • Contemporary Istanbul 21st Edition: The city's premier international art fair returns to the historic Tersane Istanbul shipyard on the Golden Horn later this month (September.
• Kağıthane Belediyesi↗
  Kağıthane BelediyesiThe official website of the Kağıthane Municipality, providing information on the district's history, cultural heritage, and local visitor services in Istanbul.