Ayaküstü Lezzetler in İzmir: 3 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Istanbul

Must-try foods in Istanbul

• Historical Kısıklı Kuru Fasulye
  Historical Kısıklı Kuru FasulyeA legendary local staple from the nearby Kısıklı area, this slow-cooked white bean stew is a centerpiece of Anatolian comfort food. Often prepared in copper pots with a touch of butter and tomato paste, it is traditionally served alongside buttery rice pilaf and spicy pickles (turşu) for a complete neighborhood meal.
• Üsküdar-style Kokoreç
  Üsküdar-style KokoreçA quintessential Asian-side street food, this consists of spiced, grilled lamb intestines wrapped around sweetbreads and seasoned with heavy amounts of oregano and red pepper flakes. In the Üsküdar-Yavuztürk corridor, it is typically chopped finely on a flat griddle and served inside a crusty, toasted half-loaf of bread.
• Black Sea Pide
  Black Sea PideHighly popular in the residential hills of Üsküdar, these boat-shaped flatbreads are baked in stone-deck ovens. Iconic versions include 'kuşbaşılı' (small cubes of meat) or 'peynirli' (cheese), often topped with a semi-runny egg and a generous dollop of local butter brushed onto the crispy crust.
• İskender Kebab
  İskender KebabA rich, iconic dish featuring thinly sliced döner lamb laid over pieces of warm pide bread. It is smothered in a hot tomato sauce and finished tableside with a dramatic pour of sizzling melted butter, served with a side of thick, creamy yogurt.
• Ev Yemekleri (Turkish Home Cooking)
  Ev Yemekleri (Turkish Home Cooking)Common in local Yavuztürk lokantas, these 'home-style' dishes include 'elbasan tava' (lamb baked with a béchamel-like yogurt sauce) and various olive oil-based vegetable stews. It represents the authentic daily diet of Istanbul residents, focusing on seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques.
• Simit with Kaymak and Honey
  Simit with Kaymak and HoneyA classic Istanbul breakfast ritual found at local bakeries. The simit—a circular bread encrusted with toasted sesame seeds—is split and paired with 'kaymak' (clotted water buffalo cream) and local honey, offering a perfect balance of savory crunch and creamy sweetness.

Trip guide

• About Istanbul
  About IstanbulYavuztürk is a residential neighborhood located within the Üsküdar district on the Asian side of Istanbul. Positioned on the slopes rising from the Bosphorus toward the inland hills, the area underwent a transition from a sparsely populated rural landscape to an intensive urban settlement between 1985 and 1990.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Yavuztürk is during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September to October, when the weather is pleasantly mild and ideal for exploring the hilly residential streets of Üsküdar. Summer (July and August) can be uncomfortably hot and humid, while winters are often cold, rainy, and occasionally snowy. To avoid the heaviest tourist crowds and higher prices in Istanbul, aim for these spring or autumn windows rather than the peak summer travel season.
• Getting around
  Getting around Istanbul

  • Metro (M5 Line) Take the M5 Üsküdar–Sultanbeyli driverless metro line to the Ümraniye or Bulgurlu stations, which are the closest rail hubs for accessing the Yavuztürk neighborhood via a short taxi or bus transfer.
  • Public Bus (İETT) Numerous direct bus lines serve the area, including the 11Y (Yavuztürk-Üsküdar), 14Y (Yavuztürk-Kadıköy), and 15B (Yavuztürk-Üsküdar), providing frequent connections from major transport hubs on the Asian side.
  • Dolmuş & Minibus Local yellow or blue minibuses (Dolmuş) operate on flexible routes like C-115 and C-118, offering a faster, more frequent alternative to buses for navigating the hilly residential streets within Yavuztürk.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Use the Istanbulkart for all public transport, including the local buses that connect this residential hilltop neighborhood to the Üsküdar ferry docks.
  • Expect steep terrain and uneven sidewalks, so wear sturdy walking shoes if you plan to explore the local streets on foot.
  • Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees to align with the conservative and traditional social norms of this residential district.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Istanbul

  • Accelerated urban transformation projects under the 2026 amendments to Law No. 6306, focusing on seismic resilience and green-building standards.
  • The rise of 'lokanta' culture and traditional street food tours in the nearby Üsküdar Bazaar area, emphasizing authentic home-style Turkish cuisine.
• Buca Belediyesi↗
  Buca BelediyesiThe official municipal website for Buca, Türkiye, providing visitor information, historical guides, and details on the district's Levantine heritage routes.