Istanbul is a city that takes breakfast very seriously. From simple combos like delicious simit (think of it as Turkey’s answer to the bagel) and Turkish tea to full-blown buffet-style breakfasts, the breakfast options here are practically unlimited, and in this article, we’ll teach you everything there is to know about breakfast in Istanbul.
Helpful Resources For Visiting Istanbul
Before we get to our ultimate guide to breakfast in Istanbul, let’s cover some basics. Here’s some helpful information that will make your trip to Turkey even more enjoyable and more affordable.
For cheap flights to Istanbul, check out this special offer by Qatar Airways.
If you’re looking to save on accommodation in Istanbul, use our discount link to get up to 15% off on all properties in town.
If you want to rent a car in Istanbul and get a taste of the city’s infamous traffic, you can use Auto Europe to compare the best deals from different car rentals in the area to make sure you’re always getting the best deal.
If you need a visa for Turkey, you can use iVisa’s services. They charge a small fee but do the required visa application and paperwork for you and they’re very expeditive.
Last but not least, for the best travel insurance deals in Turkey, check out SafetyWing.
Evolution Of The Morning Meal In Istanbul
Breakfast in Istanbul in the days of the Ottoman empire looked very different than it does today. But as Istanbul’s position as a global hub grew, so did its breakfast game. Traders, travelers, and all sorts of interesting folks passed through, each leaving a hint of their culinary flair behind. At the turn of the 20th century and the transition from the Ottoman Empire to modern-day Turkey, Istanbul saw significant urbanization, globalization influences kicked in and the local breakfast scene started changing. Today, it still shows off Turkey’s rich history, but with a dash of contemporary influences.
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Components Of A Traditional Breakfast In Istanbul
This guide to breakfast in Istanbul wouldn’t be complete without quickly going through the standard components of the local breakfast.
Simit: The Turkish Bagel
At first glance, you might think that this is just a bagel with some sesame seeds on top but you’d be so wrong. Simit is thinner, crispier, and lighter. I know the shape is similar (the whole hole in the middle thing), but calling a simit a “Turkish bagel” is a bit like calling a croissant a “French roll.” Technically sort of right, but also… not.
Here’s the fun part. Take a bagel and a simit, and place them side by side on a breakfast spread. Now, try to dip that bagel in your tea or coffee. Awkward, right? But the simit? It’s the perfect dunkable size, capturing that sweet spot between crunch and soak. Game, set, match: Simit.
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Beyaz Peynir: The White Cheese
“Beyaz Peynir” literally translates to “white cheese but this cheese, even though very simple at first glance, has layers (literally and figuratively). It’s like feta cheese but smoother, creamier, and a bit less salty (but still packs a punch). It crumbles, but not like a cookie in hot tea.
Olives, Tomatoes, And Cucumbers
You might be used to see olives as a pizza topping or martini accessory, but in Turkey, they’re front and center at the breakfast table alongside some juicy, ripe tomatoes and crisp, cool cucumbers. As you can see, the traditional Turkish breakfast isn’t just delicious, it’s also healthy.
Menemen
Menemen consists of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, green peppers, and sometimes a touch of spicy sausage or cheese. It’s like your regular eggs got an upgrade and are now living their best life in a sizzling pan.
Pastirma And Sucuk
Pastirma (or you might know it as pastrami) is a cured beef that’s been rubbed down with a garlic-fermented paste, then air-dried to perfection, you know, like a more sophisticated, tastier version of beef jerky. And sucuk is a spicy beef sausage prepared with a variety of spices and with a crispy charm but still juicy inside.
Fresh Breads and Spreads: From Honey to Tahini
Most Turkish bread varieties are crispy outside, soft inside, and freshly-baked can be easily found as there are thousands of bakeries in Istanbul. These freshly-baked breads can be combined with spreads turned in different variations of local sandwiches, or even turned into sweet breakfast adventures when combined with honey, tahini, and/or local jams.
Breakfast Beverages
Let’s dive deep into Turkey’s morning beverage scene. Spoiler alert: it’s not all about that frothy Starbucks latte.
Turkish Tea: The Unofficial National Hydration
First up, Turkish tea. Served in these cute, curvy glasses, Turkish tea is super strong and stronger than the average Starbucks coffee so don’t underestimate it. It’s the perfect thing to wake you up in the morning. Just a cube of sugar (or two, or none) and you’re good to go.
Turkish Coffee: A Pint-Sized Powerhouse
Now, onto Turkish coffee. Served in tiny cups, this coffee packs a powerful punch; it’s thick, rich in flavor, and it comes with its own layer of sludgy grounds at the bottom (Nope, you don’t drink that bit). Bonus: once you’re done sipping, you can even have your fortune told from the leftover grounds. Starbucks definitely doesn’t offer that!
Other Popular Morning Drinks: Beyond Tea and Coffee
But wait, Turkey isn’t just about tea and coffee. There are other contenders in the AM beverage race. Consider “ayran,” a frothy, salty yogurt that requires an acquired taste but is very healthy. But don’t worry, if you don’t like that, there’s a range of fresh juices to choose from (Turkey is a part of the Mediterranean after all).
Great Tours To Experience Breakfast In Istanbul
If you’re looking for a great guided tour that includes breakfast in Istanbul, the Taste of Two Continents tour is a great choice. If you like visiting farmer markets and walking tours, you’ll probably enjoy the Istanbul Food on Foot tour. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a tour that includes more than one meal (plus some wine tasting), check out the Two Continents and backstreets tour. Lastly, if you’re looking to combine your breakfast with a nice ferry ride around Istanbul, check out this tour.
Popular Breakfast Spots In Istanbul
Now that we covered some basics about the standard breakfast in Istanbul, let’s go through some of our favorite breakfast spots in Istanbul, starting with…
Van Kahvaltı Evi
Located in Cihangir, this spot is like the breakfast mecca of Istanbul. And some of the breakfast menu items here are so large, you might just forget about lunch. Special mention: their honey and clotted cream duo, which is so good, you might want to start ordering it at every meal.
Çengelköy Tostçu
Don’t let the name mislead you – it’s not just about toast (although this completely changes the concept of a toast and it’s one of the best ones I’ve ever tried). This Bosphorus-side spot in Çengelköy is where you go when you want a no-fuss, straight-up delicious breakfast in Istanbul with views of the Bosphorus.
Naif
Found in the bustling heart of Beyoğlu, Naif offers a slightly hipster twist to the traditional breakfast in Istanbul. Think classic ingredients with a modern presentation. If your Instagram feed is craving some breakfast love, this is the spot.
Emirgan Sütis
Set in the lush Emirgan Park, the homonymous restaurant is where nature meets deliciousness. Aside from classic Turkish breakfast spreads, they’re also known for their assortment of sweet treats and for having one of the best sutliyas (rice pudding) in Istanbul (not an easy feat by any means).
Karabatak Karaköy
If your breakfast mantra is “coffee first,” Karabatak in Karaköy is a place you could easily fall in love with. Their cozy, retro atmosphere combined with some of the best coffee in Istanbul (again, not an easy feat by any means) is the perfect way for a coffee addict to begin his/her morning.
Kale Café
Perched in Rumelihisarı with views of the Bosphorus, Kale Cafe offers a serene morning vibe. The menu doesn’t include anything fancy or extravagant but sometimes simplicity is king, especially if done right like in Kale Cafe. Pro tip: try their menemen paired with the sight of boats cruising down the Bosphorus. No better way to start your day.
Beşiktaş Kahvaltı Sokak
Technically, this isn’t one spot, but an entire street dedicated to breakfast in the heart of Beşiktaş. From boutique cafes to traditional stalls, it’s a smorgasbord of choices. Grab a simit from a street vendor, swing by a quaint cafe for some olives and cheese, and wrap up with a tea at another corner – it’s like a breakfast crawl!
Mangerie
Over in Bebek, Mangerie serves breakfast with altitude – it’s on the rooftop! This place combines international breakfast classics with Turkish favorites. Not to mention, their view over the Bosphorus is breakfast with a show.
Lades Menemen
Found in Beyoğlu, this joint is famous for (you guessed it) menemen. If you’re looking for an unpretentious spot that nails this Turkish egg dish every single time, Lades is your go-to. It’s a no-frills place with a menu item that has had locals and tourists buzzing for years.
Privato Café
Tucked away in Galata, Privato Cafe is the epitome of coziness. They’re big on organic, locally-sourced ingredients, and their breakfast spread showcases the best of what the region has to offer. The homemade jams and pastries here? Simply out of this world.
Nezih Kebap & Mücver
Located in Üsküdar, this spot offers a breathtaking view of the Maiden’s Tower and the old city. While they serve a range of dishes, their breakfast spread is notably generous. The highlight? Their crispy mücver (zucchini fritters). Pair it with Turkish tea and enjoy the view.
Fıccın
Tucked in the heart of Beyoğlu, Fıccın is renowned for its Circassian dishes. For breakfast, expect an array of cheeses, olives, and their house-made jams. Don’t leave without trying their signature Circassian pastry – it’s a delightful twist on the classic breakfast lineup.
Ortaköy Kahvesi
Ortaköy is a beautiful neighborhood famous for its waterside mosques and lively street markets and it’s here where you’ll find Ortaköy Kahvesi, a charming little breakfast cafe famous for their homemade breakfast spreads, tasty Turkish coffee, and honeycomb and clotted cream that’s dangerously addictive.
Mitte Karaköy
A blend of modern chic and traditional tastes, Mitte in Karaköy is perfect stylish breakfast cafe to begin your day. Their breakfast menu is a lovely fusion of continental and Turkish specialties but they’re best known for their freshly baked goods, which when paired with a cup of Turkish coffee, make you feel butterflies in your belly.
Aheste
Located in Pera, Aheste brings a contemporary twist to classic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, combining the best from both worlds. For example, they have unusual but delicious artisanal spreads with items like beetroot hummus and lavender-infused jams that are delicious just as much as they are colorful.
Weekends vs. Weekdays: The Changing Pace of Breakfast
Monday to Friday, when everyone is on the go, breakfast is usually a quick affair and features a simit grabbed from a street vendor, perhaps with a slice of beyaz peynir on the side, and a cupe of Turkish tea of Turkish coffee.
Weekends: The Laid-back Breakfast Marathon
Come Saturday and Sunday, things take a turn. The hustle of the week gives way to leisure, chatter, and of course, a spread that makes the weekday breakfast in Istanbul look like an appetizer. It’s the kind of meal where you sit down at 10 a.m. and suddenly, whoa, it’s noon! There’s menemen sizzling in pans, honey dripping onto fresh clotted cream, olives, cheeses, pastries – the list goes on.
Did you like our guide to breakfast in Istanbul? Was it helpful? Do you think there are some other important things we forgot to mention in our guide? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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