Street Flavors You Must Try in Izmir
Boyoz
One of Izmir's popular street foods, Boyoz is a pastry that stands out as a breakfast dish. Typically enjoyed with boiled eggs, this pastry is among the oldest street foods in Izmir. Originating from the Sephardic Jews who brought it from Spain to the Ottoman Empire, Boyoz is now loved not only in Izmir but also in many other cities in Turkey.
Where to Eat Boyoz? You can find delicious Boyoz in the bakeries located in Izmir's Alsancak area. In addition to the classic plain Boyoz, you can also try the spinach and cheese varieties.
Kumru
Kumru, a street food found in almost every booth in Izmir today, is made with special bread and filled with ingredients like sausage, salami, pastirma, cheese, and tomatoes. This hearty snack, which can easily be prepared in a toast maker, is known for its abundance of fillings and the crispiness of the bread. Kumru is a popular quick snack on the streets.
Where to Eat Kumru? Kemeraltı Bazaar is one of the ideal places to discover Kumru. At famous booths in the bazaar, you can enjoy a delicious Kumru while exploring Izmir's historical market.
Midye Dolma
Another beloved street food in Izmir is Midye Dolma, made from mussels collected from the unique Aegean Sea. The mussels are filled with a spiced rice stuffing, and the flavor is elevated with a squeeze of lemon. The tender mussel meat and the taste of the filling make Midye Dolma a must-try in Izmir.
Where to Eat Midye Dolma? To taste the best Midye Dolma in Izmir, you can buy them from vendors along the Alsancak waterfront.
Kokoreç
Offal is a popular delicacy in Turkish cuisine, and Kokoreç, made from lamb intestines, is a beloved dish in Izmir. The finely chopped Kokoreç is placed into a crusty bread with its juices. Known as Izmir-style, Kokoreç is made with just Kokoreç and bread.
Where to Eat Kokoreç? There are many places in Izmir where you can try Kokoreç. However, the Kokoreç vendors in Bostanlı, Izmir, are among the best.
Lokma
Lokma consists of small fried dough balls soaked in syrup, a sweet treat typically associated with holiday celebrations and street food festivals. With a crunchy exterior and a soft, tender interior, Lokma is a perfect solution for your sweet cravings.
Where to Eat Lokma? You can buy Lokma from many vendors along the Kordon, enjoying these crispy treats while taking in the unique Kordon view of Izmir.
Exploring Izmir’s street food is a fantastic way to experience the city's flavors, and traveling by bus to Izmir makes it an even better option for discovering these culinary delights.