Famous Winter Tastes of Istanbul

Winter is coming, so we thought it would be nice to introduce you to some of the flavors you can encounter in Istanbul during the coldest months of the year. Some are found on any busy street, and some you may have to go to a restaurant to try. These delicacies are a part of Turkish culinary culture, they will not only fill you up, but also make your winter experience enjoyable. Here are the favorite winter flavors you can find on the streets and squares of Istanbul.

Chestnut (Kestane)

Chestnut is perhaps the most symbolic Istanbul street food associated with the winter season. While visiting Istanbul, it is inevitable to come across a street vendor roasting chestnuts. Especially in Sultanahmet, which is the historical center of Istanbul, you will definitely see them. Its look and smell grab you, so it’s hard to resist not being fond of some. This winter flavor is a food rich in fiber and low on the glycemic index. This means that chestnuts are not only delicious but also a healthy snack option.

Sahlep

Salep is a Turkish beverage consumed only in winter. It warms you up and gives a unique taste when combined with cinnamon. It is quite filling, so it is best not to drink it with dessert. Most coffee and tea shops offer salep during the winter season, so it’s easy to find on a cold winter’s day. It is produced from wild orchid tubers.

Boza

It is a famous Ottoman drink with a cultural history dating back to the 17th century. On cold winter nights, Boza vendors wander around the neighborhoods with a gallon of boza on their backs, calling out “Booooo-Zaaaa” in a certain rhythm, in some parts of the city. To drink like a local, sprinkle cinnamon on it and enjoy it with roasted chickpeas. Another good reason to drink boza is its nutritional properties. It is a rich source of vitamins A, B, and E and is highly recommended for pregnant women.

Tea

Turkey is one of the countries that consume the most black tea in the world. In fact, it is consumed much more than the British. Since tea is cheap and accessible, it also serves to socialize by bringing people from different backgrounds together. Inviting someone to tea is always a good way to have a little chat, and it’s rare for someone to decline the offer. Although the most consumed beverage in all seasons is “tea”, its consumption increases especially in the winter season. A steaming cup of tea is an essential part of the daily routine of most Turkish people.

Roasted chickpea

We have mentioned before that it is typical to be consumed with boza, roasted chickpea is a winter delicacy in itself. Chickpeas are low in fat and high in healthy carbohydrates and are very good to consume.

Pickle (Turşu)

Pickles mainly help us preserve our vegetables throughout the winter. With their sour and salty taste, pickles are a cultural winter dish in Turkey. Many fishmongers and fish-serving boats in Eminönü serve the pickle in a glass with just water. It is believed that drinking pickle juice protects from the cold.

The most common types of pickles in Turkey are cabbage, green peppers, and cucumbers, but you can also find almost any vegetable preserved this way. If you want to make your loved ones taste this delicacy, you can find many pickle shops in Istanbul where you can buy a jar of pickles as a gift for your family or friends.

Pumpkin Dessert (Kabak Tatlısı)

Pumpkin dessert is a typical winter dessert that you must try. Baked pumpkin in sherbet in the oven is served with crumbled hazelnuts on top. It is also common to pour tahini sauce on it. You can try it in many restaurants all over Istanbul during the winter months.

Quince Dessert (Ayva Tatlısı)

Quince is a very common winter fruit in Turkey. Many types of food are made with quince, as quinces grow fast and produce abundant fruit at the same time. One of them is to make a dessert with it. Quinces are also baked in the oven, like pumpkin desserts. It is also customary to serve it with cream on it. It is a traditional flavor that will sweeten your winter days.

These are the things that Istanbul brings us beyond the cold and breeze of winter. Tasting a few of these delicacies will give you enough energy to keep you up on long walks while exploring the city. Not just energy, these winter flavors will give you a more valuable gift than understanding the feeling of winter in Turkey.