Kokoreç
"Kokoreç is grilled lamb intestines that are chopped, heavily spiced with oregano and red pepper flakes, and served in crusty bread. The texture is chewy and the flavor is intensely savory—divisive but beloved by locals. This is Istanbul's ultimate late-night street food, typically consumed after drinking. Hygiene is critical; choose busy, established vendors."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Bold, Polarizing, Late-night
Duration
15-20 minutes
Best For
Adventurous eaters
The Backstory
Kokoreç has ancient Greek origins and was consumed throughout the Ottoman Empire, but it became particularly associated with Istanbul's street food culture. During the 1970s, kokoreç carts became fixtures outside bars and nightclubs in neighborhoods like Beyoğlu. The dish faced a brief ban in the early 2000s due to EU food safety regulations (during Turkey's EU accession talks), sparking massive protests—Turks defended their right to eat intestines. The ban was quickly reversed, cementing kokoreç as a symbol of cultural identity.
Local Secret
"Stick to busy chain vendors like Şampiyon where high turnover ensures freshness and hygiene standards are maintained. Ask for 'az acılı' (less spicy) if you're sensitive to heat. Eat it immediately while hot—kokoreç congeals unappetizingly when cold."