Warm Your Hands with Kestane
Roasted chestnuts sold from street carts through the winter
From October through March, chestnut carts appear on Istanbul's streets: small stands with beds of glowing coals and paper bags of roasted kestane. The vendors have been part of the city's winters for centuries, and the smell of roasting chestnuts carries down the block before you see the cart. A hot bag costs little, warms your hands, and is easiest to peel while the shells are still warm. Look for a vendor with active coals and a steady line of regulars; that is where the chestnuts are freshest.
Chestnut carts appear from autumn to early spring, roughly October to March. You’ll smell them before you see them.
What it is
- Kestane kebap: chestnuts roasted on a hot metal plate over coals, sold in small paper bags.
- Warm and sweet: soft inside, with a smoky shell that peels easily when fresh.
- A city tradition: the red carts on İstiklal Street and in Eminönü are part of Istanbul’s winter scenery.
Where to try it
- İstiklal Street and Taksim
- Eminönü, near the Spice Bazaar and the ferry piers
- Kadıköy and Beşiktaş markets
- Kestane şekeri: for a sweet souvenir, try candied chestnuts from Bursa, sold in many dessert shops.
Tips
- Ask for a small bag first; prices are by weight.
- Choose shiny, slightly split chestnuts; they peel best.
- Eat them hot while you walk along the Bosphorus.
More Istanbul street food
Hungry for more? See the Istanbul guide for more dishes, or explore the food streets of Kadıköy. A guided food tour is the easiest way to taste many dishes in one afternoon.
Kestane (Roasted Chestnuts): frequently asked questions
When can you buy roasted chestnuts in Istanbul?
Mainly in the colder months, from about October to March.
How much are chestnuts in Istanbul?
They are sold by weight, so the price depends on the bag size. Prices are higher on İstiklal and in very touristy spots; ask before buying.
What is kestane şekeri?
Candied chestnuts, a speciality of Bursa, sold in dessert shops across Istanbul.
Book tours & tickets
🎟️ See Istanbul food tours →Free cancellation on most tours · secure booking with GetYourGuide
Photos: Mark Ahsmann, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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