Fresh from the Bosphorus: Balık Ekmek
Grilled fish sandwich sold on the waterfront, best when the catch is fresh
Balık ekmek is a grilled fish sandwich, usually mackerel, served in crusty Turkish bread with lettuce, onions, and a squeeze of lemon. Istanbul is surrounded by water on three sides, and this is the most direct way to taste it: fish grilled moments before serving and eaten by the water. The fish is usually mackerel, much of it now imported. The most famous spot is the balık ekmek boats moored at Eminönü beside the Galata Bridge, where the fish is grilled on board as you watch. Freshness is everything here, so buy where the locals buy.
The famous fish boats are moored at Eminönü, next to the Galata Bridge, and the sandwiches are served on the waterfront.
What it is
- The sandwich: grilled fish fillet (often mackerel) in bread with onions, lettuce and lemon.
- The setting: eaten on small stools by the water, with ferries coming and going.
- A classic pairing: a glass of turşu suyu (pickle juice) from the pickle stands next door.
Where to try it
- Eminönü: the boats and grills near the Galata Bridge
- Karaköy fish market on the other side of the bridge
- Fish restaurants under the Galata Bridge for a sit-down meal
Tips
- Squeeze lemon and add salt from the table.
- Watch for small bones.
- Combine it with a walk across the Galata Bridge at sunset.
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.
Balık Ekmek: frequently asked questions
Where to eat balık ekmek in Istanbul?
At Eminönü, next to the Galata Bridge, where fish is grilled on boats and served on the waterfront. The Karaköy side also has fish grills.
What fish is in balık ekmek?
Usually mackerel fillet, sometimes other seasonal fish.
What do you drink with balık ekmek?
Locals often have turşu suyu (pickle juice) or ayran.
Book tours & tickets
🎟️ See Istanbul food tours →Free cancellation on most tours · secure booking with GetYourGuide
Photos: PapaYoung89, CC BY-SA 4.0; Consciouscreaturee, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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