๐Ÿณ ืžืงื•ืžื•ืช ืืจื•ื—ืช ื‘ื•ืงืจ ื˜ื•ืจืงื™ื™ื ืžื•ืžืœืฆื™ื ื‘ืื™ืกื˜ื ื‘ื•ืœ

Few things in life are as satisfying โ€” or social โ€” as a traditional Turkish breakfast. Known as kahvaltฤฑ (literally โ€œbefore coffeeโ€), this iconic morning ritual is less about speed and more about abundance, conversation, and community. With a table overflowing with cheeses, olives, fresh bread, eggs, jams, pastries, and endless cups of tea, Turkish breakfast isnโ€™t just a meal โ€” itโ€™s a cultural experience.

In Istanbul, youโ€™ll find some of the countryโ€™s best breakfast salons and cafรฉs, whether you’re riverside in BeลŸiktaลŸ, cafรฉ-hopping in Cihangir, or enjoying the artsy calm of Moda.

Here are the top spots to enjoy a proper Turkish breakfast โ€” plus where to book food experiences to taste even more.


๐Ÿง€ Whatโ€™s in a Classic Turkish Breakfast?

A true Turkish breakfast spread includes:

  • White cheese (beyaz peynir) ื• aged kaลŸar
  • Olives โ€“ black and green, marinated
  • Tomatoes & cucumbers โ€“ fresh and local
  • Menemen โ€“ scrambled eggs with tomato, pepper, and sometimes sucuk (spicy sausage)
  • Bal kaymak โ€“ clotted cream with honey (a must-try)
  • Simits & fresh bread โ€“ crunchy sesame rings and soft rolls
  • Jams, butter, and tahini + molasses (pekmez)
  • Unlimited black tea (รงay) served in tulip-shaped glasses

๐Ÿ‘‰ [Book a guided Turkish breakfast tasting experience here]


๐Ÿฅ Best Breakfast Spots in Istanbul


1. Kale Cafรฉ โ€“ Rumelihisarฤฑ / Bosphorus

A beloved weekend destination on the Bosphorus, this spot is famous for its sprawling breakfast platters and peaceful river views.

Must Try: Bal kaymak, mixed plates, and fried halloumi
Tip: Arrive early on weekends to get a seat near the water.


2. The Breakfast Street โ€“ BeลŸiktaลŸ Kahvaltฤฑcฤฑlar SokaฤŸฤฑ

A whole street dedicated to breakfast? Yes! BeลŸiktaลŸโ€™s โ€œBreakfast Streetโ€ is lined with cafes offering traditional spreads in a youthful, vibrant setting.

Top Picks:

  • ืืจื•ื—ืช ื‘ื•ืงืจ ื•ื”ืžื‘ื•ืจื’ืจ ืคื™ืฉื™
  • ืกืœื•ืŸ ืฆ'ืืงืžืง ืงื”ื•ื•ืืœื˜ื™

Must Try: Serpme kahvaltฤฑ (shared breakfast platter), menemen

๐Ÿ‘‰ [Join a breakfast tour in BeลŸiktaลŸ + market walk combo]


3. Privato Cafรฉ โ€“ Galata / Karakรถy

A cozy, rustic spot with homemade everything โ€” cheeses, jams, and bread. It’s tucked away near Galata Tower but feels like a countryside home.

Must Try: Homemade fig jam, fresh pastries, menemen


4. Van Kahvaltฤฑ Evi โ€“ Cihangir

Known for bringing eastern Turkeyโ€™s legendary breakfasts to Istanbul. This Kurdish-style cafรฉ serves dozens of small plates on a sunny terrace.

Must Try: Otlu peynir (herbed cheese), murtuฤŸa (butter-egg-flour mix), and tahini molasses
Tip: Perfect for vegetarians.


5. Mangerie โ€“ Bebek

A chic and stylish rooftop breakfast spot in Bebek with sea views and a modern take on Turkish and international breakfast.

Must Try: Simit toast, shakshuka, smoothie bowls (if you want a mix)
Vibe: Upscale but relaxed


6. Naan Bakeshop โ€“ Moda (Kadฤฑkรถy)

A hip neighborhood bakery that puts a creative spin on kahvaltฤฑ โ€” sourdough breads, shakshuka, and local cheeses.

Must Try: Housemade jam, poached eggs with tahini yogurt
Tip: Great stop before exploring Modaโ€™s murals and seaside path


7. ร‡akmak Kahvaltฤฑ Salonu โ€“ BeลŸiktaลŸ

Old-school and beloved by locals. Expect no frills, fast service, and delicious traditional kahvaltฤฑ.

Must Try: Eggs with sucuk, tea refills, sigara bรถreฤŸi (cheese rolls)


8. Journey Lounge โ€“ Cihangir

Bright and artsy, this cafรฉ is a favorite with creatives and expats. The breakfast menu includes both local and global influences.

Must Try: Menemen with feta, tahini granola, and fresh pomegranate juice


9. Sรผt Yumurta Reรงel โ€“ Balat

A charming cafรฉ in the colorful Balat district, offering homemade breakfasts with a nostalgic atmosphere.

Must Try: Soft-boiled eggs, house jams, tea brewed in copper kettles


10. Moda Van Kahvaltฤฑ & Cafe โ€“ Asian Side

An underrated gem serving traditional Van-style breakfasts with authentic eastern Turkish ingredients.

Must Try: Kavut (wheat & butter porridge), local cheeses, village eggs


โ˜• Bonus: Best Drinks to Try

  • Rize-style black tea
  • Turkish coffee (after breakfast, never before!)
  • Ayran (yogurt drink โ€“ optional with bรถrek)
  • Fresh-squeezed pomegranate or orange juice

๐Ÿงญ Explore Turkish Breakfast Like a Local

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Want to discover Istanbulโ€™s breakfast culture with a guide?
Join a local-led kahvaltฤฑ tour or food experience and learn the stories behind the flavors.
๐Ÿ‘‰ [Click here to book a breakfast tasting tour or Turkish food walk]

ื”ืฉืืจ ืชื’ื•ื‘ื”

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