Few things in life are as satisfying โ or social โ as a traditional Turkish breakfast. Known as kahvaltฤฑ (literally โbefore 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 isnโt just a meal โ itโs a cultural experience.
In Istanbul, youโll find some of the countryโs best breakfast salons and cafรฉs, whether you’re riverside in Beลiktaล, 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.
๐ง Whatโs in a Classic Turkish Breakfast?
A true Turkish breakfast spread includes:
- White cheese (beyaz peynir) ื aged kaลar
- 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
๐ [Book a guided Turkish breakfast tasting experience here]
๐ฅ 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 Beลiktaล Kahvaltฤฑcฤฑlar Sokaฤฤฑ
A whole street dedicated to breakfast? Yes! Beลiktaลโs โBreakfast Streetโ is lined with cafes offering traditional spreads in a youthful, vibrant setting.
Top Picks:
- ืืจืืืช ืืืงืจ ืืืืืืจืืจ ืคืืฉื
- ืกืืื ืฆ'ืืงืืง ืงืืืืืืื
Must Try: Serpme kahvaltฤฑ (shared breakfast platter), menemen
๐ [Join a breakfast tour in Beลiktaล + 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 Turkeyโs legendary breakfasts to Istanbul. This Kurdish-style cafรฉ serves dozens of small plates on a sunny terrace.
Must Try: Otlu peynir (herbed cheese), murtuฤa (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 Modaโs murals and seaside path
7. รakmak Kahvaltฤฑ Salonu โ Beลiktaล
Old-school and beloved by locals. Expect no frills, fast service, and delicious traditional kahvaltฤฑ.
Must Try: Eggs with sucuk, tea refills, sigara bรถreฤi (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
๐งญ Explore Turkish Breakfast Like a Local
๐ฝ๏ธ Want to discover Istanbulโs breakfast culture with a guide?
Join a local-led kahvaltฤฑ tour or food experience and learn the stories behind the flavors.
๐ [Click here to book a breakfast tasting tour or Turkish food walk]