Lahmacun: A Guide to Istanbul's Most Famous Street Food!

If you ask anyone in Istanbul where to eat, they will most likely direct you to the same place: Lahmacun! This scrumptious street food is so popular that it is known by at least three other names in Turkish: Lahmacun, Lahmacunt, and Lahmacak. It is said that this famous street food is named after the city of Lahmacun in southeastern Turkey where it originated. However, there is a chance that this name may be derived from the word “lahmac” which means “raisin” in Arabic. The reason why it is called “lahmacun” is that it is made with “lazuf” or dried grapes. The dish is also referred to as “lazicak”, “lazicak köfte”, “lazicak kebap”, “lazicak salata”, and “lazicak kurabiye” among others.

What Is Lahmacun?

A street food originally from the Ottoman Empire, Lahmacun is a stuffed flatbread that is commonly topped with spices and herbs. It is commonly sold at outdoor stands or small restaurants, especially around the city’s tourist attractions. It is believed that the first lahmacun was actually a “naan” (Indian bread) that was stuffed with chicken and spices. The dough used to make this bread is similar to that used to make doner kebap and shawarma. However, the stuffing used to make lahmacun is different from that of doner kebap and shawarma. The ingredients used to stuff lahmacun are either meat, cheese, vegetables, or both. The most popular fillings are lamb, chicken, and onion.

How to Eat Lahmacun

There are many ways to eat lahmacun. You can either eat it as a snack or as a light lunch. The dish can be eaten alone or with other foods. It can also be a filling part of a meze (tasters) or a meze portion of a complete meal. The most common way to eat Lahmacun is to have it as a snack. You can either have it as a quick bite or as an appetiser. It can also be eaten as part of a “mercime”, a full meal consisting of meze, meat, or fish dishes. You can purchase lahmacun from many different stands. However, it is more common to find it on the street side. If you want to try the authentic version, it is best to find it at a place that specialises in this type of food. Some of the best places to find Lahmacun when you are visiting Turkey are: Ayranstraße, Gülhane, Sultanahmet, and many other locations around these famous areas. The Grand Bazaar and the Side Bazaars in Istanbul. Fındıklı and Beyazıt in Bursa.

Side Orders for Lahmacun

Lahmacun is quite filling so most people buy it to eat later in the day as a light meal or as part of a meze. However, if you are looking for something to snack on while waiting for your meal or if you are on a diet, you can order side orders like salad.

Final Words: Lahmacun: A Street Food Paradise!

Lahmacun is a portion of great food and it is popular in many different countries. It is filled with delicious flavours and it is very filling. If you are visiting Istanbul and want to try this delicious snack, you should definitely go to Ayranstraße. It is filled with many different stands that sell lahmacun and it is a very famous street in the city. If you want to try other types of delicious foods, you can check out our other articles. Do you like eating lahmacun? When you can’t go to Istanbul, Sahan Mezopotamian Street Food is best place to go. Enjoy Lahmacun at Sahan Mezopotamian Street Food. 

Facebook: Sahan Mezopotamian 

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