Which Istanbul street food consists of grilled fish in bread?

Which Istanbul street food consists of grilled fish in bread? The answer is balık ekmek.

Balık ekmek is a Turkish fish sandwich whose name literally combines balık, “fish,” and ekmek, “bread.” It typically contains grilled or fried mackerel, although other similar oily fish may be used, tucked into a Turkish bread roll with onion, greens and other vegetables.

The sandwich is strongly associated with Istanbul’s waterfront, especially Eminönü Square near the Golden Horn and Galata Bridge. Historically, fish sellers and boats served freshly cooked fish directly to people along the shore, helping make the dish an emblem of the city’s maritime food culture.

Balık ekmek is not the same as midye dolma, which consists of rice-stuffed mussels, or kokoreç, made from seasoned offal. Recipes and serving styles vary, but the defining idea remains simple: freshly cooked fish served inside bread, usually with lemon and salad-like toppings.