Are you planning a trip to Turkey and wondering how much money you’ll need for meals? Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget, a family on vacation, or a foodie looking to savor Turkish cuisine, understanding meal prices is key to making the most of your culinary adventures. Let’s break down what you can expect to pay for food in Turkey, from street snacks to restaurant feasts, and share some handy tips for eating well without overspending.
Contents
- 1 How Much Is a Meal in Turkey?
- 2 Typical Meal Costs by Type of Establishment
- 3 Sample Menu Prices in Turkey (2024)
- 4 Budgeting Tips for Eating in Turkey
- 5 How Much Money Do You Need Per Day for Food?
- 6 Special Considerations: Cities & Tourist Areas
- 7 Tipping in Turkish Restaurants
- 8 Can You Eat Well on a Budget?
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 10 The Bottom Line: Enjoying Turkish Food Without Overspending
How Much Is a Meal in Turkey?
Meal prices in Turkey can vary quite a bit depending on where you eat, what you order, and which city you’re visiting. On average, here’s what you can expect:
- Street food or local snack: 20–50 TL
- Casual café or lokanta (local eatery): 60–150 TL per person
- Mid-range restaurant: 150–350 TL per person
- High-end restaurant: 400 TL and up per person
These prices are based on recent information and may change with inflation or exchange rates. Always check the menu or ask before ordering, especially in touristy areas.
Typical Meal Costs by Type of Establishment
1. Street Food & Takeaway
If you want to eat like a local and save money, street food is your best friend in Turkey. Delicious options like simit (sesame bread rings), gözleme (stuffed flatbread), or döner kebab sandwiches usually cost between 20–50 TL. A filling dürüm (wrap) or a portion of köfte (meatballs) from a small shop will rarely cost more than 80 TL.
2. Lokantas & Casual Cafés
Lokantas are local eateries serving home-style Turkish dishes. Here, you can enjoy a hearty meal—think stews, rice, salads, and soup—for about 60–150 TL per person. These places are perfect for tasting authentic flavors at reasonable prices.
3. Mid-Range Restaurants
If you want to sit down and enjoy a wider menu, mid-range restaurants offer more variety and comfort. Expect to pay 150–350 TL per person for a meal that includes an appetizer, main course, and maybe a dessert or drink.
4. High-End Restaurants & Tourist Hotspots
Upscale restaurants in big cities like Istanbul or along the coast can charge 400 TL or more per person, especially if you’re ordering seafood, imported drinks, or multi-course meals. In tourist-heavy areas, prices may be higher than average.
Sample Menu Prices in Turkey (2024)
| Item | Average Price (TL) |
|---|---|
| Simit (street snack) | 10–20 |
| Döner kebab sandwich | 40–70 |
| Pide (Turkish pizza) | 60–120 |
| Main dish at lokanta | 80–150 |
| Main dish at mid-range restaurant | 150–300 |
| Coffee or tea | 15–40 |
| Bottle of water (0.5L) | 5–10 |
| Dessert (baklava, etc.) | 30–80 |
Budgeting Tips for Eating in Turkey
- Eat where locals eat: Avoid tourist traps by choosing busy lokantas or street vendors frequented by locals.
- Lunch specials: Many restaurants offer set lunch menus at lower prices than dinner.
- Avoid imported drinks: Local drinks like Turkish tea, ayran (yogurt drink), and Turkish coffee are much cheaper than imported sodas or alcohol.
- Share dishes: Portions are often generous—order a few dishes to share with your group.
- Look for daily menus: Some places have “günün menüsü” (menu of the day) that offers great value.
How Much Money Do You Need Per Day for Food?
Your daily food budget depends on your eating style:
- Shoestring budget: Around 100–200 TL per day if you stick to street food and supermarkets.
- Moderate budget: About 300–500 TL per day for a mix of casual cafés and mid-range restaurants.
- Luxe experience: Over 700 TL per day if you plan on dining at high-end restaurants regularly.
Special Considerations: Cities & Tourist Areas
Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya are Turkey’s major cities and popular tourist destinations. In these places—especially in central districts and near major attractions—meal prices can be higher than in smaller towns or rural areas. For example, a simple meal in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet area might cost twice as much as in a neighborhood lokanta just a few blocks away.
Tipping in Turkish Restaurants
Tipping is customary but not obligatory in Turkey. In casual places, rounding up the bill or leaving about 5–10% is appreciated. In nicer restaurants, a tip of around 10% is standard if service isn’t already included. Always check your bill to see if “servis” (service charge) has been added.
Can You Eat Well on a Budget?
Absolutely! Turkish cuisine is rich, diverse, and accessible at all price points. Even with a limited budget, you can enjoy fresh bread, flavorful kebabs, tasty stews, and sweet desserts without breaking the bank. Street food stalls and local bakeries are great for quick bites, while lokantas offer home-cooked meals at wallet-friendly prices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is food expensive in Turkey compared to other countries?
No, food in Turkey is generally more affordable than in Western Europe or North America. You can eat well for less if you stick to local spots.
How much is a bottle of water at restaurants?
A small bottle of water typically costs between 5–10 TL at most eateries.
Are vegetarian options available?
Yes! Turkish cuisine includes many vegetarian dishes like lentil soup (mercimek çorbası), vegetable stews (zeytinyağlılar), salads, and cheese pastries (börek).
Do I need to tip at every meal?
Tipping is appreciated but not required everywhere. In small cafés or street stalls, it’s optional. In restaurants, leaving around 10% is common if service isn’t included.
Can I use credit cards to pay for meals?
Larger restaurants and cafés usually accept credit cards. For street food vendors and small lokantas, carry some cash just in case.
The Bottom Line: Enjoying Turkish Food Without Overspending
No matter your budget, Turkey offers delicious meals at every price point. By choosing where and what you eat wisely, you can enjoy authentic Turkish flavors without worrying about your wallet. So go ahead—try that simit from the street cart, share some meze with friends at a local restaurant, and savor every bite!
Please note: Prices are based on early 2024 averages and may change due to inflation or local variations. Always check current menus for up-to-date pricing during your visit.