Planning a trip to Istanbul and wondering whether the city is expensive? The answer is often more nuanced than people expect—especially when you focus on everyday experiences like local food. In this video, الحارث مبارك takes viewers through a full day of popular Turkish dishes and shares the costs in Turkish lira, giving a practical snapshot of what you might spend when eating like a local.
Breakfast in Istanbul: bakery vibes for a strong start
The day begins with what many visitors love most: a traditional bakery breakfast. الحارث مبارك heads to a bakery, orders a bida (described as the bread from the bakery), and pairs it with tea and water.
Cost: 160 lira
The overall takeaway is clear—breakfast isn’t just quick; it’s a filling, atmospheric way to start exploring Istanbul, without needing a big budget.
Lunch: trying one of Istanbul’s best-known traditional dishes
For lunch, he opts for one of the most famous local comfort foods: beylaf, described as rice with chicken. It comes with ayran, which helps round out the meal and adds that classic Turkish refreshment.
Cost: 200 lira
What makes this meal stand out in the video is both the flavour and the satisfying portion—a combination that many travellers look for when trying to eat well in a new city.
Dinner: finishing strong with Turkish shawarma
To wrap up the day, الحارث مبارك chooses something hearty—Turkish shawarma. He mentions going to one of the better places for shawarma, and orders a complete meal described as 120 grams.
Cost: 310 lira
The video frames shawarma as the perfect “heavy” ending—ideal if you want maximum satisfaction after a day of exploring.
Total for one full day of food in Istanbul
Putting it all together, the video shares the following total for a complete day of traditional eating:
- Breakfast: 160 lira
- Lunch: 200 lira
- Dinner: 310 lira
Total: 670 lira
So… is Turkey (or Istanbul) expensive?
The creator finishes by asking viewers a direct question: Do you think Turkey is expensive, or are these prices reasonable? That’s the heart of the video—moving beyond assumptions and looking at real, everyday costs.
Why this matters for travellers
- If you plan meals around local, popular dishes, you can often keep costs predictable.
- Eating a full day of Turkish food doesn’t have to mean overspending—at least in this example.
- Portions and satisfaction matter as much as the price.
What’s your next “must-try” Turkish meal?
Everyone has a favourite when they arrive in Istanbul. Now it’s your turn: which popular dish would you like to try—the beyflaf with ayran, the Turkish shawarma, or something else from the local scene? Share your pick in the comments, just like the video invites.
If you’re dreaming about Istanbul food tours and want a trip designed around iconic tastes, let Sakina Tours help you plan a seamless experience—from local eateries to memorable neighbourhood walks.
