Food Prices and Grocery Costs in Turkey 2024

Turkey is well renowned for its tasty and popular cuisine. So, the best way to be fully ready for the trip is to know the pricing of the restaurants, native cuisine, and grocery expenses before visiting.

Enjoy Turkey's Famous Dishes

Turkish food is one of the most varied and delicious in the world. Its unique flavors and wide range of ingredients have made it a favorite among tourists. As a result, kebab, including Döner Kebab, Şiş Kebab, and Adana Kebab, is one of Turkey's most famous dishes.

Turkish Dishes: From Delicious Kebabs to Desserts

Turkey's food is some of the best in the world when it comes to taste and pleasure. Thick layers of meat slowly cooked over a fire make Döner Kebab, which is very famous all over the world. In the same way, Pide, or Turkish pizza, is another well-known Turkish food. This food, made with thin, crispy bread and topped with various ingredients like meat, vegetables, and plenty of cheese, is a delicious meal.

Meanwhile, Turkish snacks and appetizers also hold a special place and cannot be ignored. The most famous example is “Meze,” which includes various small-sized dishes with flavors like hummus, fresh salads, and more.

Turkish desserts are also well-known; Baklava, one of the country’s most famous desserts, is made from thin layers of pastry dough and sweet syrup, garnished with pistachios or walnuts, and is exceptionally tasty. On the other hand, tea and coffee are inseparable parts of Turkish society.

Food Prices in Turkish Restaurants

Dining in restaurants in cities like Istanbul, which attract many tourists, can be somewhat costly due to the expenses. However, one should not miss the chance to taste the extraordinary flavors of these delicious dishes. Food prices in Turkish restaurants can vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant, its location within the city, and the type of food being served.

Large and famous restaurants in major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara tend to have higher prices, while local restaurants and cafes in non-touristic areas offer more affordable options, where one can enjoy a simple and tasty meal at a more reasonable price.

Street Food Prices in Turkey

Turkish street foods offer many delicious and affordable options, similar to Southeast Asian street food. These foods are served at stalls, carts, and street cafes, delivering unique flavors to street food lovers. One of Istanbul’s most popular street foods is "Pilav," a quick and satisfying meal. Other favorites include "Kumpir" (stuffed baked potato), "Lahmacun" (thin bread with meat and vegetables), "Simit" (sesame bread), "Balık Ekmek" (fish sandwich), and "Mercimek Çorbası" (lentil soup), offering great variety at reasonable prices.

Food Name	Approximate Price
Pilav	90-120 Lira
Kumpir	200-250 Lira
Lahmacun	90-110 Lira
Simit	10-20 Lira
Lentil Soup	50-70 Lira

Additionally, prices of basic groceries in Turkey, such as milk, bread, eggs, cheese, chicken, and fruits, vary based on the region and current economic conditions.

The Prices of Various Food Items in Turkey

The prices of food in Turkey, especially vegetables, depend on the area where you shop. However, by purchasing milk, bread, eggs, and basic groceries like local cheese, rice, and meat, you can cook at home and spend less than dining out. Please note that these prices may vary based on the current conditions in Turkey:

Item Name	Approximate Price
One liter of milk	37 to 40 Lira
One loaf of bread	20 to 25 Lira
12 eggs	68 to 72 Lira
Local cheese	279 to 290 Lira
Chicken breast (1 Kg)	179 to 185 Lira
Apples (1 Kg)	40 to 42 Lira
Oranges (1 Kg)	40 to 43 Lira
Potatoes (1 Kg)	25 to 28 Lira
Tomatoes (1 Kg)	40 to 42 Lira
White Rice (1 Kg)	62 to 70 Lira
Beef Round (1 Kg)	525 to 550 Lira

It sounds like an easy meal of chicken and vegetables made at home is a lot cheaper than eating the same thing at a restaurant. So, if you are looking for an option to better manage your budget and cook at home, consider renting a furnished apartment in Istanbul. This way, you will be able to significantly reduce your food expenses, which is particularly cost-effective for those staying in Turkey for a longer period.

The Price of Döner Kebab in Turkey

In Turkey, döner kebab is one of the most famous and tasty foods. You can find it in many places, including Istanbul. There are many kinds of this dish, but the most well-known are the chicken, beef, and lamb kebabs, each with its own taste. Notably, chicken döner kebab is very popular because it tastes great and doesn't cost a lot. On the other hand, beef and lamb kebabs cost more because they are better quality and cost more to make.

This means that a serving of döner kebab with beef costs almost the same as one with lamb, so customers can pick based on their budget and personal taste. As a result, you can find different kinds of döner kebabs in different Istanbul places, each with its own price and quality. You can see the most recent prices for these things below:

Food Name	Approximate Price
Chicken döner	90 to 120 Lira
Beef döner	165 to 200 Lira

The Price of Fast Food in Turkey

Depending on the kind of restaurant and menu you select, fast food prices in Turkey can vary. Although costs vary depending on the order, McDonald's in Turkey provides a pleasurable experience for its customers with a varied menu and excellent service. In general, a meal at McDonald's Turkey costs around the same as a burger from a well-known brand in the majority of nations.

In Turkey, KFC is another well-liked fast food restaurant in addition to McDonald's. In conclusion, the following is an overview of the approximate costs of different fast food items in Turkey:

Food Name	Approximate Price
fast food meal like a sandwich or pizza	around 150 Lira
McDonald's menu (burger, fries, and drink)	around 255 Lira
KFC menu335 to 525 Lira	335 to 525 Lira

The Price of Bottled Water in Turkey

In 2024, the price of bottled water in Turkey for a small bottle is typically between 13 and 20 Lira. Bottled water is a common choice for travelers due to its quality and hygiene. In many shops and supermarkets in Turkey, bottled water is sold in various sizes, with prices varying based on the size and brand of the product. Naturally, given the hot weather in summer, buying bottled water is a must for tourists who want to stay healthy and comfortable.