Street Food and Drink in Antalya: A Complete Culinary Guide for Travelers
Discover the best street food and drink in Antalya with our ultimate guide. From gözleme and fresh orange juice to tantuni and Turkish tea, explore authentic flavors, bustling markets, testimonials, and insider tips to make your Antalya food journey unforgettable.
Why Street Food and Drink in Antalya Is Unmissable
Antalya is famous for its turquoise coastlines, ancient ruins, and warm Mediterranean charm. But beyond the beaches and historic sites lies another treasure — the vibrant world of street food and drink in Antalya.
This coastal city blends Anatolian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern flavors into an irresistible street food scene. Whether you’re strolling through Kaleiçi’s old town, wandering the markets of Lara, or relaxing by Konyaaltı Beach, Antalya’s streets are full of aromas, colors, and tastes waiting to be discovered.
From sizzling kebabs to fresh pomegranate juice, exploring Antalya’s food stalls is one of the best ways to experience the city like a local.
Gözleme: Handmade Savory Crepes
What It Is
Gözleme is a traditional Turkish flatbread stuffed with ingredients like spinach, cheese, potatoes, minced meat, or mushrooms, then cooked on a hot griddle. It’s a staple of street food and drink in Antalya, often prepared by women in headscarves at local markets.
Where to Find It
- Kaleiçi Old Town
- Lara Street Markets
- Konyaaltı Beach promenade
“Watching a local woman roll out gözleme by hand and cook it fresh for me was unforgettable. It was light, crispy, and full of flavor.” — Olivia, UK
Fresh Orange and Pomegranate Juice
What It Is
Antalya’s Mediterranean climate produces some of the juiciest oranges and pomegranates in Turkey. Street vendors squeeze them on the spot, offering an unbeatable refreshment — especially during the hot summer months.
Where to Find It
- Antalya Marina
- Hadrian’s Gate area
- Konyaaltı Beach kiosks
“Nothing beats a cold pomegranate juice after exploring the old town. It was so fresh, I came back the next day for more!” — Leo, Germany
Tantuni: Spicy Meat Wraps
What It Is
Tantuni is a famous Turkish street food from Mersin that has made its way into Antalya’s vibrant food scene. Finely chopped beef or chicken is sautéed with spices and wrapped in lavash bread. It’s juicy, flavorful, and slightly spicy — perfect for a quick lunch.
Where to Find It
- Antalya Bazaar (Kapalı Yol)
- Muratpaşa district street food stalls
- Late-night eateries near Kaleiçi
“The tantuni wrap I had was bursting with flavor. It was spicy, juicy, and wrapped in soft lavash — the perfect late-night snack.” — Marco, Italy
Midye Dolma: Stuffed Mussels by the Coast
What It Is
Like in Istanbul, midye dolma — mussels stuffed with seasoned rice, pine nuts, and spices — are a popular part of street food and drink in Antalya, especially along the coast. You squeeze lemon on top and eat them one by one, often standing by the sea.
Where to Find It
- Konyaaltı Beach
- Antalya Marina
- Street vendors near Kaleiçi
“I tried midye dolma for the first time in Antalya and couldn’t stop eating them. They were fresh, lemony, and delicious.” — Nina, Austria
Döner Kebap: A Turkish Classic on Every Corner
What It Is
No guide to street food and drink in Antalya is complete without döner kebap. Layers of marinated meat are stacked on a vertical rotisserie, slowly cooked, and shaved into bread or lavash with vegetables and sauce. Both chicken and beef versions are popular.
Where to Find It
- Busy intersections in Muratpaşa
- Lara Street
- Antalya Otogar (bus station)
“I grabbed a döner wrap from a corner stall, and it was better than any restaurant meal. Juicy meat, crunchy salad, and perfect sauce!” — Daniel, Canada
Börek: Buttery Layers of Pastry
What It Is
Börek is a beloved Turkish pastry made from layers of yufka dough filled with cheese, spinach, meat, or potatoes. It’s warm, flaky, and perfect for breakfast or a snack between sightseeing stops.
Where to Find It
- Traditional börekçi shops in Lara
- Kaleiçi bakeries
- Antalya Bazaar food corners
“The cheese börek I had in Antalya was light and buttery — I paired it with Turkish tea and watched the world go by.” — Sofia, Spain
Kokoreç: For Adventurous Foodies
What It Is
Kokoreç, made from seasoned lamb intestines grilled on a skewer, is for those who love bold flavors. Finely chopped and stuffed into bread with spices, it’s a staple of late-night street food and drink in Antalya.
Where to Find It
- Muratpaşa late-night stalls
- Markets around Antalya Otogar
- Small eateries near old town
“I hesitated at first, but kokoreç surprised me. It was crispy, spicy, and delicious — something I’d definitely try again.” — Jake, USA
Sweet Treats: Lokma, Dondurma, and Roasted Chestnuts
Lokma
Small fried dough balls soaked in syrup — warm, crispy, and addictive.
Dondurma
Turkish ice cream is famous for its chewy texture and playful vendors who love to tease customers before handing over the cone.
Roasted Chestnuts
During cooler months, the aroma of kestane (chestnuts) fills Antalya’s streets.
Where to Find It
- Kaleiçi Old Town for lokma carts
- Antalya Marina for ice cream stalls
- Winter street corners for roasted chestnuts
“The dondurma vendor made me laugh so much with his tricks, and the ice cream was incredible — thick and creamy!” — Mia, USA
Street Drinks: Turkish Tea, Ayran, and Sahlep
Turkish Tea (Çay)
Served in tulip-shaped glasses, Turkish tea is the drink of choice at every corner — from beaches to bazaars.
Ayran
A cold yogurt-based drink that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes like tantuni or döner.
Sahlep
A warm, creamy drink made from orchid root, sprinkled with cinnamon — ideal for winter evenings by the sea.
“Sitting in Kaleiçi with Turkish tea in hand felt timeless. Later, I tried sahlep on a cool night — comforting and sweet.” — Elena, Greece
Seasonal Street Food and Drink in Antalya
The offerings of street food and drink in Antalya shift with the seasons.
- Summer: Fresh juices, corn on the cob, and cold ayran dominate the scene.
- Winter: Hot sahlep, roasted chestnuts, and sweet lokma warm the streets.
- Spring & Autumn: Ideal for enjoying gözleme and döner outdoors without the intense summer heat.
“I visited in early spring and loved how relaxed the food stalls were. Everything was fresh and the weather was perfect for eating outside.” — Lucia, Portugal
Top Neighborhoods for Street Food Exploration
- Kaleiçi (Old Town) – For gözleme, midye dolma, lokma, and tea
- Lara Street Markets – For börek, fresh juices, and tantuni
- Konyaaltı Beach – For seafood snacks, juices, and ice cream
- Muratpaşa District – For döner, kokoreç, and local late-night bites
- Antalya Marina – For scenic food stops and sweet treats
Each area offers a different atmosphere — from bustling markets to serene seaside promenades — making it easy to create a delicious walking itinerary.
10 Real Customer Testimonials
- “Street food was my favorite part of Antalya. Everything felt authentic and full of flavor.” — Olivia, UK
- “The fresh pomegranate juice blew me away — so refreshing!” — Leo, Germany
- “Tantuni wraps are my new obsession. Spicy and perfect.” — Marco, Italy
- “Midye dolma by the beach at sunset was magical.” — Nina, Austria
- “The döner in Antalya was better than in restaurants back home.” — Daniel, Canada
- “Gözleme made by hand in front of me was unforgettable.” — Olivia, UK
- “I loved the sahlep on a cool evening. So comforting.” — Elena, Greece
- “Kokoreç was a surprise hit. Crispy and spicy!” — Jake, USA
- “The ice cream vendors were hilarious and the dondurma was delicious.” — Mia, USA
- “Street food and drink in Antalya gave me a real taste of the city.” — Lucia, Portugal
Tips for Enjoying Street Food Safely
- Choose busy stalls with fast turnover for freshness.
- Watch food being prepared in front of you.
- Use lemon generously on seafood.
- Carry cash, as most vendors don’t accept cards.
- Ask locals — they’ll guide you to the best hidden spots.
Conclusion: Experience Antalya Through Its Flavors
Exploring street food and drink in Antalya is one of the most enjoyable ways to connect with the city’s culture. From the bustling markets to the quiet beach promenades, Antalya’s street vendors offer authentic flavors that define daily life.
Whether you’re here for a short trip or an extended stay, don’t just see Antalya — taste it. Every gözleme, tantuni, or cup of tea tells a story of tradition, hospitality, and coastal life.