İzmir Street Flavors: 12 Famous Street Flavors of İzmir

Although the first thing that comes to mind when talking about Izmir street flavors is gevrek, boyoz and bomba, of course, our list is not limited to these. Here are the famous 12 different street flavors of Izmir…

Izmir Street Flavors

Gevrek

As everyone can guess gevrek is at the top of the Izmir street flavors list. Simit, which is among the traditional flavors of Turkey, is called gevrek in Izmir. The difference between Izmir gevrek and Istanbul simit is related to the grape molasses process. While molasses process is made cold in Istanbul simit, it is cooked in Izmir gevrek. While the gevrek is harder and crispier, the simit has a thicker and softer form. In this respect, İzmir gevrek is similar to Ankara simit.

Mussel

Izmir is one of the first destinations that comes to mind when it comes to mussels. It is a kind of stuffed mussel, which is obtained fresh in the Aegean and Marmara regions of Turkey. Stuffed mussels are obtained by stuffing black or blue mussels with rice after cooking.

In addition to containing heavy metals such as mussels, lead and cadmium, it can collect many dirty active substances. Therefore, in order to prevent food poisoning, it should be ensured that the mussels consumed are obtained from clean water.

Boyoz

Boyoz is among the geographically marked products in the list of Izmir street flavors. Izmir boyoz was first introduced to Anatolian cuisine by Sephardic Jews in 1492. İzmir boyoz is obtained from a mixture of flour, sugar, salt and sunflower. For this reason, it is included in the unleavened pastry class.

There are also varieties of Izmir boyoz with tahini, cheese, potatoes, spinach and zucchini.

Kumru

Another of the street delicacies among the products with geographical indications is İzmir kumru. İzmir kumru, which is on the list of İzmir street delicacies, is a kind of sandwich. It is produced from a low salt dough similar to bagel dough. It is called the dove because its shape resembles the body of a dove.

Izmir Kumru can be sold as plain, or it can be sold with tomatoes, pickles, green peppers, Izmir Tulum cheese, sausage, salami and cheddar cheese. However, the original Izmir Kumru consists of Bergama Tulum cheese, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.

Izmir Style Kokorec

Kokorec is a kind of dish made with the small intestine and mumbar of the sheep. The cooking of kokorec varies from region to region. Izmir style kokoreç is cut large. The kokoreç taken from the skewer is immediately put between the bread and chopped into large pieces and salt, cumin and red pepper are added to it.

In many other regions, kokoreç is placed between bread in the form of fine cuts. Even the spices and kokoreç are combined and chopped into thin pieces.

Söğüş

Izmir sogus, which is on the list of Izmir street delicacies, are made from the brain, tongue and cheek of the lamb's head. Finely chopped offal is combined with spices, spring onions and onions. Izmir sogus is served with lavash or bread upon request.

Bomba

İzmir bomba or bomba is a type of chocolate cream biscuit. It is one of the best dessert alternatives among Izmir street flavors. Flour, sugar, hazelnut cream, cocoa, oil and vanilla are among the basic ingredients of Izmir bomba.

Although Izmir bomba looks like an ordinary cookie, its recipe is actually very special. It is a local dessert consisting of liquid chocolate in a thin dough. In order to the chocolate to be fluid, it is recommended to eat Izmir bomba while it is hot or warm.

Şambali

Another alternative that can be recommended for dessert lovers in the list of Izmir street flavors is Şambali dessert. The main ingredients of Şambali, which is a semolina dessert, are yogurt, semolina and flour. You can put almonds or peanuts on it. Finally, it is poured over the syrup consisting of sugar, water and lemon juice and served.

Şambali dessert is also known as Damascus dessert.

Katmer

İzmir katmer, or Urla katmer with its local name, is among the famous street delicacies of Urla, especially İzmir. Its main ingredients are flour, water, salt, parsley, cheese and oil. The peculiarity of Izmir katmer comes from its dough. The dough that is rolled thinly by hand is cooked. There are also varieties with potatoes, spinach and minced meat according to taste.

Lokma Dessert

Izmir Lokma is a dessert with syrup. You can see it most of Izmir's streets. It is made by pouring syrup on the fermented dough after it is fried. The middle part of the Izmir lokma is in the form of a hole and is served with a toothpick.

Torpil

Torpil or cone dessert is a creamy dessert that is on the list of Izmir street delicacies. It is called by this name because its shape resembles a torpedo. A dough resembling a puff pastry is filled with cream and sprinkled with powdered sugar. It can be consumed by dipping it in hazelnut or pistachio, if desired.

Subye Sherbet

It would be appropriate to say Sübye Sherbet, the oldest street flavor of İzmir. This flavor of Sephardic cuisine has a 500-year history. Izmir's famous subye sherbet is obtained from dried melon seeds.

Melon seeds, which are dried on average a year ago, are made into a paste and filtered with water. It is very rich in vitamin A and potassium, which has a consistency close to boza. It is a refreshing and fragrant drink served with ice, especially in summer.

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