Turkish Food in London: What to Order and Where to Find It (15 Dishes Worth Trying)
London's food scene is one of the most diverse in the world, and Turkish cuisine is one of its greatest success stories.
From the famous restaurants of Green Lanes to neighbourhood favourites in Dalston, Stoke Newington and beyond, Turkish food has become an essential part of London's culinary identity. Yet many first-time visitors make the same mistake: they order the first kebab they see and assume they've experienced Turkish cuisine.
In reality, Turkish food is far more varied.
Think charcoal-grilled meats, freshly baked breads, flavour-packed breakfasts, comforting soups, colourful meze and some of the most satisfying desserts you'll find anywhere in London.
If you're wondering what to order, this guide will help.
Here are 15 Turkish dishes worth trying in London and where you're most likely to find the best versions.
Where to Find the Best Turkish Food in London
Before diving into the dishes, it's worth knowing where to go.
Green Lanes, Haringey
Often considered the heart of London's Turkish food scene, Green Lanes is packed with Turkish restaurants, bakeries, cafés and supermarkets. If you're only visiting one area for Turkish food, start here.
Dalston and Stoke Newington
These East London neighbourhoods are home to several respected Turkish and Turkish-Cypriot restaurants, particularly known for charcoal-grilled meats.
Fitzrovia and Central London
You'll find more modern Turkish restaurants here, often offering a refined take on traditional dishes.
Now, let's get to the food.
1. Adana Kebab
If there's one dish that defines Turkish grilling, it's Adana Kebab.
Made from hand-minced lamb mixed with spices and grilled over charcoal, it's smoky, juicy and packed with flavour.
A proper Adana Kebab should be slightly spicy, deeply savoury and served with rice, salad and freshly baked bread.
Where to Find It
Look for traditional ocakbaşı (charcoal grill) restaurants on Green Lanes and in Dalston.
2. Iskender Kebab
One of Turkey's most famous dishes.
Thin slices of grilled meat are served over pieces of bread before being topped with tomato sauce, melted butter and yoghurt.
Rich, comforting and indulgent, it's often considered the ultimate Turkish comfort food.
Where to Find It
Popular at larger Turkish restaurants throughout North London.
3. Lahmacun
Often nicknamed "Turkish pizza," though locals may disagree with the comparison.
Lahmacun is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, herbs and spices.
The best way to eat it is rolled up with salad and a squeeze of lemon.
Where to Find It
Turkish bakeries and restaurants across Green Lanes.
4. Pide
Pide is one of Turkey's great baked dishes.
Usually shaped like a boat, it's topped with ingredients such as cheese, minced meat, vegetables or spicy sausage before being baked.
Fresh from the oven, it's difficult to resist.
Where to Find It
Traditional Turkish bakeries and family-run restaurants.
5. Beyti
A dish many visitors overlook.
Grilled minced lamb is wrapped in thin bread, sliced into pieces and served with tomato sauce and yoghurt.
It combines many of the flavours Turkish cuisine does best.
Where to Find It
Established Turkish grill restaurants.
6. Menemen
Turkish breakfasts deserve far more attention.
Menemen is a simple but delicious combination of eggs, tomatoes, peppers and spices cooked together and served with bread.
It's one of the most comforting breakfast dishes you'll find in London.
Where to Find It
Turkish cafés and breakfast spots, particularly in North London.
7. Mixed Grill
Can't decide what to order?
Get a mixed grill.
A typical platter might include:
Adana Kebab
Chicken Shish
Lamb Shish
Lamb Chops
It's one of the best introductions to Turkish cuisine.
Where to Find It
Almost every Turkish grill restaurant in London.
8. Chicken Shish
Simple, reliable and incredibly popular.
Chunks of marinated chicken are grilled over charcoal until smoky and tender.
When done well, it's a reminder that simple food can be exceptional.
Where to Find It
Ocakbaşı restaurants throughout London.
9. Lamb Chops
Turkish lamb chops are often cooked over charcoal with minimal seasoning, allowing the quality of the meat to shine.
They're a favourite among regulars for good reason.
Where to Find It
Traditional Turkish grill houses.
10. Mercimek Çorbası (Lentil Soup)
This smooth lentil soup is one of Turkey's most beloved comfort foods.
Simple ingredients create a surprisingly rich and satisfying dish.
Many Turkish meals begin with a bowl of Mercimek Çorbası.
Where to Find It
Most traditional Turkish restaurants.
11. Sigara Böreği
These crispy pastry rolls are usually filled with cheese and herbs.
Served as a starter or meze, they're perfect for sharing.
Where to Find It
Turkish meze restaurants and cafés.
12. İmam Bayıldı
One of Turkey's most famous vegetarian dishes.
Aubergine is stuffed with onions, tomatoes and garlic before being slowly cooked until soft and flavourful.
Even meat lovers often enjoy this one.
Where to Find It
Traditional restaurants with extensive meze menus.
13. Künefe
Few desserts attract as much attention as Künefe.
Made with shredded pastry, melted cheese and sweet syrup, it's served warm and is wonderfully indulgent.
This is the dessert many people remember long after the meal ends.
Where to Find It
Turkish dessert shops and larger restaurants.
14. Baklava
Perhaps Turkey's most famous sweet treat.
Thin layers of pastry are filled with nuts and soaked in syrup to create a dessert that's rich without being overwhelming.
Best enjoyed with tea or Turkish coffee.
Where to Find It
Turkish bakeries and dessert specialists across London.
15. Turkish Tea
No Turkish meal truly feels complete without tea.
Served in small tulip-shaped glasses, Turkish tea is more than a drink it's part of the dining experience.
Many restaurants will offer it at the end of a meal.
Where to Find It
Virtually every Turkish restaurant in London.
What Should You Order on Your First Visit?
If you're completely new to Turkish food, a great first meal might include:
Adana Kebab
Lahmacun
Mixed Grill
Künefe
Turkish Tea
Together, they offer a fantastic introduction to the flavours that have made Turkish cuisine so popular across London.
Why Turkish Food Is So Popular in London
Part of the appeal is its balance.
The food is generous without being overly heavy.
It's flavourful without relying on extreme spice.
And many dishes are designed to be shared, making Turkish restaurants ideal for family meals and group dining.
Combined with London's strong Turkish and Turkish-Cypriot communities, this has helped create one of the most exciting Turkish food scenes anywhere outside Turkey.
Final Thoughts
Turkish food in London is about much more than kebabs.
It's a cuisine built around charcoal grilling, fresh ingredients, generous hospitality and dishes designed to bring people together.
Whether you're exploring Green Lanes for the first time or trying a Turkish restaurant closer to home, stepping beyond the familiar can be incredibly rewarding.
Order something you've never tried before.
You may discover a new favourite.
Looking for More London Food Guides?
From hidden neighbourhood favourites and international cuisines to street food markets and local dining gems, discover more food inspiration on LondonYaar.com. And follow @rohan.londonyaar for more ways to eat your way around London.