Saray lokması, or Turkish "Palace Fritters" in Istanbul

Saray lokması, or Turkish Palace Fritters

in Istanbul, Turkey

Lokma are a popular Turkish street food that can be found almost anywhere in Istanbul. These sweet fried dough balls are crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, and are a super cheap snack to enjoy while exploring the city on foot.

Saray lokması, or Turkish fritters in Istanbul

Saray lokması translates to "palace bites" or "palace fritters." The fritters are made from leavened and deep-fried dough balls soaked in syrup or honey and fried in oil until they turn golden brown. They are crispy on the outside with a soft, syrupy texture on the inside.

These sweet bites are often served at special occasions, celebrations, or festive events. In some parts of Turkey there is a tradition where forty days after someone passes away, the family and friends of the deceased will prepare large quantities of lokma. Neighbors, friends, and passersby will queue up to receive a serving of lokma from the family and will offer a prayer for the soul of the deceased in return.

Turkish street food snack in Istanbul

Price

A cup of lokma costs around 20 lira (around $0.60), making them one of the cheapest street food snacks you can find.

a local street food stall selling Saray lokması in Istanbul, Turkey

Location

A ubiquitous street food staple, lokma can be found at street food carts all throughout the city. You'll be hard-pressed to avoid them anywhere in Istanbul! While I don't have an exact location to share with you, you'll have no problem finding delicious lokma to buy and eat when you are visiting Turkey.