Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)

Culinary purists argue that lahmacun is not exactly pizza in the truest sense of the word; for the rest of the foodies, however, it’s a simple case of “tomato, tomahto”. This Turkish pizza makes use of a thin flatbread as base, which is then topped off with minced beef or lamb, vegetables, herbs and spices. Lahmacun is good as a snack, an appetizer, or as a meal itself – any time of the day.

Several variants of lahmacun have emerged in the foodie market, but among the favorites are garlicky, doused with red chili flakes, and really crispy. All these are worth a try, but you can’t go wrong with the classic, either.

Here are the best places to have lahmacun in Istanbul:

• LAHMACUN SALONU | Bayrampasa
  For delicious, garlicky lahmacun
  What to order: Lahmacun, Adana durum, Urfa durum
  Price range: 1.50 to 8 TRY ($0.43 to $2.28)
  When: 11:00 – 22:00 Daily
  Where: Yildirim Mahallesi, Ali Fuat Basgil, Caddesi, No. 96, Bayrampasa, Istanbul
• TATBAK | Sisli
  For aromatic lahmacun you can smell from meters away
  What to order: Lahmacun, Yogurt kebab, Chicken wings
  Price range: 8.50 to 45 TRY ($2.42 to $12.84)
  When: 11:00 – 21:00 Daily except Sundays
  Where: Tesvikiye Mahallesi, Valikonagi, Caddesi, Akkavak Sokak, No. 38/C, Sisli, Istanbul
• HALIL LAHMACUN | Kadikoy
  For freshly prepared lahmacun everytime
  What to order: Lahmacun, Kunefe, Pide
  Price range: 3.50 to 10 TRY ($1 to $2.85)
  When: 11:30 – 21:00 Daily
  Where: Caferaga Mahallesi, Gunesli Bahce, Sokak, No. 26, Kadikoy, Istanbul