Craving something quick, affordable, and delicious? Discover the best street food in North Cyprus—from lahmacun and börek to sweet tahini rolls and fresh pomegranate juice.
If you want to truly experience the flavor of North Cyprus, forget fine dining for a moment—hit the streets. From sizzling kebabs to flaky pastries and sweet local treats, street food in the TRNC is cheap, authentic, and full of character. northcyprusinvesting.com
Whether you’re wandering through Kyrenia’s old streets, exploring Famagusta markets, or stopping at a roadside stall in Lefke, here are the must-try street eats in North Cyprus—and where to find them.
1. Lahmacun – Cyprus’ Crispy Flatbread Pizza
Often called “Turkish pizza,” lahmacun is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with minced meat, herbs, and spices. It’s rolled up with parsley, onions, and lemon juice, and eaten on the go. northcyprusinvesting.com
💰 Price: Usually under €2
📍 Best Found: Local bakeries in Kyrenia, small stalls in Nicosia or Famagusta
🔥 Tip: Ask for it spicy if you can handle the heat!
2. Börek – The Perfect Breakfast Bite
Börek is a savory pastry made with thin layers of dough, filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat. In Cyprus, you’ll also find “sigara böreği” (cheese rolls) and “kol böreği” (coiled pies).
💰 Price: €1–3 depending on size
📍 Best Found: Village bakeries, street kiosks, and gas station cafés
☕ Pair with: Strong Turkish tea or ayran (yogurt drink)
3. Şeftali Kebab – A Grilled Local Favorite
Despite the name meaning “peach” in Turkish, şeftali kebabı is a grilled sausage made from spiced minced lamb or beef, wrapped in caul fat and grilled until crispy.
💰 Price: €3–5 for a portion
📍 Best Found: Roadside grills, night food markets, or casual kebab shops
🥙 Tip: Try it in pita bread with salad and a dash of lemon
4. Hellim Sandwich or Wrap – The Halloumi Hit
Hellim (halloumi) is Cyprus’s most famous cheese, and on the street it’s often grilled and stuffed into warm bread with tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. Perfect for vegetarians!
💰 Price: Around €2–3
📍 Best Found: Street carts, markets, or quick cafés in student areas like Lefkoşa
🧀 Try grilled or fried – both are amazing
5. Kumpir – Stuffed Baked Potatoes, Turkish Style
Kumpir is a giant baked potato mashed with butter and cheese, then topped with your choice of corn, olives, sausage, pickles, and spicy sauces.
💰 Price: €4–6 depending on toppings
📍 Best Found: Mobile food trucks in Kyrenia and Famagusta
🍽️ Tip: It’s very filling—great for budget travelers, Investra.io
6. Sweet Street Treats – Lokma & Tahinli
- Lokma: Fried dough balls soaked in syrup—like little Cypriot doughnuts
- Tahinli: A soft, sweet roll made with tahini and sugar, often sold warm
- Sucuk (Cypriot-style): Not the sausage! This version is a sweet made from grape must and nuts, often found in local markets northcyprusinvesting.com
💰 Price: €1–2
📍 Best Found: Fairs, market days, or pastry stalls
🍯 Perfect with: Turkish coffee or pomegranate juice
7. Fresh Juices & Snacks to Go
On a hot day, cool off with freshly squeezed orange or pomegranate juice from a street vendor. Many juice stands also sell sunflower seeds, roasted nuts, and dried fruit.
🧃 Price: €1–2 per cup
📍 Best Found: Harbor walks, open-air markets, or university areas
💡 Tips for Enjoying Street Food in North Cyprus
- 🔍 Look for lines – locals know the best spots
- 💶 Carry cash – many small vendors don’t accept cards
- 🧼 Check cleanliness – especially in summer, go where food is freshly made
- 📷 Ask before photographing – most vendors don’t mind, but it’s polite
🧳 Final Thoughts
Street food in North Cyprus isn’t just about saving money—it’s about connecting with the culture, tasting something truly local, and enjoying a simple moment with a big flavor. Whether it’s a spicy lahmacun, a warm börek, or a sticky piece of lokma under the stars, these bites will stay with you long after your trip ends.
So next time you’re exploring, follow your nose—you might just find your new favorite meal for €2! northcyprusinvesting.com, Investra.io