On any given day, at any given time in Karaköy, you will find the Turkish version of the American food cart craze. These carts are mobile, fully stocked, and on fire - literally. Generally, two men work hard to meet the high demand for their freshly-caught fish sandwiches. Balīk ekmek is very popular and very delicious.
Balīk ekmek literally translates to 'fish bread', but there is so much more to it than fish and bread. The particular vendor of the three stationed steps away from the Karaköy tramway and spitting distance to the Bosphorus. Both men were friendly and çališkan (hard-working) had a long line (always a good indication of tested quality). As one warmed the bread while simultaneously monitored his grill with 6 to 8 fish fillets, his mate took orders and payments while dressing the warmed bread with a tomato-parsley schmear, a fresh spicy chili pepper, and sumac-rubbed sliced onions. The finished product is a balīk ekmek not to be missed!
Balīk ekmek literally translates to 'fish bread', but there is so much more to it than fish and bread. The particular vendor of the three stationed steps away from the Karaköy tramway and spitting distance to the Bosphorus. Both men were friendly and çališkan (hard-working) had a long line (always a good indication of tested quality). As one warmed the bread while simultaneously monitored his grill with 6 to 8 fish fillets, his mate took orders and payments while dressing the warmed bread with a tomato-parsley schmear, a fresh spicy chili pepper, and sumac-rubbed sliced onions. The finished product is a balīk ekmek not to be missed!