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This weekend’s Cultural Close-up comes from Istanbul, Turkey.

Street food in Turkey plays a big role in the lives of the locals. You can’t go too far in Istanbul, before coming across one of the street food vendors, selling everything from the world famous Döner Kabaps, to the lesser known savory pastries. But the most unique street food you’ll find in Istanbul is a roasted chestnut (or Kestane) – a sweet snack, similar to baked potato in texture with a nutty and sweet flavour.

Roasted chestnuts (kestane) in Istanbul, Turkey
Roasted chestnuts (kestane) in Istanbul, Turkey

Roasted chestnuts are sold by weight. Expect to pay about 4-5 Turkish Lira for about 100g.

Cultural Close-ups is a series of photographs and stories from around the world that go beyond the pretty sights and famous attractions. If you’d like to contribute a photo and a short story to Cultural Close-Ups, please email your submission to [email protected]

For more on travel in Turkey, visit  Turkey Travel Diary

Have you ever tried roasted chestnuts in Turkey? Or come across this snack somewhere else in the world?
Leave a comment below and tell us all about it!

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4 thoughts on “Cultural Close-up: Roasted Chestnuts in Istanbul, Turkey”

  1. Yes, I did..It was extremely amazing. Everyone should taste it at least one time. Also I suggest them to try driking “salep”

  2. We eat chestnuts in England, but we loved the roasted chestnuts in Hong Kong and China. We now live in Australia and the trees grow in the local park, but Aussies don’t know what to with them. More for us!!!

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