If you spend any amount of time in Turkey, and are one of those people who can't wait until 10 or 12am to find nourishment on the streets of Istanbul, you will eventually become acquainted with the stodgy street food called: simit, börek, açma and poğaca. Börek is the one I associate most with something akin to breakfast - hot, greasy, but the layers of filo pastry (or yufka) still surprisingly light.
In Beşiktaş, as you proceed down Ortabahce after passing the small eagle, the area becomes a lot more leafy and the road turns into Ihlamurdere Caddesi. Cafes, banks and clothes shops (this one selling gas masks) line the boulevard.
Feeling an early-morning impulse to grab some food - and the usual eggs-for-breakfast restaurants still not open, I sought refuge in Alli Börek, a very typical example and I thought I could just make out a garden at the back.
Luridly-coloured menu on the front glass prevents disappointment and/or confusion.
Garden was underwhelming... more of a waste area that had a fern stuck in front of it. But beggars can't be choosers...
...and this börek was fresh, hot and delicious.
I chose potato, which is usually lightly spiced. You can usually get cheese, spinach or meat-filled ones too. Or if you ask for sade, or plain, it comes with icing sugar on top.
Good eats, and never more than 5TL for a portion.
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