I’d like to try the little places with trays of cooked food rather than eat kebabs every day. Do you just point at what you fancy, or are you meant to order at the table? My Turkish is basically hello and thank you, so I’m hoping pointing will do.
Traveler answers
Pointing is absolutely fine and actually expected at a lokanta! Just walk up to the glass counter, look at the trays of food, and point at whatever looks good. The staff will dish it up for you. Most places will give you a little slip of paper or they'll just remember what you took when you go to pay at the cash register at the end. Don't stress at all, esnaf lokantas are super welcoming, even if you don't speak a word of Turkish. Just say 'Kolay gelsin' when you walk in and 'Teşekkürler' when you pay, you'll be golden!
Have something to add?
Your experience could help another traveler make a better decision.