In Esenler, lahmacun is priced at 60 lira, while in Gokturk, it is sold for 250 lira. Those selling at lower prices claim the rent is the source of the price difference, while those selling at higher prices mention that the quality of ingredients affects the price. The fluctuation in the price of lahmacun, one of the most beloved dishes of Turkish cuisine, depending on the districts is noteworthy. Lahmacun sold for 60 lira in Esenler can reach 250 lira in Gokturk. Business owners selling at lower prices interpret the change in prices as due to rent and staff expenses, while those selling at higher prices emphasize that the quality of meat and ingredients used affects the prices. Citizens argue that the average price of lahmacun should be around 100 lira and express their lack of trust in 50 lira lahmacun.

“We Will Sell Cheap so People Can Buy” Gündüz Çoklu, who has been in business in Esenler for 30 years, stated that he sells lahmacun for 60 lira, saying, “We will sell cheap so people can buy.” He mentioned that many of his customers prepare their own ingredients at home and bring them in, and said they make lahmacun for those who bring their own ingredients at a cost of 7.5 lira. Saying that one kilogram of minced meat costs 550 lira and they make around 25-30 lahmacun with this, Çoklu stated, “When we calculate at 60 lira, it amounts to around 1800-2000 lira. If 1000 lira goes to expenses, the rest stays with us. In most places, lahmacun is priced at 100-200 lira, they are ripping people off. The average price between 75-80 lira is reasonable. The lahmacun we sell leaves us with a 45% profit.” He Cautions Against Rent “Some establishments sell lahmacun with a 70% profit,” said Çoklu, “If their rent is 200 thousand lira, mine is 10 thousand lira. If they pay their staff 5 thousand lira, I pay 2 thousand lira. The ideal lahmacun should be a minimum of 70 and a maximum of 80 lira. There are lahmacun being sold at 40-50 lira. Some put pebbles and concept oil in them. The meat should be clean and good quality.” Zeki Temizoglu, a kebab vendor in Fatih for 25 years, sells lahmacun for 70 lira. He mentioned that those who sell at high prices have higher rent expenses. “A good lahmacun should not be less than 150 lira.” They Mentioned That the Price in Gokturk is 250 Lira Chef Erdal Demir, who has a restaurant in Gokturk and sells lahmacun for 250 lira while emphasizing that a good lahmacun won’t be cheap, said, “1 kilogram of tomatoes is 35 lira, 1 kilogram of meat is 600 lira, 1 kilogram of bell peppers is 80 lira, 1 kilogram of onions is 35 lira, so if you can get out from within this. I say good lahmacun is never cheap. Good lahmacun will always be expensive.”