ESB’s fast fried-chicken option, Popeyes, covers the basics
Popeyes at Esenboğa International Airport (ESB) is exactly what it sounds like: a standard fried-chicken counter with the familiar orange branding and menu boards. You’ll see the usual combo meals with 2- to 5-piece chicken portions, sides like fries and coleslaw, and fountain drinks, all priced in Turkish lira in the 150–350 TRY range depending on size and add-ons.
Figure on typical airport quick-service speed: most orders at similar ESB chains land in 5–10 minutes, and Popeyes runs on the same fryers-and-warmers model. You order at the counter, take a buzzer or receipt number, and pick up from the same front line, so there’s no table service or separate collection point to hunt for.
The menu usually includes spicy and regular fried chicken, chicken strips, and sandwiches, plus snack-size boxes that work if you just need something before a 90‑minute Ankara–Istanbul hop. Soft drinks come in small, medium, and large cups, and staff typically push set menus because they’re cheaper than piecing together individual items and sides.
Portions at Popeyes are generally consistent with other Turkish outlets: a 3‑piece strip meal with fries and a drink is enough for one average adult, and a 5‑piece box can be split if you just want a few bites before a late‑evening departure. If you’re budget‑watching, skip extra sauces and upsized drinks, since add-ons can push a simple meal past 300 TRY quickly.
No standout specialties or local twists show up in public listings, so treat this as a fallback option when you don’t have time for a sit‑down restaurant. One practical move: check your gate on the ESB screens first, then order something you can carry easily, in case a last‑minute gate change forces a 5‑ to 10‑minute walk.