There’s something about Istanbul that immediately captured my heart. With its rich history, vibrant markets, and fusion of European and Asian influences, Istanbul has quickly become my favourite city in the world. One of the highlights of my time in Istanbul was a six-hour food tour that took us from the historic Old City, through bustling markets, and across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul. Here’s a taste of my unforgettable culinary adventure in Istanbul, one that any food lover or traveller should experience. Six hours sounds like a marathon, but it really wasn’t; I was sad when the delightful tour ended.
Starting the Day: Traditional Turkish Breakfast
Where to Begin: Turkish breakfasts are renowned for their variety and freshness, and what better place to start than in the heart of Istanbul’s markets? Our tour guide introduced us to local vendors along the market, where we handpicked ingredients for an authentic Turkish breakfast experience.
What’s on the Table: Turkish breakfasts are a feast of flavours. Think fluffy simit bread (a sesame-coated bagel), fresh cheeses, olives, meats, honey over clotted cream, eggs, and spreads like hazelnut spread, which they call their version of Nutella and tangy tahini. With the warm embrace of Turkish tea, it was the perfect start to our day.
Strolling Through Istanbul’s Markets
Next, we ventured into Istanbul’s markets, where every stall is filled with aromatic spices, colourful produce, and curious street foods. From the Spice Bazaar to smaller street stalls, Istanbul’s markets are a sensory delight, offering an authentic glimpse into local life.
Market Finds: You’ll find everything from fragrant sumac and za’atar spices to Turkish delight and dried fruits in these markets. We sampled a few Turkish sweets along the way – each piece of baklava is more addictive than the last! The way that the Turkish sweets are displayed is gorgeous. The energy and variety here are a must-experience for anyone visiting Istanbul.
Crossing the Bosphorus: Ferry Ride to the Asian Side of Istanbul
A unique feature of Istanbul is its split across two continents – Europe and Asia. Our journey continued with a ferry ride across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul, which has a charm all its own.
Feeding the Seagulls: One of my favourite memories was locals showing us that it is a tradition in Istanbul to toss pieces of simit to seagulls trailing the ferry. It was so much fun being a local for a moment and watching the birds swoop in mid-air to catch the morsels of bread.
A Taste of Tradition: The Best Kebab in Istanbul
Finding the Perfect Kebab Spot: Istanbul’s kebabs are famous, and our guide took us to a spot locals love and a shop that is generations old. We were treated to a perfectly spiced, tender kebab that truly raised the bar. Made fresh and packed with smoky flavour, the kebab was served with lavash bread, grilled tomatoes, and green peppers – a meal worth travelling across continents for.
Why Istanbul Kebabs Are Special: Istanbul’s kebabs are distinct from those in other parts of Turkey due to their ingredients and cooking methods. The flavours are richer, and the quality of meat and spices is unforgettable.
A Unique Street Food Experience: Mussels on the Street
On the Asian side of Istanbul, we indulged in a portion of popular Turkish street food – midye dolma or stuffed mussels. This dish features mussels filled with spiced rice, lemon, and herbs, served right from a street vendor. Eating mussels from a local stall is an authentic Istanbul experience, and the savoury flavour was incredible. The fun thing is that you eat the morsel straight out of the shell.
Why It’s Unique: Midye dolma is best enjoyed fresh, and it’s a popular snack for locals and travellers alike. The sight of mussel vendors setting up along the streets as evening approaches is a quintessential Istanbul scene.
Pickle Juice: An Acquired Taste
One of the more unusual stops on our tour was sampling pickle juice or turşu suyu. Istanbulites swear by this tangy drink, and it’s particularly popular among market-goers. While it’s an acquired taste, I couldn’t leave without giving it a try. The drink is briny and sour, and though it might not be for everyone, it’s certainly one of those “only in Istanbul” experiences!
Fun Fact: Pickle juice is often consumed as a palate cleanser after greasy foods. It’s also believed to be a remedy for hangovers – a useful tip for those enjoying Istanbul’s nightlife!
Exploring the Asian Side of Istanbul
The Asian side of Istanbul, particularly neighbourhoods like Kadıköy, is often overlooked by first-time visitors, but it has a vibrant, local energy that’s distinctly different from the European side. Kadıköy’s streets are filled with cafes, bars, and shops offering everything from fresh produce to vintage treasures.
What to Do in Kadıköy: We wandered through bustling markets and cozy cafes, sampling traditional menemen (a savoury tomato and egg dish) and börek (layered pastry). The vibe here is more laid-back, and it’s the perfect place to unwind and get a sense of local life away from the tourist hubs.
Celebrating Istanbul’s Food Scene
Istanbul’s food scene is a mix of traditional and modern flavours, combining influences from Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Whether you’re exploring local markets, savouring street food, or enjoying a multi-course meal at a restaurant, Istanbul offers a culinary experience unlike any other.
Why a Food Tour is a Must: With so many dishes, flavours, and experiences packed into one city, a guided food tour is the best way to navigate it all. Not only did we taste the city’s best foods, but we also learned about Istanbul’s culture, history, and traditions.
Final Thoughts on Istanbul: My New Favorite City
Leaving Istanbul was difficult; every experience, from feeding seagulls on the ferry to sampling mussels on the street, was unforgettable. This city pulls you in, making you want to explore every alley, taste every dish, and return again and again.
For anyone with a love of food, culture, and adventure, Istanbul should be at the top of your travel list. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or an extended stay, this city’s warmth, flavours, and vibrant energy will leave a lasting impression.
