Best Food Tours Of Istanbul

Are you looking to experience the rich culinary culture of Istanbul? Look no further than the city’s famous food tours. Istanbul is known for its diverse and exotic cuisine, with traditional dishes like kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight drawing in foodies from all over the world. With so many options to choose from, here are some of the best food tours Istanbul has to offer.

The Iconic Bosphorus Food Tour 🍽️

Experience the stunning beauty of Istanbul while indulging in its delicious cuisine on the Iconic Bosphorus Food Tour. This tour takes you on a journey through the city and along the Bosphorus Strait, stopping at some of Istanbul’s most famous food spots. From meze to seafood, this tour offers a variety of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.

What is meze?

Meze is a collection of small dishes served as appetizers or snacks in Turkish cuisine. They can include anything from dips to stuffed vegetables to seafood, and are typically enjoyed with drinks before a meal.

The Istanbul Food Walk 🍖

Join the Istanbul Food Walk for a culinary adventure through the city’s historical neighborhoods. This tour offers a unique perspective on Istanbul’s rich history and culture, as well as its delicious food. From street vendors to hidden gems, this tour will take you to some of the best food spots in the city.

What is Turkish coffee?

Turkish coffee is a method of brewing coffee that is finely ground and unfiltered. It is typically served in a small cup with a piece of Turkish delight on the side.

The Kadikoy Street Food Tour 🍲

If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, the Kadikoy Street Food Tour is the perfect choice. This tour takes you to the bustling streets of Kadikoy, where you can sample a variety of Turkish street food. From savory dishes like lahmacun to sweet treats like baklava, this tour has something for everyone.

What is lahmacun?

Lahmacun is a Turkish flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs. It is typically served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley.

The Culinary Backstreets Tour 🍴

For a more immersive experience, the Culinary Backstreets Tour takes you off the beaten path to discover the hidden culinary gems of Istanbul. From traditional Turkish breakfast to freshly caught fish, this tour offers a unique perspective on Istanbul’s food scene.

What is traditional Turkish breakfast?

Traditional Turkish breakfast, or kahvalti, typically includes a spread of bread, cheese, olives, eggs, and jam, as well as various dips and spreads like hummus and muhammara.

The Ottoman Cuisine Tour 🍛

For a taste of Istanbul’s rich history, the Ottoman Cuisine Tour offers a journey through the flavors of the Ottoman Empire. From hearty stews to delicate desserts, this tour showcases the diversity of Ottoman cuisine and its influence on modern Turkish food.

What is the Ottoman Empire?

The Ottoman Empire was a state that existed from 1299 to 1922, centered in modern-day Turkey. It was known for its military and cultural achievements, as well as its contributions to architecture, music, and cuisine.

The Vegetarian Food Tour 🥕

For those who prefer a plant-based diet, the Vegetarian Food Tour offers a variety of meat-free dishes that are just as delicious as their carnivorous counterparts. From lentil soup to stuffed grape leaves, this tour proves that Turkish cuisine has something for everyone.

What are stuffed grape leaves?

Stuffed grape leaves, or dolma, are a popular Turkish dish made with vine leaves filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. They are typically served as an appetizer or side dish.

The Turkish Delight Tour 🍬

If you have a sweet tooth, the Turkish Delight Tour is the perfect way to indulge. This tour takes you to some of Istanbul’s best sweet shops, where you can sample a variety of Turkish sweets, including the famous Turkish delight.

What is Turkish delight?

Turkish delight, or lokum, is a sweet confection made with starch and sugar, flavored with rosewater or other ingredients. It is typically dusted with powdered sugar and served in small cubes.

The Asian Side Food Tour 🍜

The Asian side of Istanbul offers a unique culinary experience that is often overlooked by tourists. The Asian Side Food Tour takes you across the Bosphorus to discover the diverse cuisine of Istanbul’s Asian neighborhoods, from spicy curries to fresh seafood.

What is the Asian side of Istanbul?

The Asian side of Istanbul is the section of the city east of the Bosphorus Strait, located in the Anatolian region of Turkey. It is known for its diverse neighborhoods and cuisine.

The Secret Food Tour 🤫

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, the Secret Food Tour is the way to go. This tour takes you to hidden food spots that are off the beaten path, offering a taste of Istanbul that most tourists never get to experience.

What makes a food spot hidden?

A hidden food spot is typically a small, local establishment that is not well-known to tourists. It may be tucked away in a side street or located in an out-of-the-way neighborhood.

The Evening Food Tour 🌃

Experience Istanbul’s vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine on the Evening Food Tour. This tour takes you to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars, where you can sample a variety of Turkish dishes and enjoy live music and entertainment.

What is Turkish live music?

Turkish music encompasses a wide range of styles, from traditional folk music to modern pop and rock. Instruments commonly used in Turkish music include the oud, saz, and darbuka.

The Gourmet Food Tour 🍴

For a truly luxurious dining experience, the Gourmet Food Tour offers a selection of Istanbul’s finest restaurants and gourmet food shops. From Michelin-starred chefs to specialty cheese and wine shops, this tour is perfect for foodies looking to indulge.

What is a Michelin-starred restaurant?

A Michelin-starred restaurant is a restaurant that has been awarded one, two, or three stars by the Michelin Guide, a respected restaurant rating system. The stars indicate a restaurant’s quality and are based on factors like food quality, service, and atmosphere.

The Coffee and Dessert Tour ☕

For a sweet and indulgent afternoon, try the Coffee and Dessert Tour. This tour takes you to some of Istanbul’s best cafes and patisseries, where you can sip on Turkish coffee and sample a variety of decadent desserts.

What is a patisserie?

A patisserie is a French word for a bakery that specializes in pastries and desserts. In Istanbul, patisseries often serve Turkish sweets like baklava and Turkish delight as well as French-style pastries.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a city that is rich in culture, history, and, of course, food. With so many food tours to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste and budget. Whether you’re a meat-lover or a vegetarian, a coffee connoisseur or a dessert fiend, Istanbul has something for everyone. So why not take a culinary journey through this vibrant city and discover its many delicious secrets?

Ready to book your food tour?

Visit the websites of the tours listed above to learn more about their offerings and book your spot today.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication. However, restaurant menus and tour details are subject to change, so please check with the tour operator or restaurant before booking. The author is not responsible for any inaccuracies or changes to the information provided.