What to Eat in Istanbul: A Culinary Journey Through Turkey's Metropolis Istanbul
Spanning across two continents, this pulsating city, Istanbul is surely where a foodie's dream comes true. With breathtaking architecture and deep-rooted history, it's really a sight to see when you visit Turkey. From rich Ottoman cuisine to savory street snacks, Istanbul is abundant with food variety that lures the palate of every traveler. Let us take this gastronomical tour down the alleys of this charming city for the foods that one must try in order to characterize the culinary scene of Istanbul.
Kebab: A Turkish Delight
No visit to Istanbul is complete without sampling its famous kebabs, which are available almost everywhere. Favorites include succulent shish kebab with its skewered meat and veggies, juicy Adana Kebab prepared with minced meat and spices, and delectable Doner Kebab carved from a rotating vertical spit. Combine them with grilled veggies, lavash bread, and sour yogurt sauce for a real Istanbul experience.
Meze: Small Plates, Big Flavors
Meze gets into the world of Turkish hospitality, with a variety of flavors. These small dishes come in such a tempting variety of hot and cold appetizers that they are designed to be shared. Meze lets you try a little bit of everything, from stuffed grape leaves which are known as Dolma in Turkish, fried calamari to creamy hummus and smoky eggplant dip-baba ganoush. Serve it with some fresh bread and a glass of raki, the anise-flavored alcohol from Turkey, and feel super satisfied.
Baklava: Sweet Indulgence
Baklava is a must-have in Istanbul. It's a godly sweet treat. A classic Turkish dessert consists of thin phyllo dough, butter, and chopped almonds drenched in a syrupy solution of honey or sugar. Served in tiny, bite-sized pieces, baklava has the perfect ratio between crunchy outside layers and sweet, nutty inside layers. Have a memorable sugar rush at one of Istanbul's iconic baklava shops...
Balik Ekmek: Fish Sandwiches by the Bosphorus
For something a little more specialized to the sea life of Istanbul, try Balik Ekmek, or fish sandwiches, in a restaurant along the water that mostly takes place at Eminonu or Karakoy districts. Perfectly cooked and grilled fillets are layered with crispy bread roll, fresh greens, onions, and a splash of lemon. A tasty glimpse into Istanbul's nautical traditions, balik ekmek is a popular street snack sold off floating boats and beachside stands.
Menemen: Turkish Breakfast Delight
Start your day with a big serving of Menemen, the classic Turkish breakfast, and you will be an Istanbulite already. This is a very simple but satisfying recipe where the eggs are scrambled and cooked with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and spices to perfection. Menemen, hot from an iron skillet with some crusty bread or simit, fried bread rings rubbed in sesame seeds, is just what you need for a start to the day's discoveries in Istanbul.
Turkish Tea and Coffee: Sip and Savor
These two national favorites, Turkish coffee and tea, would not let the gastronomic tour of Istanbul be complete without tasting. Turkish tea is the aromatic type of black tea that is skillfully prepared and consumed throughout the day. It is served in tulip-shaped glasses. A strong, flavorfully aromatic drink prepared by boiling finely ground coffee with water and sugar, Turkish coffee would just do it for those who want something stronger. Relish classic drinks, either Turkish tea or Turkish coffee, from a teahouse or coffee shop in every neighborhood; feel the dynamic atmosphere of Istanbul.
Food in Istanbul is a multi-textured tapestry of tastes and sensations, an active and varied city where every visitor will find something to delight in. From flavorful kebabs and sweet baklava to fish sandwiches and morning tea or coffee, Istanbul will leave you wanting more of the culinary delights it has to offer.
Head into the bustling streets, follow the aroma, and let your taste buds guide you through a different kind of culinary tour through this interesting city in Turkey.
If you ever want to taste the flavors of Istanbul with a private guide who explains the history behind every bite during Food Tasting Experience , contact us and make your reservation before someone else bites your meal!