Explore the heart of Istanbul, walk down the historical streets of Beyoglu, admire the architecture and the hustle & bustle of Istanbul. Taste both famous & lesser known local delights of Turkish cuisine. 

Kebaps and Turkish delight might be the things that come to mind when one thinks of Turkish food. However, there is so much more to Turkish food than that.

Istanbul is the former capital of a mighty empire that spread over three continents. As the empire started going down, Ottomans started migrating to the capital city and the only thing they could bring with them was their food.

 

Thus, when we talk about Turkish cuisine, we are talking about a great mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Balkan, Caucasian and Black Sea cuisine.

This food tour takes place in Beyoglu area, the so-called heart of the city.

The tour is designed for those who eat everything, however please kindly note that it can be modified for vegans and vegetarians easily.

You will start your tour with a light tasting at a traditional grill house where you will watch the meat cooking on the coal fire and taste their famous vegetable kebab (contrary to its name, this is not a vegetarian dish).  

You will go to a Black Sea homemade dish restaurant where you will try the local dishes from the area. Their specialty is rice with ‘hamsi’ (anchovy like fish that is local to the Black Sea), however you can try their delicious pulse dishes and wrapped cabbage leaves filled with seasoned rice.

You will then walk through the fish market and try ‘fried mussels’ and ‘Kokoreç’ (charcoal grilled, seasoned mutton intestines) if you are an adventurous eater. 

Last stop is a casual Georgian restaurant with a great selection of local dishes. Their ‘mantı’ (Turkish dumplings with ground beef) is very delicious. If you still have some space, then you can try their ‘mücver’ (zucchini patties) as well. 

You will finish your tour at Mandabatmaz with a cup of Turkish coffee, the perfect digestive for the day’s meals. You will enjoy our coffee on a narrow street with low stools and wooden tables and relax among the locals chatting and enjoying their afternoon.

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İstiklal Avenue

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