A Culinary Journey Through Istanbul: The Ultimate Food Guide

Originally known as Constantinople, Istanbul was the eastern capitol of the Roman Empire. Known for its rich history, Istanbul is also a melting pot of culinary fusion. Check out our comprehensive Istanbul food guide for the best foods to eat. It won’t matter if you’re a frequent traveler or a newbie to Istanbul, this guide will give you a great place to start.

Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Istanbul

Istanbul is the only city in the world that has both European and Asian parts? Istanbul is split into two continents by the Bosphorus Strait. It has a rich cultural history dating back to ancient times when it was ruled by the Byzantines and the Ottomans. This beautiful city has amazing sites, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace, to name a few. Any architecture or history buff will love exploring it.

Foodies will love Istanbul’s food scene. You can find everything from street vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants. Even if you’re not a foodie, Istanbul has something for everyone.

Geography of Istanbul

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Istanbul proper is divided by two bodies of water. The Bosphorus Strait which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara goes North and South and divides the city between Europe to the West and Asia to the East.

The Golden Horn is an inlet connected to the Bosphorus Strait that divides the more modern district of Beyoğlu to the North and the Old Town district of Faith to the South.

Popular districts to stay in Istanbul

Like many large metropolitan cities there are many choices of where to stay in Istanbul. Finding what is perfect for you might be different for everyone depending on how you like to travel, what you like to do, and the types of accommodation you prefer to stay in.

There are 39 total districts/municipalities in Istanbul. Within those districts there there are neighborhoods that give Istanbul is uniqueness and character.

Here are the most popular district near the heart of all the action

Faith (Europe Side)
Beyoğlu (Europe Side)
Beşiktaş (Europe Side)
Üsküdar (Asia Side)
Kadıköy (Asia Side)

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Faith District Neighborhoods

Eminönü

When coming from the Beyoğlu district and crossing over the Golden Horn Inlet to the Faith district, Eminönü will be the first neighborhood you reach. A major transportation hub in the oldest part of Istanbul gives you access to trains, trams, buses and ferries. It’s also close to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque, and Süleymaniye Hamamı. There are a ton of small shops and restaurants for both tourist and locals alike.

Sultanahmet

A little South East of Eminönü is the Sultanahmet neighborhood. is in the heart of the old town/historic neighborhood in the Faith District. The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Basiica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are all located in this district. As you can imagine there are also a lot of small shops and restaurants geared toward both tourist and locals alike. Most of the major attractions are within a 15-20 minute walk from each other or a short tram ride away.

Balat and Fener

Balat and Fener neighborhood’s are a little NorthWest of Eminönü straddling the Golden Horn Inlet. This are is filled with colorful houses, small local shops, and has an eclectic local feel. A little off the beaten path from all of the crowds is a great place to explore the fascinating streets. Just be sure to wear your walking shoes as this part of Istanbul is a little hilly.

Beyoğlu District Neighborhoods

Galata

North of the Golden Horn in the Beyoğlu District is the Galata neighborhood. Galata is filled with picturesque streets, fine dining, local eaters and boutique shops. Galata Tower is one of the major attractions of this area, and with the high vantage point you are sure have some great views of the Golden horn and Bosphorus Strait. Take a walk from Galata to Faith/Old Town over the Galata Bridge is and catch beautiful views of the Gold Horn. You’ll walk by a lot of locals enjoying their day fishing on the bridge, truly a great experience. Galata is a great location that is close to everything.

Karaköy

A neighborhood that straddles the North side of the Golden Horn that meets the Bosphorus Strait Karaköy is a great mix of old meets new with a little bit of industrialism mixed in. Chic cafes, street vendors, bakeries, antique stores, art studios, and nightlife all converge in this hip and vibrant part of the city. Take a walk along the Bosphorus Strait and enjoy a Turkish Tea from a street vendor and take in the sea breeze.

Cihangir

Cihangir is situated a short distance North of Karaköy heading toward Taksim Square. A hilly neighborhood filled with small local eateries, shops, and bakeries. Cihangir has a local hip vibe to it, and a great area that is close to a lot of the popular parts of Beyoğlu, like Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Galata, and Karaköy, . It’s also fairly close to the T1 lightrail line, so getting to Old Town is convientient.

Istiklal

A major pedestrian and tram only street that run North and South connecting Taksim Square in the North to Şişhane Metro Station to the South. Istiklal is filled with major brand stores like Zara, ice cream parlors, chocolate Shops, eateries, street food, and souvenir shops. This is a popular tourist area to stay in in the Beyoğlu district so be prepared for crowds of people.

Taksim

Located at the top North end of Istiklal Street you will find the Taksim neighborhood. Taksim square is the center of the Beyoğlu District and home to the a couple foreign consulates. This is where you will find some of the larger international hotels, Turkish fast food chains, fine dining, and nightlife. Think of Taksim as the center tourist district of the more modern side of Istanbul.

Beşiktaş District

Beşiktaş District is along the West side of the Bosphorus Strait North of Karaköy. They are close to Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, a lot of local restaurants and nightlife. You will find more luxury accommodations in this are but there are less options for using Istanbul’s subway system, so buses, taxis, and ferry will be your best options for transportation.

Üsküdar

Located on the East Side of the Bosphorus Strati on the Asia side of Istanbul is a residential area known as Üsküdar. If you are looking for a calm and quiet part of Istanbul this might be for you. However keep in mind Üsküdar is a little more spread out and your transportation options will be a little more limited, but accommodation may be more economical. Also expect less commercial type restaurants, and more local mom and pops businesses.

Kadıköy

Kadıköy is an eclectic hip part of Istanbul on the Asia side. It’s filled with great small eateries, local markets, cafes, art galleries, vintage shops, and nightlife. It is also a major transportation hub close to ferry terminals, bus stations, train stations, subway, and tram stops. Kadıköy is further away from all the historic touristy parts of Istanbul, but also conveniently close to the many ferries that go everywhere. Kadıköy is a great option to see the Asia side and feel like a local.

Accommodation in Istanbul

Istanbul offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here’s a quick rundown:

Luxury Hotels

For those seeking a lavish experience, Istanbul boasts world-class luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Bosphorus and the Çırağan Palace Kempinski. These establishments offer stunning views, top-notch amenities, and impeccable service.

Boutique Hotels

Istanbul is famous for its charming boutique hotels, often housed in restored Ottoman-era buildings. Places like the Tomtom Suites in Beyoğlu or the Hotel Ibrahim Pasha in Sultanahmet offer a more intimate and personalized stay.

Budget-Friendly Options

Backpackers and budget travelers will find plenty of affordable hostels and guesthouses, especially in areas like Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu. Check out places like Cheers Hostel or Agora Guesthouse for wallet-friendly accommodations.

Apartment Rentals

For a more local experience, consider renting an apartment through platforms like VRBO. This can be particularly good for longer stays or if you want to feel like a local in neighborhoods like Cihangir or Kadıköy.

Traditional Turkish Hotels

For a unique experience, try staying in a traditional Turkish house or “konak”. These often family-run establishments, like Dersaadet Hotel in Sultanahmet, offer a glimpse into Turkish hospitality and architecture.

Getting Around Istanbul

Istanbul’s massive size can be daunting, but getting around is easier than you might think. Here are the different modes of transportation to navigate around Istanbul.

Ferries

Istanbul’s ferries offer a scenic commute between Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus ferries provide stunning views of the city’s skyline. Main terminals include Eminönü, Karaköy, and Kadıköy.

Trains and Metro

The metro system is efficient for beating Istanbul’s notorious traffic. The Marmaray line even crosses under the Bosphorus. It’s fast, reliable, and reaches most parts of the city.

Trams

For exploring the city center, trams are ideal. The T1 line covers major tourist spots in Sultanahmet, Eminönü, and Beyoğlu. It’s a convenient option when your feet need a break from walking.

Buses and Dolmuş

Buses cover extensive routes in Istanbul but are at the mercy of car traffic. For a more adventurous (and faster) ride, try a dolmuş – these shared minibuses offer a unique local experience. If you plan on taking a bus to a nearby city like Antalya Turkey or Sophia Bulgaria check out Omio for bus tickets.

Taxi and Rideshare

Taxis are plentiful, but ensure they use the meter to avoid overcharging. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and BiTaksi are great alternatives, especially for late-night travel.

Must Try Foods in Istanbul

Street Food and Snacks

Islak Burger

Known as the “wet burger,” this late-night favorite in Taksim Square features a juicy patty soaked in a garlicky tomato sauce. The soft, steamed bun absorbs the flavorful sauce, creating a messy but delicious snack. Kizilkayalar is a popular chain in Taksim to try this burger.

Simit

This sesame-crusted bread ring is Istanbul’s go-to snack. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and covered in nutty sesame seeds, simit vendors can be found on almost every street corner.

Balik Ekmek

Head to Eminönü for the best balik ekmek experience. This fish sandwich features grilled mackerel fillet stuffed into a crusty bread roll with lettuce, onions, and a squeeze of lemon. The aroma of grilling fish and the sight of bobbing boats make this a quintessential Istanbul experience. Meşhur Eminönü Balık Ekmek is a well known place to try this dish.

Kumpir

Ortaköy Kumpir is famous for these loaded baked potatoes. The potato is mashed with butter and cheese, then topped with an array of ingredients of your choice like corn, peas, pickles, sausage, and olive salad. It’s a customizable meal in itself.

Midye Dolma

These stuffed mussels are a popular street food. Filled with herbed rice, pine nuts, and currants, then steamed to perfection, they’re typically sold by vendors who keep count of how many you eat – it’s hard to stop at just one!

Main Dishes

Lahmacun

This thin flatbread topped with spiced meat and veggies is often called “Turkish pizza.” The crispy base is topped with a mixture of minced meat, tomatoes, peppers, and aromatic spices. Add a squeeze of lemon and parsley, roll it up, and enjoy. Halil Lachmacun in Kadıköy is a local favorite.

İskender Kebap

Named after its inventor, İskender Efendi, this dish from Bursa has become a national favorite. Thinly sliced döner meat is served over pide bread, smothered in tomato sauce and melted butter, with a side of yogurt. Bursa Kebapçısı in Beyoğlu is known for its authentic İskender.

Adana Kebap

Named after the city of Adana, this spicy kebab is made from hand-minced lamb mixed with red bell peppers and chargrilled to perfection. It’s typically served with flatbread, grilled vegetables, and a tangy ezme salad. Adana Ocakbasi in Beyoğlu serves some of the best Adana kebap in the city.

Cağ Kebap

Originating from Erzurum, this kebab is cooked on a horizontal spit, unlike the vertical döner. The meat is marinated for hours in yogurt and spices, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful slices. Altın Cağ Restorant in Kadıköy is renowned for its authentic cağ kebap.

Pide

This boat-shaped Turkish pizza comes with various toppings. The crispy edges and soft middle make it the perfect vessel for ingredients like minced meat, cheese, or vegetables. Hocapasa Pidecisi in Sirkeci is a great place for delicious pide

Yaprak Doner

Yaprak Doner are slices of meat usually beef or lamb roasted on a vertical spit. Meşhur Dönerci Hacı Osman’ın Yeri in Faith is a local favorite.

Kokoreç

This adventurous dish is made from grilled lamb intestines wrapped around spiced offal meats. It’s chopped, seasoned with red pepper flakes, oregano, and salt, then usually served in bread or a lavash. Lokal Kokoreç in Beyoğlu is a popular spot for late-night kokoreç.

Traditional and Regional Specialties

Manti

These tiny meat dumplings are served in a garlicky yogurt sauce. The delicate dumplings are filled with spiced minced meat and topped with a tangy yogurt sauce, red pepper oil, and dried mint. Casita Manti in Beşiktaş is known for its delicious, handmade mantı.

Lokantasi

These no-frills eateries serve up home-style Turkish meals. Offering a variety of pre-prepared dishes that change daily, it’s a great way to try a wide range of Turkish home cooking at affordable prices. Lokantası’s can be found all over Istanbul. For a no frills option try Balkan Lokantası in Eminönü and for a more upscale version try Karaköy Lokantası in Karaköy.

Turkish Breakfast (Kahvaltı)

Turkish breakfast is an event, with endless small plates that can last for hours. Expect a lavish spread of fresh bread, various cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey, jam, and eggs prepared to your liking. Van Kahvaltı Evi in Cihangir offers an extensive and delicious Turkish breakfast spread.

Desserts and Beverages

Turkish Tea

Turkish tea is an integral part of daily life, served in small tulip-shaped glasses throughout the day. This strong black tea is brewed in a double teapot, resulting in a robust flavor that’s often softened with a cube of sugar. You can find Turkish tea at almost any restaurant and even from street vendors all over town.

Turkish Coffe

This strong, thick coffee is served with the grounds still in the cup. It’s brewed in a special pot called a cezve, resulting in a rich, intense flavor.

Baklava

This rich dessert features layers of flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts and soaked in sweet syrup. Each bite offers a perfect balance of crispy, nutty, and sweet flavors. Karaköy Güllüoğlu is renowned for its high-quality baklava.

Turkish Delight (Lokum)

These small, gel-like cubes come in a variety of flavors and are often dusted with powdered sugar. They’re traditionally served with Turkish coffee and make for a delightful sweet treat.

Künefe

This dessert features shredded phyllo dough layered with mild, stringy cheese, baked until golden, then soaked in sweet syrup. Often topped with ground pistachios, it’s served hot so the cheese is delightfully gooey.

Istanbul’s culinary landscape is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered. From street food to upscale restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate and budget. So loosen your belt and prepare for a gastronomic adventure through this incredible city. Your taste buds are in for an unforgettable journey!

Remember, the key to truly experiencing Istanbul’s food scene is to be adventurous. Don’t hesitate to try new things – some of the best meals might come from a tiny street vendor or a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. And always save room for dessert! Happy eating!

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