This tour takes you into the heart of the modern section of Istanbul, 'quirky' meyhanes and bustling food markets. You and your friends and family will embark on a four-hour gastronomy tour around the world famous Beyoğlu (Pera) neighborhood.
This is a food tour with a difference in world famous Beyoğlu (Pera) neighbourhood makes sure that you will enjoy all the ranges and aspects of Turkish Cuisine leaving nothing out. From drinking Raki and tasting varieties of mezes, cheese and seasonal fruits in a Meyhane (Local Tavern) to delicious Baklava in a traditional Confectionary Shop. In this four-hour gastronomy tour, you will stroll through some of the backstreets, bustling food markets and passages off Istiklal Street stopping off at Cafes, Eateries, Kebab restaurants and street food stalls to sample a cross-section of delicious foods to include meats, stuffed mussels and chocolate. A fascinating insight in a small group tour, providing thoughtful information on the history, cultural significance and relevance not only of the food but of the locations where it was served. We discover places you never find on your own.
This tour takes you into the heart of the modern sectıon of Istanbul, ‘quirky’ meyhanes and bustling food markets.
You and your friends and family will embark on a four-hour gastronomy tour around the world famous Beyoğlu (Pera) neighborhood .All food, snacks, desserts and drinks and a professional tour passing its most famous hidden passages (Flower Passage, Hazzo Poulo, Asmalı Mescit,) are included in the price. Once our experienced guide concludes the tour, you will leave with a stomach full of traditional food, plus local knowledge and sightseeing tips, to enhance the pleasure of your trip that will last with you a lifetime.
A meyhane is a traditional restaurant or bar in Turkey. It serves alcoholic beverages like wine, rakı, vodka, beer with meze and traditional foods. “Meyhane” is composed of two Persian words: mey (wine) and khāneh (house). A meyhane refers to a restaurant with traditional food, decoration, and music.
Stop at another street food vendor for İçli Köfte; Sabirtaşı makes Istanbul’s best içli köfte (a crispy bulgur shell filled with minced meat, parsley, and sautéed pine nuts), and if you don’t feel like walking up to their restaurant, their İstiklal Street vendor is always around to serve up the köfte on the go. Made by hand on a daily basis, the içli köfte are downright delicious.
You must not leave Turkey without tasting Dürüm Kebab that is the sliced meat of a döner kebab may be served on a plate with various accompaniments, stuffed into a pita or other type of bread as a sandwich, or wrapped in a thin flatbread such as lavash or yufka, known as a dürüm. Since the early 1970s, the sandwich or wrap form has become popular around the world as a fast food dish sold by kebab shops and is often called simply a “kebab”. The sandwich generally contains salad or vegetables, which may include tomato, lettuce, cabbage, onion with sumac, fresh or pickled cucumber, or chili, and various types of sauces.
Turkish people love sweets and confectionaries. Let try some of them; Beyoğlu Chocolate; one of the most famous chocolates in Istanbul are the milk or dark chocolate bars filled with enormous hazelnuts, pistachios, or almonds, sold on İstiklal Street at Meşhur Beyoğlu Çikolatacısı. The manufacturer of these grab-and-go chocolates is Elit, which has been around since 1924.
Baklava (baqlawah) is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo pastry filled with chopped walnuts or pistachio and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is a very traditional Turkish Dessert.Ice cream; traditional ice cream in Turkey incorporates natural thickening agents, which give it a smooth, compact, and almost stringy texture.
We can finish our delicious journey with Turkish Tea, is popular throughout Turkey and the Turkish diaspora. Turkish tea culture also extends to Northern Cyprus and some countries in the Balkan Peninsula..
Professional guide
Transport by funicular
Food tasting – Samples & Snacks
Coffee and/ or Tea
Alcoholic Beverages
Small Group
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Taste the Best of Turkish Cuisine:
From the famed rakı (Turkish aniseed liquor) and meze platters to savory street foods like dürüm kebab, içli köfte, and the indulgent baklava, this tour offers a comprehensive tasting experience that covers both traditional and contemporary Turkish flavors.
Cultural and Historical Insights:
Your expert guide will not only share culinary knowledge but will also give you a deeper understanding of Istanbul’s rich history and cultural significance behind each dish, helping you connect with the city in a meaningful way.
Visit Hidden Gems:
Explore local gems and off-the-beaten-path eateries you wouldn’t discover on your own, allowing you to experience Istanbul like a local. From the charming Flower Passage to traditional eateries, the tour is designed to show you the best of the city’s food culture.
Small-Group Experience:
With a small group size, you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide and enjoy an intimate experience, perfect for food lovers and anyone keen to learn more about Turkish cuisine.
Satisfying and Educational:
This tour goes beyond tasting – it’s a rich cultural experience. You’ll learn about the significance of each food, its preparation, and its place in Turkish culture. You’ll also leave with practical insights into how to navigate Istanbul’s vibrant food scene.
Comfortable Shoes:
The tour involves walking through vibrant neighborhoods, so wear comfortable shoes to keep up with the pace and navigate the cobblestone streets.
Water Bottle:
Stay hydrated throughout the tour, especially if you’re indulging in flavorful foods and drinks. A reusable water bottle is always handy.
Appetite and Curiosity:
Come hungry and ready to explore a variety of traditional and modern Turkish dishes. Your guide will share fascinating facts about the food, so be open to trying new things!
Cash (Optional):
While all tastings are included in the tour, you may want to carry some cash if you wish to purchase additional snacks or souvenirs from local vendors.
Sunscreen & Sunglasses (If Applicable):
Depending on the time of year, Istanbul can get sunny, especially in outdoor areas. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and sunglasses.
Camera or Smartphone:
You’ll want to capture the unique sights and experiences along the way, so don’t forget your camera or phone to take photos of the beautiful streets, food, and your memories.
Modest Clothing:
While the tour is casual, it’s always a good idea to dress appropriately for a food tour that includes visits to local eateries, and if applicable, any religious sites along the way.
A Healthy Appetite for Adventure:
Be ready to embrace Turkish food culture – from savoring unique flavors to chatting with locals, there’s much to discover. A sense of adventure is always helpful on a food tour!
A Deep Dive into Turkish Cuisine:
You’ll experience the rich diversity of Turkish food, from savory mezes and kebabs to sweet treats like baklava and Turkish ice cream. Each stop is a chance to taste authentic, local flavors you won’t find in any guidebook.
Cultural Insights:
Along with the food, you’ll learn about the cultural significance of each dish, the history of Turkish food traditions, and the local customs behind dining in Istanbul. Your guide will share fascinating stories, giving you a deeper understanding of the city’s culinary heritage.
Exploration of Hidden Gems:
This tour takes you off the beaten path to discover hidden cafés, food stalls, and restaurants that are beloved by locals. You’ll visit charming streets and markets, where you’ll find the real flavor of Istanbul.
A Unique Food Adventure:
Enjoy a variety of foods at each stop, including regional specialties that you might not have tried otherwise. Whether it’s the famous street food or traditional sweets, you’ll expand your food horizons and take home new favorites.
Social Experience:
This small-group tour gives you the chance to meet other food lovers and share the experience of discovering Istanbul’s food culture together. It’s a fun way to interact, ask questions, and learn from your guide and fellow travelers.
Local Expertise:
With a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide, you’ll gain insight into the city’s food scene that you wouldn’t have on your own. They’ll recommend where to eat next, share tips on food culture, and ensure you have an enjoyable, smooth tour.
Memorable Culinary Moments:
With every bite, you’ll create lasting memories of Istanbul’s flavors. From the refreshing Turkish tea to the savory köfte and sweet baklava, the flavors will stay with you long after the tour ends.
A New Appreciation for Istanbul’s Food Scene:
After this experience, you’ll have a newfound love and appreciation for Turkish cuisine and the food culture that makes Istanbul such a dynamic and exciting city. You’ll walk away with a greater understanding of the food’s role in daily life and culture.
