Istanbul Food Tour - History and Culture of Turkish Culinary

Embark on a gastronomic adventure in Beyoğlu, Istanbul, and explore the vibrant Turkish cuisine and traditional meyhane experience. Indulge in a variety of mezes, cheese, seasonal fruits, kebabs, and more while discovering hidden gems and learning about the cultural significance of the food and locations.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Halic - Halic (Golden Horn) means inlet in English separates the old and new sections of Istanbul.
What's Included
  • Expert guidance by a professional tour guide
  • Delight in diverse food tastings, including samples and snacks
  • Scenic transport via funicular
  • Enjoy complimentary coffee and/or tea
  • Intimate experience in a small group setting
  • Selection of alcoholic beverages included
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

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.

  • Minimum age is 12 years (Minimum drinking age is 18 years )
  • This tour is required to be booked by a minimum 2 participants.
Location
Nordstern Hotel Galata
Tersane Caddesi
Meet your guide in front (outside) of NORDSTERN HOTEL GALATA which is located next to the Galata Bridge. It is about a 2-minute walk from (T1) Karaköy tram stop. Your guide will wear a tour guide badge and will be easy to spot.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(209 Ratings)
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Jill_d
Jul 26, 2024
Great tour and good food - Our guide Gamze was fantastic! So knowledgeable about all things Istanbul and Turkey. She took us to multiple venues where we could try all the flavors of Istanbul. We highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Steven_s
Jul 17, 2024
Excellent tour! - Tolga was great! Knowledgeable and fun. The food stops were well paced with historical insight along the way. He gave us time to chat and ask questions, so we didn’t feel rushed. We highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
61meaganh
Jul 14, 2024
Foodie and cultural experience highlight of our time in Istanbul - We booked this tour last minute after we wouldn’t make our previously booked tour. we ended up being the only people there so had a private tour with Gamze. We could not have asked for a better evening. Not only was there ample delicious food to try, but Gamze was a wealth of information about the city, food scene and most interestingly the culture of the Turkish people. She shared personal stories and perspectives. Although the tour happened at the end of our trip to Turkey, we walked away with a different perspective and a better understanding of Turkish culture and people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
165candicet
Jul 10, 2024
Diverse, cultural, delicious and interesting! Highly recommend! - This tour is amazing! The diversity of food and areas covered is something you cannot replicate on your own. Our guide Erol was not only knowledgeable about cuisine, but also the history of Türkiye and the local area. Absolutely recommend this tour! Outstanding!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberly_h
Jul 1, 2024
Awesome tour! - Erol was a fantastic tour guide. He took us to local places away from the tourists for us to experience authentic Turkish cuisine. Highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Carolyn_w
Jun 30, 2024
We had a great time and... - We had a great time and our guide, Tolga was amazing! He was really informative and took us all around the city. We were stuffed by the end!
Review provided by Viator
Sachint494
Jun 30, 2024
Super fantastic. Only one problem don’t eat before you go - A fantastic tour and well worth the money. Superb way of sampling the food of Turkey. A journey of taste and delicious food. I would recommend doing this during the first two days of your holiday. We had a fantastic and knowledgable guide in Erol Utgun. Awesome guide, relaxed friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend Erol.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karenm955
Jun 28, 2024
Highly recommend our guide Erol - We did a good tour with Erol and he was so interesting and informative. We loved the experience and would recommend using our guide. What an adventure and opportunity to try Istanbuls exciting and delicious food.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anaveran22
Jun 26, 2024
A great insight into Turkish food - Our guide for the night was Gämze. She was lovely. Friendly, dynamic and with a lot to share. She showed us some of the traditional foods, sweets, and drinks. She told us about social interactions and the importance of food in them. We had a blast walking with her through the "European" side of Istambul. It was well worth our money and her Spanish was great!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brandi_l
Jun 24, 2024
Tried so much and was Cautious of allergies - Me and my family had a great time! We tried tons of food and were absolutely stuffed after! Our favorite was the mussels. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the city and history of the city it honestly felt like a two in one we learned about the history of the city and food! Also people in my group have tree nut allergies and were a little nervous because tree nut allergies aren’t common in Turkey but our guid made sure everything was safe for us to eat!
Review provided by Viator