Gastronomic Exploration of Istanbul: Tasting Diverse Local Turkish Delicacies

Embark on a 4-hour gastronomic exploration of Istanbul, tasting diverse local Turkish delicacies. Delve into the culinary culture, hear fascinating stories, and visit top attractions. Book now!

Duration: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - After meeting with your guide and brief information you will be ready to discover astonishingly rich culinary culture of Istanbul on this 5-hours walking tour starting from the authentic Spice bazaar. This historic bazaar is the place where we will learn about Turkish delights, spices, dried herbs and alternative remedies for aches and pains, and aphrodisiacs that have been tested through the centuries. You’ll find all kinds of interesting beauty products as well. After we finish, we will continue our journey between the inviting aromas of the backstreets of the Spice Market.
  • Eminonu Pier - Then you will take a ferry to a nice and cosmopolitan district of Istanbul, Kadikoy (Chalcedon) famous for its fish market and loaded with local delicacies from all around Turkey. On the ferry, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of Istanbul. Experience the standing between two continents; Asia and Europe.
  • Kadikoy Istanbul Boga MeydanI - Famous center of the district which is also known as Bull Statue Kadikoy.
  • Kadikoy Carsisi - Kadikoy is a haven for the ‘foodies’ as it offers a great variety of food such as pickled vegetables and fruits, lahmacun (pizza like dish, crispy and thin) fish, regional cheeses and mezes and more. In Turkey, we value food not just for its taste but as symbol of traditions, happiness, fortune, friendship, and you will see why it is so important to us while eating your way through the streets of Istanbul.
  • Kadikoy Iskelesi - After the tastings in Kadiko we will try life-changing desserts such as heavenly delicious baklava from local usta’s and enjoy a cup of fresh brewed Turkish tea..After all ferry ride back to Europe side.
What's Included
  • Food Tasting Experience
  • Soft Drinks
  • 2 Way Ferry Tickets
  • Professional Tour Guide
What's Not Included
  • Private transportation
  • Alcoholic Drinks (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a 4-hour gastronomic journey on foot accompanied by a knowledgeable tour leader in Istanbul. On this excursion, you’ll delve into the city’s delectable cuisine and expansive history. You’ll get a chance to sample indigenous savory treats and learn the captivating narratives behind each food treasure. As you navigate through the local labyrinth of streets, view Istanbul’s prime sights via a scenic ferry journey. Mix with the locals over a cup of tea and indulge in mouthwatering Turkish regional cuisine from top-notch local joints. The group size for this tour is capped at 10 to ensure you get a personalized experience from your professional guide. Secure a spot on this tour to discover the city from a local’s perspective! Contact us for other language options.

Experience the culinary prowess of two continents under the guidance of an expert.

Explore the bylanes of Eminonu and the Spice Bazaar.

Savor local delights at the Kadikoy fish market.

Meander through Istanbul’s bustling local markets.

Sample traditional Turkish beverages.

Relish meals like a local.

  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Location
Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
Rustem Pasa Mahallesi, Erzak Ambari Sok. No:92, Eminonu - Fatih
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(48 Ratings)
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1 star
Jonathan
Jul 14, 2024
Great overview of the city and the variety of cultures and cuisines Istanbul has to offer. - Yusuf was an exceptional tour guide. He offered additional information and opportunities whenever we asked, extending parts of the tour to accommodate our specific points of interest. I feel I got to see the real Istanbul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ernest_f
Jun 5, 2024
Immersive course in foods, history, and culture - My guide Yusuf made it all quite easy for me to experience many different Turkish foods. We went to the “Spice” (Egyptian) Bazaar where I tried some fascinating new fruits. He showed me the classic source for Turkish Delights, which were more flavorful and less sugary than most I see sold here. Yusuf made the metro and ferry systems seem accessible to me, which was helpful for the rest of my visit. We went to about 8 spots in all. I feel like I had an immersive course Turkish foods, history, and culture.
Review provided by Viator
Cedeqienn
Jun 4, 2024
Wonderful food tour with the best - As someone who does not know much about turkish food, this was the best opportunity to get acquainted with it during our short stay with a food tour. Boy did we hit the jackpot, our guide, Emel, was absolutely wonderful! She made us try so much turkish food in a short amount of time! Not only that, she also showed us around the city at the same time and explaining its history which we did not expect at all. She answered all our questions, she was incredibly knowledgeable about everything and so kind. We definitely recommend this food tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
558nevilleh
May 22, 2024
Great Trip - Yousef was a great guide on a wonderful trip. We visited maybe 10 - 12 food stops ranging from market to best restaurant via the oldest Turkish Delight shop in town. We were on the Asian as well as European parts of Istanbul reaching the later via a short boat ride. The event was a great mix of interesting and fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Likesmifood
May 12, 2024
Yusuf you’re a star, a great experience and one to be remembered for a very long time - We booked his tour from the U.K. and we’re delighted to meet Yusuf who took us on an experience which, I suspect, would be impossible on one’s own. His knowledge of Turkish history is encyclopaedic as his knowledge of Istanbul and where to find really authentic food. We started on the European side of Istanbul where we had a couple of small dishes and then took the ferry across the Bosporus to the Asian side of the city less common for tourists where we were taken to some hidden away places and some very famous ones. The authenticity of the tour and the genuine interest of Yusuf made it an evening to remember for all of the right reasons. Thank you Yusuf you’re a star!🙏
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K8572burobertt
Mar 30, 2024
An amazing insight to Turkish cuisine - We’ve had the most amazing day with Emel tasting all the culinary delights that Istanbul has to offer . We tried all kinds of foods that we would have been nervous to try on our own , so it was fantastic to have someone to choose all the best dishes to taste. It’s been a fantastic introduction to the world of Turkish cuisine. We also had the sweetest , nicest guide who was a pleasure to meet and learn from . Thank you Emel you looked after us so well !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robin
Mar 19, 2024
Great tour with Emel - We had a wonderful evening dinner tour. Our guide Emel was so great. She made our day. It was really “eating like a local”. We can highly recommend this tour. Many thanks to Emel.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juansj6846lr
Mar 14, 2024
A fun night out In Turkey - Josef my tour guide was amazing I learned a ton of History of Turkey the Culture and especially the amazing food . I would highly recommend this tour .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F8209zyrebeccac
Mar 14, 2024
Excellent food walking tour - This was such a great tour. Our guide, Emel was fantastic. She was so knowledgeable and showed us some great areas of the city we probably wouldn't have visited otherwise. We tried so many different delicious foods. Emel was so generous with her time, going above and beyond what we expected. 10/10. Loved our morning eating our way around Istanbul!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelle_w
Jun 3, 2024
Poor value for $$$ - Poor value. We chose a pricier option for the timing flexibility of a private tour. Due to issues our tour guide didn’t show up and they sent a replacement after we called and notified them that we had been waiting to no avail. The tour started an hour late and felt rushed. The substitute tour guide was kind to step in. It didn’t seem like it was his speciality as the content of the tour was not what we expected based on the description. Overall the price we paid did not match the value of the experience (time delay, rushed, skipped spice bazaar, inexpensive foods, minimal to no content over culture and history of the food). I wish we had gone with the more reliable group tour instead. It was great to do this on the first day to get familiar with the city and its transportation options, nonetheless.
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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