Istanbul Traditional Food Tour With Dinner on Off-Touristy-Path

Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Istanbul. This traditional food tour takes you off the beaten path, immersing you in the city’s rich gastronomic heritage. Savor a diverse array of authentic Turkish dishes, from savory delicacies to sweet temptations, as you explore both the European and Asian sides of this captivating metropolis. Witness the stunning Bosphorus Strait from a unique vantage point during a scenic ferry ride, adding to the immersive experience. But the best is yet to come, as the tour culminates in a hearty traditional dinner that showcases the depth and complexity of Istanbul’s vibrant food culture.

Key Points

• Offers a small-group evening walking and food adventure to discover Istanbul’s culinary delights, including a ferry ride across the Bosphorus.
• Includes a diverse array of traditional Turkish dishes, from savory kebabs and börek to baklava and Turkish ice cream.
• Explores both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, providing an authentic taste of the city’s vibrant foodscape.
• Culminates with a hearty Turkish dinner, complemented by unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee.
• Provides an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience led by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide.

Tour Overview

The tour allows guests to discover Istanbul’s culinary delights through a small-group evening walking and food adventure across both the European and Asian sides of the city.

It includes a ferry ride across the Bosphorus strait, from Karakoy to Kadikoy Carsisi market. Travelers will visit various eateries, sampling local foods, enjoying dinner, dessert, and Turkish ice cream.

The knowledgeable, English-speaking guide provides insights into the city’s rich food culture. With a maximum of 10 participants, the tour offers an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience, showcasing the diverse flavors that make Istanbul a renowned culinary destination.

Culinary Delights of Istanbul

On this culinary adventure, travelers embark on a tantalizing exploration of Istanbul’s diverse flavors, discovering the city’s rich food culture through a carefully curated selection of eateries. From savory kebabs and flaky pastries to sweet baklava and creamy Turkish ice cream, the tour takes guests on a delightful journey through the city’s gastronomic delights.

Culinary Highlights	Description
Kebabs	Juicy, grilled meats seasoned to perfection
Börek	Flaky phyllo dough pastries filled with cheese or meat
Baklava	Layers of buttery phyllo dough and sweet nut filling
Turkish Ice Cream	Thick, creamy treat with a unique, stretchy texture

Complemented by ferryboat rides across the Bosphorus, this immersive food tour provides an authentic taste of Istanbul’s vibrant culinary landscape.

Exploring European and Asian Sides

Travelers on this culinary adventure journey across the Bosphorus strait, exploring the delectable offerings on both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

The tour starts in the Karakoy neighborhood on the European side, where guests sample local specialties like Turkish breakfast foods and freshly-baked goods.

Next, they take a ferry ride to the Asian district of Kadikoy, visiting its lively market and trying regional dishes like gözleme, a savory stuffed flatbread.

Throughout the evening, the guide shares insights into the city’s diverse culinary traditions and cultural influences, providing an authentic taste of Istanbul’s vibrant foodscape on both continents.

Bosphorus Strait Ferry Ride

A short ferry journey across the iconic Bosphorus strait whisks participants from the European to the Asian side of Istanbul, offering scenic views of the city’s historic skyline.

This 15-20 minute ride is a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to experience the city’s vibrant culture and diversity firsthand.

Crossing the narrow waterway that divides the continents, the ferry provides a unique perspective on Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the towering minarets of the Blue Mosque.

The transition from the bustling streets of Karaköy to the lively markets of Kadıköy showcases the distinct character of the city’s two sides, setting the stage for the culinary adventures to come.

Eatery Food Tastings

After savoring the picturesque views from the Bosphorus ferry, participants embark on a culinary exploration, sampling a diverse array of traditional Turkish dishes at a series of carefully selected eateries. The tour includes stops at 9 different establishments, each offering a unique taste of the city’s rich gastronomic heritage. From signature kebabs and savory pastries to fragrant rice dishes and delectable desserts, the food tastings provide an immersive experience that showcases the depth and complexity of Turkish cuisine. Participants can look forward to an array of mouthwatering options, as detailed in the table below.

Eatery	Dishes Sampled
Simit Sarayı	Traditional Turkish simit (sesame bread rings)
Fıncancı	Turkish coffee and Turkish tea
Mumbar Ciğeri	Grilled offal (variety of internal organs)
Baklava Shop	Freshly-made baklava (flaky pastry with nuts and syrup)
Künefe Shop	Künefe (sweet cheese pastry)

Dinner, Drinks, and Desserts

The tour culminates with a hearty dinner at a carefully selected restaurant, where participants can indulge in an authentic Turkish feast.

Alongside the savory main courses, the evening also features a delightful assortment of Turkish beverages, including unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee.

No culinary adventure in Istanbul would be complete without sampling the city’s renowned desserts, and the tour ensures participants get to savor traditional treats like Turkish ice cream and other sweet delicacies.

The combination of a satisfying dinner, refreshing drinks, and indulgent desserts creates a well-rounded and immersive dining experience, allowing participants to fully appreciate the depth and diversity of Turkish cuisine.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Participants meet at the entry of the Karakoy Iskele (Karakoy pier) on the right side under the yellow sign to begin the tour at 6:00 PM.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour requires a minimum number of travelers to proceed. If the minimum isn’t met, the tour may be canceled.

The tour doesn’t include return to the hotel, but the guide can assist in arranging a taxi.

Just keep in mind that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Tour Requirements and Inclusions

This evening tour includes a range of culinary experiences, from food samplings at 9 different stops to a full dinner with unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water.

Travelers will also get to enjoy a ferry ride across the Bosphorus strait from Karakoy to Kadikoy Carsisi market as part of the itinerary.

The tour is led by a professional, English-speaking licensed and gourmet local guide. All food tastings, the dinner, and tips at the restaurants are included in the tour price.

However, any extra food, drinks, or shopping expenses aren’t covered. The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers and requires a minimum number of participants to run.

Wheelchair accessibility isn’t available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Vegan Menu?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or vegan menu. The tour company should be able to accommodate dietary preferences with advance notice. They’ll work with you to provide a satisfying food experience that aligns with your dietary needs.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally not suitable for children as it involves extensive walking and adult-focused dining experiences. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate families with older children upon request.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No, you don’t need to bring any special equipment for this food tour. It’s a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The guide will provide all necessary transportation and food tastings throughout the evening.

Can the Tour Be Customized for My Dietary Needs?

The tour can accommodate various dietary needs. Customers should notify the company of any allergies or dietary restrictions when booking, and the guide will work to provide suitable food options at the stops along the tour.

Is There a Discounted Rate for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t offer discounted rates for students or seniors, but they’re happy to accommodate dietary needs if requested in advance. Travelers should contact the tour provider directly to inquire about any special arrangements.

Recap

This Istanbul food tour offers an immersive culinary experience, showcasing the city’s rich food culture.

Guests embark on a small-group walking and food exploration, savoring traditional Turkish dishes across both sides of Istanbul.

The scenic ferry ride provides a unique perspective, while the authentic Turkish feast, complete with a hearty dinner, refreshing beverages, and delectable desserts, offers an in-depth taste of the city’s gastronomic landscape.