16 Food Tours In Istanbul: Turkish Cuisine Tour Of Istanbul

Do you want to discover the city of Istanbul and its unique cuisine? I’m here to help you! In this article, you can find the best Istanbul food tours to discover the city’s local culture! This culinary tour guide is suited to both first-time visitors and those who have walked the narrow streets many times.

With these gorgeous Istanbul tours, you can learn more about the city’s history and explore the lesser-known areas of Istanbul and its culinary backstreets. Check out the tours we list and pick the best ones for your itinerary!

Best Food Tour In Istanbul For Local Food – DayTime

Istanbul is a magnificent city with a rich history and culture. You can join various day trips to explore this extraordinary city, its culture, and local dishes. Here is your best guide to amazing food, food stalls, and home cooking.

1. Tates Of Istanbul Guided Food Tour of Street Food and Markets

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

I would highly recommend this tour. It’s one of the best tours I did, the whole tour was amazing.

• Food Type: Street food
• Route: Itimat Fabrika Satis Magazasi (Meeting point) -> Local dairy market and café -> Ferry to Kadikoy region -> Fish market -> Local coffee house
• Duration: 6 hours
• Best for: Friend groups, couples, families, solo travelers
• Book it here

If you like delicious Turkish foods and want to discover Istanbul’s street food scene, you shouldn’t miss this guided food tour! This cultural expedition will take you to Istanbul’s most characteristic regions and neighborhoods, serving you plates of delicious Turkish food.

Starting at the gates of the famous Spice Bazaar, the tour leads you to the iconic Kadıköy, where you’ll taste various local dishes. You’ll taste dishes from local cafés, markets, luxury restaurants, and street vendors along your route.

Of course, the tour isn’t all about eating. You’ll also bask in Istanbul’s majestic atmosphere and admire panoramic views around the city. So, if you seek an unforgettable culinary adventure, this tour is the way to go.

2. Istanbul: Spice Bazaar Backstreets Guided Walking Tour With Tastings

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

• Food Type: Turkish
• Route: Hamdi Restaurant, Eminönü (Meeting point) -> Spice Bazaar -> Galata Bridge -> Rooftop dining room -> Trendy district
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Best for: Friend groups, couples, families, solo travelers
• Book it here.

Spice Bazaar, with its cultural significance and endless opportunities, is one of Istanbul’s most significant tourist attractions. If you like Turkish cuisine and are open to experiencing new dishes, this Istanbul food tour in Spice Bazaar might be what you need to make the most of your stay in Istanbul!

The tour stands out as one of Istanbul’s most popular culinary backstreet tours. In this tour, you’ll walk through the long and busy passages of the Bazaar while sampling local dishes. Besides eating delicious dishes, you can also purchase souvenirs and snap charming pictures to immortalize your journey.

3. Istanbul: Guided Food and Culture Tour

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

• Food Type: Kurdish, Turkish, Café (vegetarian and gluten-free options are available)
• Route: Karaköy -> Bosporus Strait -> Kadıköy
• Duration: 5 hours
• Best for: Real foodies, couples, families, solo travelers
• Book it here.

Istanbul is an extraordinary city with a unique culture and delicious cuisine. Every corner of this wonderland offers different experiences. So, if you want to discover Istanbul and its different foods, finding perfect Istanbul food tours is the key.

This Istanbul: Guided Food and Culture Tour is a perfect opportunity to discover Istanbul cuisine and its different colors. The tour takes you to Istanbul’s popular neighborhoods to try Eastern Anatolian and Kurdish dishes at the best restaurants in Kadıköy. Although Eastern Anatolian cuisine is famous for its meat-based dishes, the tour offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Join this food lovers tour now to have an unforgettable culinary adventure in Istanbul!

4. Istanbul Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

• Food Type: Turkish
• Foods Included: Lahmacun, fresh salads, pickles, menemen, muhlama, brown bread, local cheese, tomatoes, olives, pide, beyran, soup, katmer, Turkish tea, wine, ayran, Turkish coffee, a delicious secret dish
• Route: Doktor Esat Işık Street -> Moda Street -> Damacı Street -> Güneşli Bahçe Street -> Arayıcıbaşı Street
• Duration: 4 hours
• Best for: Urban explorers, couples, families, solo travelers
• Book it here.

This tour offers a captivating adventure through the heart of Istanbul, Kadıköy. This neighborhood, where Turkish food and history intertwine, is the perfect spot to discover the city’s unique cuisine.

Starting your journey from Doktor Esat Işık Street, you’ll explore Kadıköy’s hidden gems. During this adventure, you’ll sample delicious lahmacun, menemen, muhlama, katmer, and other must-try dishes from Turkish cuisine. Plus, the tour also has a delicious secret dish that’ll enchant your taste buds.

If you are looking for an intimate and delicious experience, this tour is the way to go. The expedition lasts approximately four hours, and groups consist of ten people.

 

5. Taste Of Two Continents Food Tour: From European Side Of Istanbul to Asian Kadıköy

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

• Food Type: Turkish
• Route: Eminönü -> Bosphorus -> Kadıköy
• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Best for: Friend groups, couples, families, solo travelers
• Book it here.

Want to taste Turkish delicacies on two continents? Then this half-day tour might be what you are looking for! Starting from the local Hamdi Restaurant in Eminönü, eat your way into Istanbul’s Asian Side, sampling local delicacies and indulging yourself with delicious Turkish dishes.

Enjoy an authentic and delicious Turkish food tour with a professional guide who looks forward to providing you with insights into Turkish cuisine. Since the tour groups are capped at eight people, you will enjoy a truly personalized experience.

The tour offers you some of the most iconic Turkish dishes, including kebabs, meatballs, pide breads, and baklava desserts. It also includes various types of refreshments and snacks, such as Turkish coffee and local beverages.

6. Making Turkish Coffee on Sand & Fortune Telling Workshop

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

• Food Type: Turkish, Coffee
• Route: Highlights in Istanbul Workshops
• Duration: 2 hours
• Best for: Couples, solo travelers
• Book it here.

If you’re a coffee lover and want to discover the traditional Turkish coffee culture, this tour is the way to go!

Join this authentic tour to explore the local coffee culture and learn more about Turkish coffee. Participate in a fortune-telling workshop and learn how to read coffee.

This tour will teach you how to make Turkish coffee on the sand like a professional. Experienced coffee makers will guide you and provide you with all the necessary tools you need for making Turkish coffee on the sand.

The tour will allow you to choose from eight different coffee types blended for your own taste. It will also teach you the secret art of Turkish coffee reading, a classic Turkish tradition. Once you finish this course, you’ll be able to make and read Turkish coffee like an expert!

7. Istanbul Food On Foot Tour

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

• Food Type: Turkish, Mouth-watering local
• Route: Beşiktaş/Fatih/Karaköy/Eminönü (Pickup locations) -> Spice Bazaar -> Kadıköy -> Karaköy/Eminönü/Grand Bazaar/Beşiktaş/Fatih (Dropoff locations)
• Duration: 4-5.5 hours
• Best for: Urban explorers, couples, solo travelers
• Book it here.

If you want to sample local Turkish dishes while exploring the city’s unique sights, this food tour on foot is perfect for you.

There are four pickup locations: Eminönü, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, and Fatih. The journey will start at the famous Spice Bazaar, where you will visit the local food market. Then, you’ll visit Karaköy for street food and have a guided tour of food tasting.

The tour follows a local route that can be considered off the beaten track and lets you enjoy 14 different food tastings. It also allows you to taste the most authentic street foods associated with Istanbul’s culinary scene.

Joining this tour might allow you to enjoy Istanbul’s lesser-known parts and help you explore the city’s unique culture.

8. Three-Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise In Istanbul

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

• Food Type: Turkish, Ottoman
• Route: Bosphorus
• Duration: 3 hours
• Best for: Friend groups, couples, solo travelers
• Book it here.

One of the most generous food tours in Istanbul, this 3-hour Ottoman dinner cruise will offer you all you need to discover Istanbul’s unique food scene and authentic atmosphere.

You will go on a three-hour-long journey over the Bosphorus and enjoy an unforgettable experience with special shows and food offerings. You will not only sample traditional Turkish dishes but also have a taste of a genuine Ottoman experience.

Of course, the tour isn’t all about culture and eating. The live DJ performance, traditional and Latin dances, and various animations will provide you with an entertaining experience. The tour starts around 08:30 pm and finalizes around 11:30 pm.

9. Afternoon Foodie Trail in Istanbul

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

• Food Type: Street food
• Route: Spice Bazaar -> Galata Bridge -> Karaköy Pier -> Mandabatmaz -> Istiklal Street
• Duration: 4 hours
• Best for Families, urban explorers, friend groups, couples, solo travelers
• Book it here.

This tour will take you to Istanbul’s lesser-known parts to discover the city’s gems. With your professional guide, you can eat your way to the hidden places on the streets of Istanbul.

Your journey will start at the Spice Bazaar; then, you will pass to Galata Bridge and watch the fishermen. It’s also the perfect spot to snap stunning pictures of Golden Horn.

Your next step will be in the Karaköy neighborhood, where you’ll sample çiğ köfte, çay, börek, and other local delicacies. Afterward, you’ll head to Beyoğlu district, where the famous coffeehouse Mandabatmaz and its very special Mandabatmaz Kahvesi are located.

You will eat Turkish delight, kokoreç (grilled intestines), stuffed mussels, içli köfte (stuffed meatballs), and a wet burger before finishing the tour at Taksim Square.

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Evening Food Tour In Istanbul

10. Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

• Food Type: Turkish
• Route: Bosphorus (cruise)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Best for: Friend groups, couples, solo travelers
• Book it here.

Did someone say the perfect Istanbul food tour? This excellent dinner cruise lets you sample local Turkish dishes while enjoying an authentic show. The panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the festive atmosphere are the icing on the cake!

If you seek an authentic experience in Istanbul, consider joining this entertaining Bosphorus tour. The whole experience takes around three to four hours and leaves a big smile on your face as the night finishes.

The Bosphorus cruise will provide you with a romantic atmosphere, a delicious dinner, a wide variety of Turkish dishes, tasty cocktails, and scrumptious Turkish desserts. During your dinner, you can enjoy folk dances and catchy music.

11. Istanbul Culinary Walks: Pera by Night

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

• Food Type: Middle Eastern, Turkish
• Route: Taksim Square (Meeting point) -> Nevizade -> Pera side streets -> Hazzapoulo Passage -> Megusta (Nevizade)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Best for: Couples, families, friend groups, solo travelers
• Book it here.

Do you want to have a different experience exploring Istanbul at night? Then, this culinary walk tour is the perfect match for you!

The tour will take you on an expedition through Pera’s bustling streets and bask in Istanbul’s culture. The 3-hour culinary walk will give you the opportunity to sample the most delicious Turkish dishes and discover Istanbul’s cultural center.

You’ll have the opportunity to try the local Turkish cuisine during your trip through Pera. The guide will take you to one of the best restaurants that serve Middle Eastern dishes, where you can try new cuisines. Towards the end of the night, you’ll visit a local coffee house to drink delicious Turkish coffee. You’ll call it a day after a peaceful session of raki, a Turkish alcoholic beverage, and mezze.

12. Evening Culture & Food Tour Of Istanbul – Dinner in Asia Dessert in Europe

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

• Food Type: Turkish traditional & mezze
• Route: Karaköy -> Bosphorus Strait -> Kadıköy Bazaar
• Duration: 5 hours
• Best for: Friend groups, couples, solo travelers
• Book it here.

Istanbul is a majestic city with two main sides on two different continents. If you want to discover this city’s foods and culture, you should take an unforgettable tour through its streets.

Starting near the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, this tour takes you to Kadıköy Çarşısı for tastings of local delicacies. Then, you’ll visit a popular restaurant in the area to enjoy a tasty meal with Turkish specialties.

After having a meal, you’ll visit other eateries to indulge yourself with Turkish desserts, such as baklava, kadayıf, and coffee. Those who smoke can also enjoy an authentic Turkish hookah experience.

Private Food Tours

13. Bosphorus Villages Private Istanbul Food Tour

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

• Food Type: Turkish, Local
• Route: Spice Market -> Üsküdar Pier -> Üsküdar Grand Bazaar -> Kuzguncuk -> Çengelköy
• Duration: 5 hours
• Best for: Urban explorers, friend groups, couples, solo travelers
• Book it here.

Finally, if you are looking for a unique experience discovering Istanbul’s lesser-known parts, this Bosphorus Village private food tour is the perfect option to explore this extraordinary place.

The tour starts in Spice Bazaar and takes you to Üsküdar Pier, where you will have the opportunity to take lots of great pictures of Istanbul and admire the stunning Istanbul scenery.

The journey will take you to Kuzguncuk after a short trip to Üsküdar Grand Bazaar. In Kuzguncuk, you will enjoy delicious Turkish coffee made in a local style. The neighborhood has a rich and colorful culture, which might help you immerse yourself better in Istanbul’s lifestyle and understand the local way of life.

After Kuzguncuk, you will pass to Çengelköy, a wonderland on the city’s Asian-side with picturesque scenery and extraordinary views. In this village, you will try local foods while watching the stunning views of Istanbul’s gorgeous Bosphorus.

Day Trip Food Tours From Istanbul

Once you sample all the delicacies Istanbul has to offer, you can join various day trips from Istanbul to enjoy different local Turkish cuisines.

14. From Istanbul: Ephesus & Şirince Day Trip With Wine Tasting

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

• Food Type: Turkish, Wine
• Route: Hotel (Pickup location) -> Izmir -> Ephesus
• Duration: 14 hours
• Best for: Wine lovers, learning about the history of Turkey, couples, solo travelers
• Book it here.

Ephesus is a true wonderland every traveler should explore. This unique ancient city in İzmir was once home to one of the most advanced civilizations of its time. Today, this marvelous land is in ruins, visited only by travelers who want to have a glimpse of the past.

Near Ephesus lies Şirince, a mountainous village known for its local wines and stunning scenery. Since it has a secluded location, far from the city center, Şirince preserved its unique culture pretty well. So, it’s the perfect spot for having a different experience and discovering lesser-known places in Turkey.

This food tour to Şirince from Istanbul offers you all you need for an unforgettable experience. You can explore the pretty town of Şirince and see historical ruins nearby. The House of the Virgin Mary, Hellenic temples, and ancient churches are among the other highlights of the area.

After discovering the cultural and historical side of Şirince, you will sample delicious local wines as part of the tour.

So, if you are looking for the perfect Turkey experience, this delicious Istanbul to İzmir tour is the way to go!

15. Full Day Wine Tour From Istanbul

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

• Food Type: Turkish, Wine
• Route: Hotel (Pickup location) -> Kırklareli
• Duration: 12 hours
• Best for: Wine lovers, couples, solo travelers
• Book it here.

Kırklareli might not be the most famous place in Turkey. However, it’s definitely a perfect place for wine lovers. The city’s biggest plus is its close proximity to Istanbul, which shortens the journey’s duration and gives you plenty of time to rest after the tour.

As part of this tour, you will discover three boutique wineries in Kırklareli and sample four different wines at each shop. This unforgettable journey will help you discover various local flavors and tastes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel varieties. With wines, you will enjoy the ideal food pairings of each wine.

Of course, the tour isn’t all about sampling wine. Your professional guide and employees from the wineries you visit will offer you interesting information regarding the region’s food history and winemaking techniques.

16. From Istanbul: Sapanca And Masukiye Day Trip With Lunch

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

• Food Type: Turkish, Local
• Route: Hotel (Pick-up location) -> Sakarya -> Sapanca -> Maşukiye -> Kartepe
• Duration: 12 hours
• Best for: Nature enthusiasts, friend groups, couples, solo travelers who want to experience the best tours we’ve ever done
• Book it here.

Sakarya is a small town on the coast of the Black Sea. This green city is home to some of Turkey’s most beautiful sceneries. Its many waterfalls, lakes, and forests give Sakarya a cozy, mystic atmosphere, making it a truly unforgettable place.

This day trip from Istanbul to Sakarya might offer you the perfect opportunity to sample traditional dishes and explore the culture of a different Turkish city. Considering that almost every city in Turkey has its own unique culture, Sakarya will offer you an extraordinary journey.

The tour will take you to Sapanca Lake in Sakarya, where you can eat lunch at a restaurant near a waterfall. Then, you will discover a Turkish delight factory, the local Wildlife Park, and more. If you join the tour during winter, you will also have the opportunity to go skiing at Kartepe Ski Resort.

So, if you want to discover the rest of Turkey but don’t want to get too far away from Istanbul, this Sakarya day trip might be the perfect option for you!

Fun Facts About Turkish Food Culture

Turkey has one of the wealthiest and most popular cuisines in the world. As a result, there is much to know about this unique food culture. That’s why we want to provide some fun facts about the rich food culture in Türkiye that might help you during your food tour of Istanbul.

Kahve Falı: Coffee Fortune Telling

Tasseomancy, also known as “Coffee fortune telling” or “Coffee reading,” is a significant part of Turkish coffee culture.

Once people finish drinking their coffee, they usually cover their cup with a saucer and turn it upside down. After waiting a while, they start “reading” the traces left by the coffee sediment.

Seasonal Delicacies

Turks have various seasonal dishes they eat during special times of the year – mainly during Ramadan. However, two of them, Ramazan pidesi and güllaç, particularly stand out due to their unique flavor.

Ramazan Pidesi: A Special Bread Eaten in Ramadan

Ramazan pidesi, or Ramadan pita, is a special type of bread made during the holy month of Ramadan. It is traditionally eaten during iftar and sahur meals.

This special bread has a round and flat form with a wave-like patterned crust. It’s made of wheat flour with yeast and topped with sesame seeds.

Although it might seem like regular bread, Ramazan pidesi is one of the most delicious foods you can try in Turkey, making it an excellent option for those looking for authentic dishes to try in Turkey.

Güllaç

Another popular Ramadan dish, Güllaç, is a must-try dessert – even for those who don’t have a sweet tooth! The dessert is made with milk, rose water, pomegranate, and a special pastry.

Istanbul Street Food

If you think Istanbul’s cuisine is all about kebab and baklava, you’re wrong! Istanbul has a very rich cuisine with delicious dishes, tasty desserts, and scrumptious street food.

Here are the most popular street foods in Istanbul you might want to sample:

• Simit: similar to American bagels, simit is one of the most popular foods in Turkey
• Balık Ekmek: Balık ekmek, or fish sandwich, is a quick, delicious, and healthy street food
• Lahmacun: Lahmacun is another popular dish in Turkey made by putting a minced meat-onion-red pepper mixture on a very thin dough. It’s sometimes called “Turkish pizza” by tourists – and even by locals
• Dürüm: the moment you step into a Turkish street, you will see many restaurants selling wraps with various types of meat. This food is called dürüm and is a very popular street dish in Istanbul. Its a classic Turkish food
• Tantuni: originated in Mersin, tantuni is the spicier cousin of dürüm and a popular street food in Istanbul
• Midye dolma: the favorite snack of Turks, midye dolma is literally mussels mixed with spicy rice and served with a squeeze of lemon juice

You can join Istanbul walking tours to enjoy street food and discover unique local delicacies.

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