Many people visit Istanbul with a chain of multiple purposes: get to know about the historic side, local cultures and food obviously. I have already released lots of articles about where to go and what to do. In this guideline, we’re getting more sophisticated. The question is What You Should Eat In Istanbul?
There are thousands of different foods in Istanbul. Eventually the city is between Asia and Europe. That’s why Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city. People are living all together for hundreds of years. Therefore the local culture has its own fingerprint as well as foreign people have been anchored to Istanbul. We’re placing the magnifying glass to Seafoods, Local Meatball Legend and Kumpir (Baked Potato).
There is a lot to know about foods in Istanbul. Because everyone heard the city was only a paradise of Kebab or Doner. Let me introduce you to the foods of my hometown as @atourguideinconstantinople. Keep reading to learn more.
Seafoods
We have an agreement even on the first topic of this article. You might have met with Istanbul or Turkey via social media, specifically by some characters, but it was always a house of sea foods instead of Kebab, Doner etc.
Here’s my recommendations.
1- Seabream
You have plenty of options about cooking techniques in which you can decide. What I like most is ‘Grilled’.
2- Anchovy (Salted)
It must have the type of food in Istanbul (on its seasons). You should definitely try it.
3- Seafood Salad
If you’re looking for something with more green, there you go. Depending on the season, Seafood Salads are prepared with fresh fish and vegetables.
4- Mixed Fish Plate
Most of the restaurants in Istanbul have this option in their menu. It’s giving you an opportunity to taste their Daily brought, fresh fishes in some plate. Portions can be numbered depending on the groups or individuals.
So you’ve met with my 4 especially to suggest to all of my guests in Istanbul. I have prepared a catalogue about ‘What To Eat In Istanbul (Ultimate Food List and Locations)’ and also ‘How You Can Cook Them At Your Home’. I’m sharing this 2 editions of catalogues to my guests, even when we’ve been together for only 1 session.
Bonus:
The location advice to eat these 4 foods.
(Let them know about you’re the guests of @atourguideinconstantinople so you might have a surprise)
Local Meatball Legend (Sultanahmet Koftecisi)
The restaurant has been in business since 1920. From generation to generation other local tastes are their expertise. You can easily find their location If you’re near Hagia Sophia or Basilica Cistern (It’s on the sidewalk of Sultanahmet Tram station for only a minute distance.)
If you absolutely have no chance to settle down for 15 minutes, you can grab and go to this local taste too. My suggestion is to have lunch break and give it some time to digest from the right way.
What you should order: Grilled Meatball on plate + Rice + Ayran (Cold Turkish Beverage based from yoğurt) and shine it with Semolina Halvah (Irmik) in the end.
Bonus: You should order and try Bean Salad (Piyaz) before the dessert (Halvah).
Kumpir (Baked Potato)
After baking in the oven, remove the inside of the potato and add the potato filling, carrots, pickles, corn, olives, cheddar cheese, butter, and optionally sausage, mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard.
It is consumed hot and may test your patience a bit. It is very delicious because it is hot, so it should be eaten cold and with patience.
There is only one way to eat Kumpir (Baked Potato) in Istanbul. The Ortakoy (name of the district) is famous for this local dish.
You’ll want to continue more and more until you’ve satisfied. And the location I will share will increase your appetite since it’s on the coastalyard of Bosphorus. With a glance under the bridge, you’re going to face a view.
Bonus: It’s advised to have your dinner in the evening around 5-6 pm. So you can catch your sunset.
Just know that foods in Istanbul are diverse. I have been experiencing it over the years since my hometown. It’s hard to recognize all these foods in a couple days. You should not miss the historic side of Istanbul as well as foods and local tastes. Therefore I’ve been sharing all these types of things with the people who joined my tours.
Do You Need Tour Guide?
As a tour guide, sharing fascinating anecdotes and insider tips, taking my guests on a journey beyond the surface-level attractions and most importantly while having fun, I keep them accompanied along the way. With my guidance, you can discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that you may have otherwise missed.
I have always cared for the needs of my guests. Therefore it’s my duty to defend your interests. Being actively on the field for many years brought me above a certain level of knowledge. I have already faced and dealt with the issues you can possibly come across with. I also did absorb the history of the sites to create and prove my difference. The travellers who trusted me, received my full support and hospitality. In addition to setting their goals in the city where I was born, I did also shed light to show the ways of managing their time in the most efficient ways. Use my experience in order to feel confident as if it’s your own city!
All you have to do is texting these words;
“I need a tour guide”
Oğulcan ÖZDİL, Founder & Professional Tour Guide