Istanbul discover the city with the 5 best gastronomic tours
Eager to book one of the best food tours in Istanbul?
This guide highlights the 5 best food tours in Istanbul so you can dive into the local cuisine and make the most of your trip. Istanbul is a vibrant culinary destination with a rich food culture that combines influences from different regions and civilizations.
Its rich culinary heritage, street food culture, unique ingredients, diverse flavors and culinary experiences contribute to its reputation as a gastronomic capital. Exploring the city's food scene is an adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in the flavors, aromas and traditions of Turkish cuisine.
Taste the best dishes in Istanbul on a food tour.
Let's discover local flavors together, try some authentic recipes and taste Turkish cuisine. This is the essence of Istanbul and you won't want to miss it!
Here are the best food tours in Istanbul, Turkey:
Flavors of Two Continents Food Tour
⌛️ Duration of the visit: 6 to 7 hours
Join one of the best food tours in Istanbul and let the local guide take care of you and your taste buds. During the tour, you will visit 8 different establishments and taste different local dishes.
Essentially the best of what Turkish cuisine has to offer. Not to mention that you will cover the traditions of two different continents. Start at the Spice Market with a traditional Turkish breakfast that sets the stage for an experience rich in flavor and culture.
Then you will cross the Bosphorus by ferry to explore the more modern and chic area on the Asian side.
Exploring the Kadıköy local market is a highlight of the tour. You can expect to encounter a wide range of flavors and aromas as you wander through the market, interact with local vendors and learn about their products.
Finish with freshly brewed Turkish coffee while enjoying crisp, golden, locally made baklava before your guide takes you back to the ferry.
Food you'll get to taste: 8 unique establishments and restaurants, with multiple tastings each time
Typical Turkish breakfast, cheeses, buffalo cream, hazelnut paste, honey, olives, dried beef pastrami and simit Turkish tea & menemen. Street food like dolma, tantuni and kokoreç Turkish coffee with baklava
Small group tour limited to 8 people not recommended for vegan travelers, gluten free, lactose free comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Book this culinary tour by following this link
Istanbul tasting and cultural evening - Dinner in Asia, dessert in Europe
⌛️ Duration of the visit: 5 to 6 hours
This is one of the best food tours in Istanbul and takes you to explore the European and Asian sides of the city. It begins with a ferry crossing of the Bosphorus to visit the famous Kadikoy Carsisi market and other major food attractions. The market will give you the opportunity to taste many local snacks and explore street food in Istanbul.
After the tour, you will be taken to the restaurant for a hearty meal filled with tradition and history. Baklava and coffee on the European side of Istanbul are a non-negotiable part of the visit.
This Istanbul food tour included 9 stops with several treats at each location. We advise you to skip a meal before the visit to fully enjoy and appreciate the diversity of flavors and dishes that await you.
Food that you will have the opportunity to taste: Pastrami, marinated vegetables, olive, cheese, tasting of halva, lahmacun, Tantuni, stuffed mussels Varieties of mezze, kebabs, baklava, and goat's milk ice cream Non-alcoholic drinks, unlimited tea, coffee and water
Group tour limited to 10 people and public ferry travel is included.
To reserve click on this link.
10 Tastings of Istanbul with Locals: Kadikoy Private Food Tour
⌛️ Duration of the visit: 3 hours
Get an inside perspective on the trendy Kadikoy district on the Asian side and immerse yourself in Turkish cuisine. If you're looking for an intimate experience, this private Istanbul food tour is for you!
This tour offers an individual approach, meaning you can change the itinerary and the food you want to taste.
Or you can completely trust your local expert to guide you and introduce you to some of the local flavors. Flexibility is key. Plus, this Istanbul food tour includes cultural attractions between food tastings, meaning you'll get a unique perspective and learn more about the famous food district from Istanbul.
Food you will have the opportunity to taste: 10 tastings with vegetarian alternatives.
This is a private tour and only your group participates. Book your private tour now!</ a>
Gastronomic walking tour of Istanbul: discover a secret food tours
⌛️ Duration of the visit: 4 hours
This is one of the best food tours in Istanbul as it offers secret dish and other hidden gems during the tour. If you are an experienced food lover and have already tried many things of Turkish cuisine, this tour is an opportunity for you to learn something new.
Get a unique perspective of Istanbul's historic Kadikoy district and discover some of the best restaurants in the area. These places are often overlooked by tourists, meaning you'll have an authentic experience eating in places you would normally miss.
During this tour, you will also pass some famous attractions like Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Süleymaniye Mosque.
If you have little time in Istanbul, this is your chance to check off these sites.
Food you will get to taste: Lahmacun, Doner, Menemen, Muhlama, Cheese, Manti, Beyran Soup, Katmer, Pide and freshly baked brown bread, fresh salad, vegetables, olives, etc.
Group visit limited to 10 people, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Turkish and Ottoman cooking workshop in Istanbul
⌛️ Duration of the visit: 3 hours
If you have already done some of the best food tours in Istanbul and want to try something different but still related to food, participating in a cooking class is the best option for you.
Join your local chef in his own kitchen and get the most out of this immersive experience. During this workshop, you will learn how to prepare traditional Turkish and Ottoman dishes under the guidance of a licensed chef and recreate classics like roasted eggplant, Turkish ravioli or stuffed grape leaves.
Not only do you follow authentic recipes, but you also get first-hand information about Turkish culinary traditions.
Of course you will end up tasting all the dishes prepared with the group.
Food you will have the opportunity to taste:Osmanlı Yaprak Sarması, Çiğ Köfte, Roasted Eggplant Starter, Yaglama, Mani, Künefe
Small group cooking class limited to 8 people (brunch, lunch or dinner options available). To book a cooking class click on this link.
If you are preparing to go to Istanbul soon and want to prepare your trip as best as possible, don't miss our two essential articles: "Guide to street food in Istanbul : Kebab, Gozleme and Turkish specialties" and "An unforgettable weekend in Istanbul in 3 days". The city of Istanbul in Türkiye is a veritable mine of historical and cultural treasures.
A former Byzantine and Ottoman capital, it is full of famous tourist sites such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.