Whether you are a curious food lover , a die-hard gözleme fan or a full-fledged cooking enthusiast , you will not be disappointed. If you are looking for things to do in Istanbul or an unusual activity in Istanbul, we have plenty of culinary tours for you to discover. Street food fans in Istanbul will not be disappointed.

What to do in Istanbul?

Discovering the city through a culinary tour is an incomparable experience .

In Istanbul, this experience is all the more enriching with a multitude of choices to satisfy all palates. Maybe you don't know it but Turkey has an enormous culinary heritage. I let you read our article to discover all the specialties of Istanbul: Guide to street food in Istanbul: Kebab, Gozleme and Turkish specialties

From delicious street food to traditional meals served in historic restaurants, the 5 best food tours in Istanbul promise a sensory dive into the flavors and culinary traditions of this vibrant city.

>> An unforgettable weekend in Istanbul in 3 days <<

Get ready to enjoy grilled kebabs, crispy baklava and fragrant mezze as you explore iconic neighborhoods and discover the Turkish metropolis’s well-kept culinary secrets. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a culinary adventure, these food tours guarantee a memorable taste experience 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 dining 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 by taking a food tour.

Let's discover the local flavors together, try some authentic recipes and enjoy Turkish cuisine. This is the essence of Istanbul and you won't want to miss it! You will no longer ask yourself the question "what to do in Istanbul".

Here are the best food tours in Istanbul, Turkey:

“Flavors of Two Continents” Gastronomic 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 you’ll be covering traditions from two different continents. Start at the Spice Market with a traditional Turkish breakfast that sets the stage for an experience rich in flavors and culture.

Then you will cross the Bosphorus by ferry to explore the more modern and chic area on the Asian side.

Exploring the local market in Kadıköy is a highlight of the tour. You can expect to encounter a wide range of flavors and aromas as you wander through the market, interacting with local vendors and learning about their products.

Finish with a freshly brewed Turkish coffee while enjoying a crispy, golden brown locally made baklava before your guide takes you back to the ferry.

Food you will 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, gluten-free, lactose-free travelers 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 Istanbul food tours and it takes you to discover both the European and Asian sides of the city. It starts with a ferry ride across the Bosphorus to visit the famous Kadikoy Carsisi Market and other important food attractions. The market will give you the opportunity to taste many local snacks and explore the 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 tour.

This Istanbul food tour included 9 stops with several delicacies at each location. We recommend skipping a meal before the tour to fully enjoy and appreciate the diversity of flavors and dishes that await you.

Food 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 milk ice cream Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee and water

Group tour limited to 10 people and public ferry travel is included.

To book click on this link.

10 Tastings of Istanbul with Locals: Private Food Tour of Kadikoy

⌛️ 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 are looking for an intimate experience, this private Istanbul food tour is for you ! Ideal for a 3-day stay in Istanbul.

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 in between food tastings, meaning you'll get a unique perspective and learn more about Istanbul's famous food district.

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!

Istanbul Food Walking Tour: Discover a Secret Food Tours

⌛️ Duration of the visit: 4 hours

This is one of the best food tours in Istanbul as it offers a secret dish and other hidden gems during the tour. If you are an experienced food lover and have tried many things from Turkish cuisine, this tour is an opportunity for you to learn something new.

Get a unique perspective on Istanbul’s historic Kadikoy district and discover some of the area’s best restaurants. These spots are often overlooked by tourists, meaning you’ll have an authentic dining experience in places you’d normally miss.

During this tour you will also pass by some famous attractions like Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Süleymaniye Mosque.

If you have limited time in Istanbul, this is your chance to tick off these sites.

Food you will have the opportunity to taste: Lahmacun, Doner, Menemen, Muhlama, Cheese, Manti, Beyran Soup, Katmer, Pide and freshly baked brown bread, fresh salad, vegetables, olives, etc.

Group tour limited to 10 people, comfortable shoes are recommended.

>> Book online here <<

Turkish and Ottoman Cooking Workshop in Istanbul

⌛️ Duration of the visit: 3 hours

If you have already done some of the best Istanbul food tours and want to try something different but still food related, taking a cooking class is the best option for you.

Join your local chef in his or her own kitchen and make the most 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 insights into Turkish culinary traditions .

Of course you will end up tasting all the dishes prepared with the group.

Foods you will have the chance 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 planning to go to Istanbul soon and want to prepare your trip as best as possible, don't miss our two essential articles: " Istanbul Street Food Guide: Kebab, Gozleme and Turkish Specialties " and " An Unforgettable Weekend in Istanbul in 3 Days ". The city of Istanbul in Turkey is a veritable treasure trove 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.