A Guide to Istanbul's Culinary Scene: Must-Try Foods

Istanbul's culinary scene is renowned for its rich history and diverse range of flavors. With so many delicious dishes and restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a guide to Istanbul's culinary scene, highlighting some must-try foods and restaurants during your stay.

Turkish Breakfast

Start your day off right with a traditional Turkish breakfast, known as "kahvalti." This breakfast typically includes cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, bread, honey, and jam. For an authentic experience, head to Van Kahvalti Evi in the trendy neighborhood of Cihangir.

Kebab

No visit to Istanbul would be complete without trying a kebab. This dish is made with grilled meat and vegetables, often served on a skewer. Adana Ocakbasi in the neighborhood of Florya is a popular spot for delicious kebabs.

Meze

Meze is a selection of small dishes, typically served as appetizers. It's a great way to try a variety of flavors and textures. For a top-notch meze experience, head to Meze by Lemon Tree in the neighborhood of Beyoglu.

Fish

Istanbul is located on the water, so it's no surprise that seafood is a popular dish. Balikci Sabahattin in the neighborhood of Kumkapi is a well-known restaurant for its fresh fish dishes.

Baklava

Baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. You can find baklava in many pastry shops throughout Istanbul, but Karakoy Gulluoglu in the neighborhood of Karakoy is known for having some of the best in the city.

Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight, also known as "lokum," is a sweet confectionary made with starch and sugar. You can find it in many shops throughout Istanbul, but Haci Bekir in the neighborhood of Eminonu is known for its high-quality Turkish Delight.

Street Food

Istanbul's street food scene is a must-try for any foodie. Some popular street food dishes include simit (a type of sesame bread), doner kebab (meat cooked on a vertical spit), and midye dolma (stuffed mussels). For a unique street food experience, head to Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi in the neighborhood of Sultanahmet for their famous meatballs.

Istanbul's culinary scene is a feast for the senses, offering a wide variety of flavors and textures to satisfy any food lover. From traditional Turkish breakfast to mouth-watering street food, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. Be sure to add these must-try foods and restaurants to your list during your stay in Istanbul.