Istanbul, A Foodie Paradise

Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the world’s great cities. Its strategic perch, straddling Europe and Asia at the final leg of the historical Silk Road made it an extremely desirable place for trade and commerce. Needless to say, some of history’s greatest powers, from the Romans and the Byzantines to the Ottomans have variously called Istanbul their home, endowing it with a glorious history spanning two and a half millenniums. While architectural masterpieces like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque are spectacular testaments of its rich heritage, the city’s gastronomic scene is where you will really find sublime markers of the great civilizations that have traversed its lands.

Here are top culinary experiences you simply cannot miss while in the city:

Breakfast

Breakfast or kahvaltı in Turkey is an elaborate and utterly decadent affair. A traditional breakfast is usually spread over two courses, the first of which includes cheeses, honey, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams, grilled meats and breads. Mains comprise heavier egg and meat-based dishes, of which menemen, a scrambled egg dish is extremely popular. Wash these down with some freshly brewed cahvesi (Turkish Coffee) or cay (Turkish Tea). Namli Gurme in Karakoy, a breakfast institution spanning four decades and Van Kahvaltı in Cihangir are must-try spots in the city. If you’re looking for variety, Beşiktaş Kahvaltıcılar Sokağı is an entire street dedicated just to breakfast joints in the eponymous district.

Street Food

Street food is the crown jewel of Istanbul’s gastronomic scene, encompassing a vast array of culinary influences spanning the country and beyond. While Döner, Turkey’s breakout star is the most recognized street food, there’s plenty of other options that simply cannot be missed. Balik Ekmek, a simple grilled fish sandwich, Icli Kofte which are stuffed meatballs, Lahmacun, loosely called a Turkish pizza and Midye Dolma (stuffed mussels), take the top honors for the most popular street foods. If you’re looking for something light and snacky, stalls selling Kestane (roasted chestnuts) and Mısır, (boiled or roasted corn) are omnipresent. Other honorable mentions include Simit, a bagel-like breakfast staple, meat-filled wraps called Dürüm and Pide, a heftier Turkish pizza. Those with a sweet tooth cannot miss the world-famous baklava and the lesser-known, but as decadent künefe. Food stalls are ubiquitous throughout the city’s landscape and are reliably good even at tourist hotspots.

Fine Dining

On the other end of the spectrum, the city pulls no punches if you’re looking for a fancy meal. From elevated Turkish cuisine to innovative fusion and signature specialties, there’s much to explore for discerning gastronomes. Mikla, a rooftop institution serving modern Anatolian fare is an oft recommended favorite while the aptly named 360Istanbul charms with its breathtaking views and loungey vibe. Internationally acclaimed Neolokal is the place to discover refreshing takes on Turkish classics while Nicole delights with Mediterranean fare and lovely Old Town views. Standing within the beautiful Emirgan Park, Sari Kosk is a 19th-century mansion turned restaurant that offers one of the most romantic dining experiences in the city.

Author Name Vinit Karandadi