Istanbul is a city of foodies and has been for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. In fact, the deeply rooted desire to replicate recipes exactly the same way is part of what has preserved this legendary food culture. Whether you are vegetarian, pescatarian, or flexitarian, Istanbul offers up something for every palate. Here are a few classic eats that cannot be missed.
Ottoman Mesir Paste
Contributed by Tour Guide, Dilek Orubegarcia
A unique food item that you shouldn’t miss is Ottoman Mesir Paste, a unique blend infused with 41 spices and herbs believed to possess medicinal properties. It was originally formulated by the renowned physician Merkez Efendi to treat Ayşe Hafsa Sultan, the wife of Yavuz Sultan Selim. Over time, the recipe became public, and local vendors began selling it widely.
The ingredients include a rich mixture of cinnamon, black pepper, allspice, clove, black cumin, mustard seed, anise, coriander, ginger, cinnamon flower, and more. Additional spices and herbs, such as elixir, cumin, galanga, pine gum, mirsapi, licorice honey, as well as others, contribute to the unique and intricate flavor profile of Ottoman Mesir Paste.
Turkish breakfast: kahvalti
Breakfast in Turkey is like no other. Not just a quick eat-and-run, this meal sets the pace for the day and is all encompassing of every taste from salty to sweet. Traditional kahvalti starts with black tea served in small, tulip-shaped tea cups with one’s liking as to how much sugar. Then, sliced fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, white cheese, olives, white bread, halva (tahini fudge), thick cream, butter, jam, and eggs (boiled or an omelet) take center stage. It’s a meal worth remembering—and replicating—every single morning.
Kunefe and baklava
Dessert, much like breakfast, is a staple that should never be missed. Kunefe, a traditional pastry made with cheese layered between vermicelli-like noodles, is soaked in honey and topped with crushed pistachios. It’s quite the experience, although I personally prefer good old baklava, which is buttery layers of phyllo dough with crushed walnuts or pistachios in between, oozing with honey. One of the most famous places in Istanbul to find baklava is at Karaköy Güllüoğlu, where they have been making baklava for over a hundred years!
Simit (bagel ring with sesame seeds)
Another snack or breakfast item not to be missed while in Istanbul is the classic simit, a bagel-like bread covered in sesame seeds. One of the best things about these little simits are their marketing; men and boys hock these each morning by walking around with a plateful balanced on their head. Simits can be eaten plain, or sliced open with Nutella or cheese on the inside. You cannot miss eating a simit at least once, but at about 1 TRY (less than 0.25 USD), why not spring for it every day?
Istanbul Tour Guide
Rose The Guide
Professional Tour / Travel Guide and Photographer Certified by Turkish Republic Ministry of Culture and Tourism. I am a knowledgeable and motivated individual with years of experience in organizing group tours in several areas; have the ability to motivate different sets of audience; have the ability to communicate effectively and possess high degree of energy and enthusiasm.
Istanbul Tour Guide
Dilek Orubegarcia
My name is Dilek, a national-licensed tour guide. I am 40 years old and have been guiding for 12 years. My husband is from Mexico as a Mexican Turkish family and with our two young kids we live in Istanbul. When I don't work I spend most of my time outdoor with my family, enjoying Istanbul as much as we can. We go out, try to discover new restaurants, new museums, art galleries, children's acti... Read more
Istanbul Tour Guide
Safiye Kaban
Hi there, this is Safiye from istanbul. I am a professional licensed tour guide and travel expert over 12 years. I have guided thousands of travellers from all around the world. I love meeting with new people, making new friends and building bridges. I orgnize cultural, historical, shopping and food tours to small groups, I mostly guide to private tours. I am also a foodie, I love discovering n... Read more
Istanbul Tour Guide
Guide Hamide
Hello, everyone! I'm Hamide, a professional tour guide in Istanbul. I studied archeology, mithology, history of art, anatolia, and religions. After my bachelors' degree graduation, I started to work in Cappadocia for 4 years. I came and settled in Istanbul when I realised that Istanbul has a very deep history, a unique multiple culture and stunning geography! I still keep experiencing new taste... Read more
Tours by Guide
Dondurma (stretchy Turkish ice cream)
This ice cream is known for its ability to stretch, yes, literally stretch, due to the mastic resin and salep (orchid flour) used. This ice cream is not only amazing, but delicious and can be found around every street corner in Istanbul. Often, the ice cream vendors serve the ice cream from a long utensil, as pictured above. The performance adds to the culinary experience! Be prepared for a different, more chewy texture when you dig into this unique dessert.
Turkish coffee and tea
Turkish coffee and tea are symbols of the culture. Though tea is drank here with greater regularity (at breakfast, at break, after lunch, in the afternoon… you get the picture), Turkish coffee is served with more formality. Turkish coffee is black with the amount of sugar one likes (although this is done during the preparation not after served), and is generally accompanied by a small glass of water and something sweet. Coffee is served during important conversation and formal meetings, or during celebratory times. Reading the bottom of the coffee cup for one’s fortune is also a fun pastime to partake in while in Istanbul.
Ayfit olsen!
It’s clear that Istanbul knows how to eat. This short list is far from exhaustive. Expect consistent, fresh flavors wherever you go in Turkey. Ayfit olsen, may what you eat bring health!
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
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