Istanbul food tour
ISTANBUL FOOD TOUR - Embark on a transcontinental culinary adventure that spans the iconic Bosphorus Strait, from the imperial spice markets of Europe to the vibrant street food of Asia.
Beneath the 17th-century vaulted domes of the Egyptian Bazaar in Eminรถnรผ, the air is thick with sun-dried Isot peppers and wild oregano, at the vaulted pantry of Turkish ingredients. Pull up a seat at a traditional kebap house to watch master chefs thread adana lamb onto iron skewers, searing them over charcoal flames. Press charred lavaล flatbread into fire-roasted tomato pepper dips, with the tang of purple turnip ลalgam juice. Then, dive into garlic-spiked lamb beyran soup at a family-run eatery from Gaziantep.
On a vapur ferry with the minaret-studded skyline of the Old City, we cross the water to reach Kadฤฑkรถy in Asia Minor. Pause at an legendary deli, where the octogenarian owner has presided over his market counter for over thirty years. His kitchen offers a Levantine feast of sun-yellow zucchini flowers, hand-rolled sarma stuffed grape leaves, Cretan-style white cheeses, and smoky roasted eggplant mash.
The momentum carries us for sumac-spiced balฤฑk dรผrรผm fish wraps and midye dolma - plump mussels hit with a citric squeeze of lemon. These hidden gems are only part of a foodie marathon of 14+ tastings in all.
Meet two brothers who guard the secret to the perfect รงiฤ kรถfte, where spiced bulgur patties are drizzled with pomegranate molasses and tucked into crunchy lettuce wraps, followed by stone-baked lahmacun and a frothy ayran. To finish, visit a legendary institution for the undisputed โKing of Dessertsโ: kรผnefe, a shredded pastry soaked in syrup with a molten cheese centre.
By the time we return to the pier, you will have conquered two continents and 400 years of culinary history in a single evening. Join our expert local guide to strip away the tourist facade, and claim your place at the table of the real Istanbul.
Why this tour is awesome
Whether you're on a city break or an airport flyover, when time is limited, Istanbul's food scene isnโt always straightforward. Fear not. Alongside our Turkish food hosts, you'll cut through the guesswork and go straight to the city's best eats.
Over 14+ tastings, youโll explore a wide range of Turkish flavours, and this tour takes you far beyond the typical restaurant scene. Meet the artisans keeping centuries-old food traditions alive, and visit two continents whilst you're at it. Come hungry.
Kick off at the Egyptian bazaar, the vaulted pantry of Turkish ingredients
Spice markets on the European side
Adana kebab with tomato pepper acili ezme dip
Smoky meat grilled over charcoal Turkish-style
The food heroes of Istanbul
Delicious lamb beyran soup
Enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Bosphorus Strait
Crossing continents from Europe to Asia
Understand levantine mezze at Kadฤฑkรถy market
Meet friendly locals on the Asian side of the city
Squeeze of lemon over stuffed mussels
Feast on balฤฑk dรผrรผm fish wrap and midye dolma mussels
Bulgur ciฤ kรถfte patties with an ayran toast
Phyllo pastry on the Turkish dessert, kรผnefe
Cruise back to Europe with the 'Old City' illuminated
Includes
- Price US $99 per person
- Tastings 14+ food tastings included
- Drinks Bottled water included
- Transport / Walking Walking tour with 7-8 stops, and a boat ride
- Small group tour Maximum of 8 guests (private tours or groups of 9+, please contact us)
- Start Time 4:30PM (Or 10:30AM tours available only by request)
- Duration 4 hours
- Days Open Open every day
- Guide Led by one of our superb Istanbul food hosts
- Child Policy Children aged 3-12 years: 50% discount. Infants 0-2 years: free
- Instant Confirmation Book instantly on our live calendar. If your date is unavailable, please contact us
- Cancellation policy Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Language English
- Pick up / Drop off Not included. Easy to find meeting point for all guests
Dietary information
- General Advice Many streetside vendors specialise in signature menus, and may not have alternatives. It is not always possible to cater for all dietary requests at every stop
- Vegetarian Meat and seafood are used in 2-3 tastings
- Vegan Unsuitable as meat, seafood and eggs are used in over half the tastings
- Pescatarian Possible, though meat is used in 1-2 tastings with limited alternatives
- Pork / Halal There is no pork on the tour, and it is suitable for halal diets
- Gluten Intolerance / Celiac Disease Possible, though gluten is used in 3-4 tastings. Unsuitable for celiac disease.
- Lactose Intolerance Possible, though lactose is featured in 3-4 tastings
- Tree Nut / Peanut Allergy Possible, though pine nuts or pistachios are used in 3-4 tastings, with limited alternatives available. Possible for mild allergies only.
- Seafood / Shellfish Allergy Possible, though seafood is used in 1-2 tastings
- Severe Allergies Due to the nature of street food cooking, we can never guarantee any dish to be 100% free from allergens, as there is always the risk of traces and cross-contamination. It is unsuitable for severe allergies. Contact us: info@achefstour.com
How to book
To join our Istanbul evening food tour, use the live booking calendar to select your date and secure your tour. If the date is unavailable, or for special requests and private bookings, pleaseย contact us. Safety and comfort of guests is our first priority, so if you have any questions on dietary information or food allergies, pleaseย contact usย before booking.
What to expect
This tour is designed for adventurous eaters with an interest in discovering the food locals eat. Itโs a walking tour, but the pace is gentle, the terrain flat and there are plenty of rest (eating) stops along the way. Join us on the best evening Istanbulย food tour in the city, you won't regret it.
Meeting point
Cancellation Policy
Why you should book with us
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99% 5 star reviews across our tours -
Secure payments through provider Peek
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No hidden charges - all food tastings included in the price
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Authentic food experience, escape the tourist traps