Istanbul: European and Asian Side Guided Foodie Walking Tour
Hasanpasa, Istanbul
Fill your belly to the brim with fantastic Turkish flavors on a guided walking tour of the best food on both sides of Istanbul. Make 8-9 stops with a variety of delicious foods at each location.
The Taste of Two Continents tour in Istanbul is a 5.5-hour guided food walk from the European to the Asian side, suited for small groups and food lovers.
Highlights
- Start near the historic Spice Market with classic Istanbul bites
- Enjoy a full Turkish kahvaltı including çay, kaymak, and simit
- Cross the Bosphorus from Europe to Asia on a public ferry
- Taste İskender kebab in Kadıköy, based on an 1867 family recipe
- Finish in Moda with Turkish sweets and traditional dondurma
Description
This 5.5-hour food tour features over 20 tastings at eight selected stops, including a Bosphorus ferry crossing and a small group size capped at 10 guests. It begins at Viyana Kahvesi in Sirkeci, near the Spice Market.
The morning starts in the food streets around the bazaar, with stops at spice shops, bakeries, and local eateries. The tour begins with classic Istanbul snacks followed by a full Turkish breakfast of cheeses, olives, honey with kaymak, sucuklu yumurta, warm simit, and tulip glasses of çay. This breakfast is authentic and generous, distinct from typical hotel buffets.
Participants then walk to the ferry pier for a 20-minute vapur ride across the Bosphorus from Europe to Asia. On arrival in Kadıköy, the guide leads a food walk through local market streets where tasters may include lahmacun, midye dolma, beyran soup, seasonal market bites, and other regional specialties.
Lunch in the Kadıköy/Moda area features İskender kebab at a family-run kitchen, prepared from a recipe dating back to 1867: thin slices of slow-roasted lamb served on toasted pide with tomato sauce, yogurt, and hot browned butter poured at the table. The route may vary, but the focus remains on authentic, family-operated venues serving proper portions and traditional foods.
The tour concludes with dessert options like pistachio baklava and Turkish dondurma before finishing at the Kadıköy ferry pier. A return ferry ticket is included, and the guide assists with selecting the best ferry back to European-side locations such as Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş, or Beşiktaş.
Led by local hosts experienced in Istanbul's food culture, this tour suits travelers seeking an in-depth culinary experience beyond typical highlights.
Includes
- 20+ food tastings across 8 selected stops
- Full Turkish breakfast and sit-down lunch-style tastings
- Selected local drinks
- Local food guide
- Guided walking food tour from Sirkeci to Kadıköy and Moda
- Bosphorus ferry ticket from Europe to Asia
- Return ferry ticket from Kadıköy
Excludes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tips
- Alcoholic drinks
Important Information
- Tours operate rain or shine; please dress accordingly.
- This tour may not be suitable for those with severe food allergies or coeliac disease due to cross-contamination risks.
- Vegetarian options may be available, but some tastings may vary.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For best experience, wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. Morning tours provide ample daylight, and ferry crossings offer a chance to enjoy city views while resting between tastings.
