Istanbul: Guided Food and Culture Tour

Rasimpasa, Istanbul



Savor the flavors of Asia and Europe on a food tour of Istanbul and conquer the cuisines of the city’s 7 hills. Follow a local to neighborhood cafés to find Kurdish food, typical drinks, and more.

This food tour explores Istanbul's diverse cuisines on both the Asian and European sides of the Bosphorus, suitable for food enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Highlights

  • Try the foods of Istanbul on both the Asian and European sides of the Bosphorus
  • Cross the Bosphorus Strait by public ferry
  • Browse the local food and fish markets in Kadikoy
  • Sample local drinks like cay (tea), served in a tulip-shaped glass
  • Taste Kurdish dishes typical of southeast Turkey

Description

Explore Istanbul's food scene on a guided tour across both sides of the Bosphorus. Begin at Karakoy Pier and take a public ferry to Kadikoy Port, enjoying views of two continents as you cross the strait.

Walk through Kadikoy's local markets and streets filled with shops offering fresh produce. Visit the fish market to try mussels stuffed with rice and spices. Pause at a café frequented by locals playing backgammon before following your guide to a restaurant specializing in home-cooked Kurdish cuisine from southeast Turkey, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

Return to the European side by ferry, taking in Istanbul’s nighttime cityscape. End the tour by sampling a traditional Turkish dessert at a local eatery. The tour includes nine food stops and four drink tastings, covering an entrée, main course, and dessert.

Includes

  • English-speaking local gourmet guide
  • Return Bosphorus ferry crossing
  • Entrées, main courses, and desserts
  • Eight food stops featuring 15 different dishes
  • Four local drink tastings

Excludes

  • Extra food and drinks beyond those specified
  • Tips and personal expenses

Important Information

  • Please notify at booking of any dietary requirements, including vegetarian preferences and food allergies
  • Provide a contact mobile number

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes and arrive hungry. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

You'll taste a variety of Istanbul's diverse foods, including Kurdish dishes, local seafood, and traditional Turkish tea served in tulip-shaped glasses.
The tour starts at Karakoy Pier on the European side and includes stops on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus.
Participants cross the Bosphorus Strait using a public ferry as part of the guided tour experience.
While the tour features various local dishes, including fish and meat, vegetarian options may be available; it's best to check with the provider before booking.
Yes, the tour includes visits to local food and fish markets in Kadikoy on the Asian side of Istanbul.
No, the guided tour is conducted in a language accessible to tourists, usually English, so no prior Turkish language knowledge is needed.
Tour duration varies; check the booking website for the most current schedule and length details.
The tour is generally family-friendly, but it's best to confirm age suitability and any restrictions with the tour organizer.
Yes, the tour includes sampling traditional drinks such as cay (Turkish tea) served in tulip-shaped glasses.
The tour runs year-round; check the website for current availability and seasonal variations in Istanbul.

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