Culinary Walking Tour Istanbul
Culinary Walking Tour Istanbul: Istanbul is one of the most unique cities in the world, where one can observe diverse daily life in a setting of ancient history and natural beauty. The people of Istanbul are also unique, making up a cultural mosaic of different national, ethnic, cultural and religious origins. This rich international culture is apparent also in cuisines, food and eating styles of Istanbul. The bustling city of Istanbul is internationally and locally famous for its mouth-watering cuisine.
Join this 3-hour food tour and dive into the sights, scents and tastes of Istanbul, including a visit to the magnificent Rustem Pasha Mosque and the Egyptian-Spice Bazaar. Arrive with an empty stomach and an open mind, as you’ll enjoy more than 7 delicious tastings, including traditional mezes and seasonal street food.
What We Do at Culinary Walking Tour Istanbul
Culinary Walking Tour Istanbul
On Culinary Walking Tour Istanbul, let us take you to the places that locals cherish for a foodie experience of daily life that you won’t soon forget.
What we offer is a cultural and Culinary Walking Tour Istanbul with food tastings through Istanbul’s most delicious and historic neighbourhood. These culinary experiences help you understand the contemporary life and culture of the city. Few travellers, unfortunately, have the opportunity to have real tastes and tours of these places.
This tour includes food tastings from the best and hidden local food shops, ethnic eateries, and local small and casual restaurants, as well as an “off-the-beaten-path” glimpse of life in Istanbul with a little bit of history, culture, architecture, and local experiences. You will get to escape the tourist crowds and taste the best of what the city offers.
Culinary Walking Tour Istanbul Highlights
- 3-hour culinary-themed walking tour through Istanbul
- Experience the religious, cultural, commercial and culinary aspects of daily life together. Learn about all these aspects from Serif Yenen or a member of his team, who is accomplished at culinary walks. Serif is the author of one of the best cultural guidebooks of Turkey: Turkish Odyssey. He wrote many other books and made films too. He is a specialist on travel in Turkey, and has developed this itinerary.
- 7+ tastings, bites & sips – with vendor demonstrations and much more!
- Taste a variety of “mezes” and regional dishes on the go.
- Step inside the Rustem Pasha Mosque to admire its world-famous colorful Iznik tiles and learn about Ottoman architecture and Islam.
- Stroll through the 17th century Egyptian-Spice Bazaar inside and outside. Pick up some spices.
- Discover Istanbul’s most iconic street foods, such as sea food, kokoreç, Turkish coffee and many more.
- Small-group tour with a maximum of 9 people ensures personalized attention.
- With so many foods to try it’s difficult to get started. Let us guide you to the best dishes during this culinary tour.
- Vegetarian options are available. Vegetarians are welcome!
- Learn how world-famous Turkish coffee is made.
- Meet and engage with local food artisans and restaurant owners if they are available.
- Get restaurant suggestions for your stay during other days.
What is Included to Culinary Walking Tour Istanbul?
- Professional tour guide services
- 7+ tastings, bites & sips
- Coffee or tea break
- 18% VAT (local tax)
What is not Included to Culinary Walking Tour Istanbul?
- Personal expenses
- Your additional shopping expenses
- Gratuity to the guide (optional)
Meeting Time and Point?
09:30 a.m. You will meet your guide at a centrally located point around the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü (You will receive the details of the meeting place by e-mail).
Duration of the Tour:
Everyday, it will start at 09:30 a.m. and end at about noon. It is approximately a 3-hour tour.
Where will the tour end?
Culinary Walking Tour Istanbul will end in the Sirkeci neighbourhood.
Price and Payment :
The price is $80.00 USD per person. Children up to the age of 3 are free. The children between 4 and 11 will pay $55.00 USD only.
For confirmation of the tour, we kindly ask you to make full payment. (It is possible to join a scheduled tour at the last minute only if the tour is not fully booked.)
Capacity (minimum 2, maximum 9 guests):
This tour will operate with minimum of two people and a maximum of 9 people in the group.
Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy
This tour is operated by A-group Travel Agency “Serif Yenen Travel” licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism (License number: 8860)
General Information About Culinary Walking Tour Istanbul
A culinary walking tour in Istanbul is a fantastic way to explore the vibrant food scene and rich culinary heritage of this culturally diverse city. Istanbul, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offers a mix of traditional Turkish dishes, Ottoman cuisine, and influences from various other cultures. Here’s what you might experience on a culinary walking tour in Istanbul:
- Local Guide: Your tour will likely be led by a knowledgeable local guide who knows the ins and outs of the city’s food culture. They will share interesting stories, historical facts, and insights into the dishes you’ll be sampling.
- Street Food Delights: Istanbul is famous for its street food, and your tour might start with visits to popular street food stalls. You could sample mouthwatering items like simit (sesame-covered bread rings), roasted chestnuts, grilled corn, and more. Culinary Walking Tour Istanbul
- Bazaars and Markets: Istanbul is home to some iconic bazaars like the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. Your tour might take you through these bustling markets, where you can explore a wide range of spices, sweets, dried fruits, and other delectable treats.
- Turkish Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast, which often includes items like olives, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, various types of bread, and maybe even menemen (a flavorful scrambled egg dish with tomatoes and peppers).
- Kebabs and Grills: Turkish kebabs are renowned around the world. You might visit a local eatery specializing in kebabs, where you can savor a variety of grilled meats served with fresh vegetables, rice, and flavorful sauces.
- Meze Tasting: Meze are small, flavorful appetizers that are an integral part of Turkish cuisine. Your tour could include stops at meyhane (traditional Turkish taverns) where you can enjoy a wide selection of meze accompanied by raki, an anise-flavored spirit.
- Baklava and Sweets: No culinary tour in Istanbul is complete without indulging in the city’s delectable sweets. You might visit a pastry shop to taste baklava, Turkish delight, and other mouthwatering desserts.
- Fish Market and Seafood: Given Istanbul’s location along the Bosphorus Strait, seafood plays a significant role in its cuisine. You might explore a local fish market and try dishes like grilled fish sandwiches or fish stew.
- Cooking Workshops: Some culinary tours offer the chance to participate in a cooking workshop, where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes like Turkish dumplings (manti) or stuffed grape leaves (dolma) under the guidance of a skilled chef.
- Local Insights: Throughout the tour, your guide might share insights into the history, culture, and culinary traditions of Istanbul. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how food is intricately tied to the city’s heritage.
Remember that the specific itinerary and dishes you’ll encounter on a culinary walking tour Istanbul ↗ can vary depending on the tour company you choose and the season. It’s a good idea to research and read reviews to find a tour that aligns with your interests and preferences. As always, be open to trying new flavors and experiencing the diverse culinary delights that Istanbul has to offer.
