Top Istanbul Culinary Tours

Eat and drink your way around Istanbul’s historic district of Kadikoy during this half-day, small-group tasting tour. Listen to entertaining legends and stories from around the colorful neighborhood as you taste local delicacies like Lahmacun (minced meat-covered flatbread) and Menemen (eggs with peppers). Wine, coffee or tea, and bottled water are included.

Istanbul is a big city, so it can be hard to meet locals who aren’t in the tourist trade. Enjoy an authentic encounter with Istanbul’s culture, cuisine, and hospitality on this intimate walking tour through the Balat neighborhood. Soak up the atmosphere as you walk around and receive a guidebook with other tips and recommendations about Istanbul. The tour starts with a snack tasting; after that, pay as you go for what you choose to eat.

Get an authentic taste of Istanbul on this food tour, featuring delicious Turkish street eats, a rooftop dinner at a 140-year-old family restaurant, and spectacular city views. Feast on food it’s easy to overlook if exploring alone, and make new friends on this small-group tour, which includes drop-off at Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Eminönü, Galata, Taksim, and cruise ports. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available.

This intimate and in-depth Istanbul food tour focuses on lesser-known culinary hotspots and locally renowned backstreet locations. Eat your way around both European and Asian sides of the city, with stops in Karakoy, Kadikoy, and the up-and-coming Moda neighborhood. The full-day experience includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea and coffee, and bottled water.

Taste your way around both European and Asian sides of the Turkish capital during this half-day, small-group food tour of Istanbul. Lunch, breakfast, and snacks are included. Get help deciphering local menus as you traverse bustling food markets and family-run shops and eateries in Kadikoy and Karakoy.

Discover the culinary delights of Istanbul on a small-group evening walking and food tour that explores the European and Asian sides of the city. Catch the ferry across the Bosphorus strait from Karakoy to visit Kadikoy Carsisi market for tastings of typical bites. Sail back to the European side for a hearty meal of kebabs and meze, then continue to other fantastic eateries for dessert and Turkish ice cream.

Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus. Discover the different styles of its European and Asian sides on this small-group food tour where, unlike on most food adventures, you choose what to eat and where and pay as you go. Start in Karaköy, on the European side, discovering bakeries, cafés, and more; catch the ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side and uncover markets, street food stalls, and Turkish snacks.

Istanbul has a thriving food scene, but it can be hard to know where to find an authentic Turkish experience. Enjoy an evening immersed in Istanbul's traditional culture with dinner at a historical family restaurant loved by locals, complete with a dervish performance—an 800-year-old tradition that's Unesco Heritage listed. Plus, transportation back to your hotel is included at the end so there's no hassle of flagging a taxi.

Evening experience focused on authentic street food Multiple tastings at carefully selected local spots Insightful storytelling about food history and urban culture Small-group walking tour for a more personal experience Ideal for food lovers, culture seekers, and evening explorers Tour Itinerary and Tastings 18:00 – Meet at Karaköy Tunnel, short introduction by the guide Ride the Historic Tünel to Pera Dürüm kebab plus Turkish soda Guided walk through backstreets with cultural explanations Kokoreç, stuffed mussels and fried mussels plus şalgam juice Walk along Istiklal Street (Çiçek Pasajı, Mısır Apartment, and more) Tantuni plus Ayran Visit a historic pickle shop for mixed pickles (spicy optional) Walk through Cihangir streets, passing Kılıç Ali Paşa Mosque and Hammam

Taste your way around Istanbul’s bustling and history-filled Bazaar Quarter during this five-hour, small-group food-tasting tour. Sample delicacies with origins from around the country, from a traditional Konya wedding soup to the Ottoman-era dessert kadayıf from Gaziantep. Understand the neighborhood’s melting pot food culture with explanations and stories from your guide. A full Turkish breakfast spread, lunch, refreshments, and coffee are tea are included.

Get to know the complex food culture of Istanbul on this guided street food walking tour. Explore the Pera neighborhood and visit some of the hidden passages and streets including the Flower Passage, Hazzopulo, and Asmali Mescit. Stop at traditional meyhanes and food markets and sample a wide range of cuisine, including snacks, desserts, and drinks.

Savor the flavors of Istanbul on a delightful food tour that showcases 10 delicious local tastings, ranging from sweet to savory, all while exploring the city's vibrant culture. With a knowledgeable foodie host, you'll enjoy a culinary journey through must-see attractions and hidden gems. This tour is perfect for food lovers eager to immerse themselves in Istanbul's rich gastronomic scene while also discovering city highlights that will enhance your experience. Meet fellow food enthusiasts and indulge in a variety of drinks that complement your tastings along the way. - Taste 10 diverse local food samples, sweet and savory - Enjoy drinks paired with your culinary delights - Explore iconic city highlights between food stops - Perfect for food lovers and culture seekers alike

Get a taste of Turkey's varied cuisine during this half-day food tour through the Beyoglu (Pera) neighborhood. With a small group limited to eight, enjoy samplings of everything from mezes to baklava to kebabs. Stop at bustling markets, street food stalls, restaurants, and backstreets for a closer look at Turkish culture and history.

Let your tastebuds lead the way on this culinary tour of Istanbul's old city. Have breakfast in a local teahouse. Visit a local confectionary store where Turkish delight has been made for four generations. Visit a roadside inn where a cup of tea brings shopkeepers together. See hidden historical sites, an Ottoman-era bozacı and, finally, enjoy traditional pit-roasted lamb for lunch next to a Byzantine aqueduct.

Kurtuluş is one of Istanbul’s most diverse neighborhoods, shaped by generations of Greek, Armenian and Sephardic Jewish communities alongside newer arrivals from eastern Turkey. Its multicultural history lives on in its bakeries, meze counters, dairy shops and grill houses. We’ll begin with a visit celebrating the neighborhood’s Greek heritage before tasting specialties from Erzincan, including rich kaymak with raw honey and aged tulum cheese. As we explore the backstreets, we’ll meet local artisans and sample Sephardic borekitas, Armenian topik, stuffed vine leaves and other classic meze. We’ll also stop for sizzling kebabs straight from the grill and, depending on the season, traditional boza or Turkish-style ice cream from a beloved family-run dairy. By the end of the day, Kurtuluş reveals itself as one of Istanbul’s richest and most welcoming culinary neighborhoods.

The journey begins on the Asian side of Istanbul. A scenic 40-minute ferry ride takes guests to a charming island, offering beautiful sea views along the way and insights into local island life. Each island has its own distinct style, atmosphere, and cuisine. This experience offers a deeper look into local life and how people live beyond the city’s main tourist hotspots. While walking through the island’s charming streets, guests explore the diverse flavors of Turkish cuisine and discover local food spots that reflect everyday island culture. Beyond tasting local food, the experience provides cultural context and a local perspective on Istanbul’s history and modern life through the unique setting of the Princes’ Islands. Other Things to Note Food is not included in the tour price, allowing guests to choose what they eat and how much they spend. Most places accept cards; however, some small street vendors only accept cash, so bringing a small amount of Turkish lira is recommended.

Taste your way around two continents during this small-group, half-day food and drink tour in Istanbul. Enjoy a mix of classic recipes, including doner kebab, meatballs, pide flatbreads, and the iconic baklava desert, passing by city landmarks along the way. Tours include all snacks and refreshments, plus ferry tickets to Kadıköy and back.

Go off Istanbul’s beaten track on this small-group food tour around three of the city’s local neighborhoods. Visit an Ottoman-style bakery in Beşiktaş, browse the market in Üsküdar, then get a different perspective in scenic Kuzguncuk. Benefit from the local knowledge of your guide and enjoy a full day’s dining, with breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks all covered.

Taste your way around the Asian side of Istanbul on this private, half-day food tour through Kadikoy. Enjoy 10 food and drink tastings, with alternatives available for any dietary requirements. Discover neighborhood landmarks and get an off-the-beaten-track perspective on the dynamic Turkish capital from a local host, who can also give you tailored recommendations for the rest of your vacation.

Discover Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, a vibrant hub of commerce that blends East and West. This guided tour takes you through a maze of shops and artisan workshops, where you’ll delve into the Bazaar's 600-year history. Engage with local merchants, from spice sellers to silk traders, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural exchanges that have shaped this iconic marketplace. Your expert guide will share captivating stories and insights, ensuring you avoid the common tourist traps for an authentic experience. - Please note that not all options include entry to the rooftop of Grand Bazaar, though a number of other exclusive rooftops are visited. - Explore the historic Grand Bazaar with a knowledgeable guide - Visit various shops and artisan workshops for a local perspective - Learn about the Bazaar's 600-year legacy and cultural significance - Experience authentic interactions with local merchants and artisans - Visit a number of exclusive rooftops that are normally not accessible

Travel around Istanbul with the guidance and commentary of the Turkey Insider Team on this food-focused excursion. Your guide will give you information about the culinary culture and history of the city and you will stop on the way to taste traditional Turkish delicacies. Highlights include the Spice Bazaar, the back streets of Eminönü and the Kadıköy fish market.

Get out of your kebab rut on this private walking food tour of Karakoy and Kadikoy, exploring both European and Asian sides of the city. Roam through markets that most travelers miss, with all tastings included for a seamless experience. Dig into a Turkish breakfast spread, experience the city’s coffee culture, and indulge in sweet treats like baclava— with a guide on hand to steer you toward the best spots.

Taste your way through the lively Karakoy district on a 3-hour walking food tour. The small-group culinary adventure is special in that it takes you to some of the neighborhood’s most beloved eateries that you won’t find in any guidebook. Sample traditional mezze (side dishes), chicken shish kebab, pide (flat bread), and more. Those with a sweet tooth will be pleased with freshly prepared Turkish Delight and baklava.