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Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Istanbul, Turkey
Viator Experience Award
Great choice
10+ bookings last month.
  • 5 to 6 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0
·
· Walter_J ·
May 2026
Everything about our tour was great. Our guide was fantastic: friendly and knowledgeable. We learned so much about the food we tried, and the history of the cuisine and the city. I would recommend it to anyone.
· AnaMaria_F ·
May 2026
This tour was so much fun! So much food! It was fun trying treats from both the European and Asian sides. Yumali, our guide, was knowledgeable, personable, and has a great sense of humor. Not only do we recommend this tour, we would do it again!

Overview

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.
  • A small-group half-day food tour in Istanbul with breakfast and lunch
  • Taste both sweet and savory dishes, from spiced kebabs to honey-drizzled baklava
  • Learn the significance of each food item and history of the city from your guide
  • Tours are capped at only 8 participants to ensure an intimate experience

What's Included

  • Breakfast
    Kaymak. Dairy cream made from buffaloes milk with sesame bread, honey, two type of cheeses. Variety of olives. Açuka, a traditional breakfast paste. Hazelnut paste.
  • Midye ; Mussels stuffed with rice and spices cooked in the shell serve with lemon
  • Balık dürüm. Grilled mackerel fish wrap in lavash bread with salad, pomegranate sauce and spices
  • Börek. Filo pastry wrapped with minded meat, cheese, potatoes, spices and butter.
  • Iskender. Lamb cooked on charcoal on top of pitta bread cubes with tomatoes, butter and yoghurt sauc
  • Turk kahvesi & Çay ; Turkish coffee or Çay ( tea ) options
  • Ferry tickets. Ferry tickets to and from Uskudar neighborhood in Asian side
  • Künefe. A dessert made of angels hair noddles, cheese, honey and pistacho
  • Maraş Dondurma. Famous Turkish ice cream made from goats milk and roots of mountain orchids roots.
  • Turkish coffee. Coffee brew on sand or charcoal
  • Çay. Turkish black brew tea serve in the tulip shaped glasses
  • Menemen. Made from tomatoes, green peppers, eggs and spices.
  • Gratuities
  • No vegetarian food options at 2 of the food stops.
  • No vegan food options at 4 food stops

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • İtimat Fabrika Satış Yeri
    Rüstem Paşa, Avrupa Yakası, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

    Our meeting point is “ Itimat Fabrika Satış Yeri/Magazasi ” it is a dairy store. Please wait in front of the shop till our guide comes to you and ask for your name. On Google map : İtimat Fabrika Satış Yeri https://maps.google.com?g_st=ic

End point

  • Karaköy Pier
    Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Rıhtım Cd. No:13, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

    This tour will end in Karakoy neighborhood near Karakoy ferry pier ( European side ) after the dessert. The ending point is just across the Galata bridge over the Golden horn which is 10 minutes waking to the starting point. Our guide will help you how to get back to your hotel.

Itinerary

1

Eminonu Square

10 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

Misir Carsisi

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

3

Bosphorus Strait

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

4

KadIkoy CarsIsI

2 hours Admission Ticket Included

5

KadIkoy CarsIsI

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

6

Bosphorus Strait

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

7

Mumhane Caddesi

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

8

Mumhane Caddesi

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Not recommended for people who have serious allergies
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Gretchen_T
Our guide was very knowledgeable and attentive. He accommodated our dietary needs and provided a culturally rich experience. It included many local favorites, not overcrowded tourist spots. I highly recommend this tour.

Reviews

5.0
based on 228 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sort by: Most insightful

The trip was really...

Aleksandra_Z, Jul 2026
The trip was really great, our guide Binnur make it even better- she was super friendly and had a lot of intresting knowledge not only about the food.

Binnur was a truly...

Ken, Jul 2026
Binnur was a truly fantastic guide. This tire is the perfect introduction to Istanbul, and I recommend it for your first day there.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Binnur. Her passion for sharing Istanbul’s history, culture, and local insights makes every tour a memorable experience, and we’re so pleased she helped make your visit special. We’re especially happy that you found the tour to be the perfect introduction to Istanbul. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure the next time you’re in the city!

Best tour ever!!!!

Gretchen_M, Jun 2026
We had a fantastic time wandering and eating our watcthrough Istanbul. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, not only about food but about the history of Istanbul. We tried food on the European side and on the Asian side of Istanbul, some quiet neighborhood restaurants and some bustling markets which were lots of fun. Also had a tour through the Spice Market. I really can’t say about what a wonderful tour this was!!! The only downside was we were so full we only ate half of our dessert!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed exploring Istanbul through its food, history, and vibrant neighborhoods. One of our favorite things is introducing guests to both the European and Asian sides of the city, combining bustling markets with quieter local spots to create a truly authentic experience. It’s wonderful to know that your guide’s knowledge of both Istanbul’s history and its culinary traditions made the tour even more enjoyable. And your comment about only being able to eat half of your dessert made us smile—that’s probably the most common “complaint” we receive! We always want our guests to leave with full hearts and full stomachs. Thank you for your kind words and recommendation. We hope to welcome you back to Istanbul for another delicious adventure in the future!

Eperience the Local Flavors of Istanbul on a First Class Food Tour

Willemyntje_P, Jun 2026
This is a very worthwhile experience that was well organized and fun and expertly lead by Burak our local tour guide and leader. We contacted ahead of time via Whatsapp, then were met on time and in the location specified. The tour group was only 3 so we were especially looked after. The explanations given and food locations visited were all great as was the tasty food. So don't eat breakfast before doing this tour as it starts with a full typical Turkish breakfast and then just keeps going. Coffee, tasty snacks, lunch and desert were all part of wandering local markets, small restaurants, just like a local would. Also 2 ferry rides and great conversations with Burak made this tour an extremely memorable one. I rate it 10/10 and a MUST Do.

Excellent full day Istanbul food tour

Hanbo_C, May 2026
This was a great highlights tour of Istanbul’s unique local food favourites. Binnur was highly knowledgeable and friendly. I would strongly recommend this tour to anyone interested in a deep gastronomical dive into the city, especially if you are adventurous in the type of food you are willing to try!

Fantastic introduction to Turkish cuisine.

Walter_J, May 2026
Everything about our tour was great. Our guide was fantastic: friendly and knowledgeable. We learned so much about the food we tried, and the history of the cuisine and the city. I would recommend it to anyone.

Öndon was the best!!

Dominique_F, May 2026
Öndon was amazing!! Initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was our favorite experience in Istanbul! It started with breakfast, where we had red lentil soup that was so delicious, I’ve already made it here at home since we returned. Öndon was so knowledgeable and interesting, we learned so much and had such delicious food and fun! We took the ferry to the Asia side of Istanbul, walked and met kind and friendly locals. There was alot of walking but completely manageable because it is broken up into shorter increments. I highly recommend this experience and if you can ask for Öndon, you will be so glad you did. Have fun!!

Excellent way of getting...

Ann_H, May 2026
Excellent way of getting to see a lot of Istanbul and understanding getting around. Great guide , Burak who was helpful and knowledgeable. Food was excellent and varied too

Do It!

AnaMaria_F, May 2026
This tour was so much fun! So much food! It was fun trying treats from both the European and Asian sides. Yumali, our guide, was knowledgeable, personable, and has a great sense of humor. Not only do we recommend this tour, we would do it again!

If you're looking for a brilliant Istanbul food tour, look no further!

Thomas_L, May 2026
Everything about this food tour was spot-on. Our guide, Salih, was just amazing - incredibly knowledge, friendly, and took time to explain everything in fascinating detail. Do this on your first day - it orientates you and Salih gave us essential information about where to buy from, and where to avoid. We visited a mosque off the tourist list which was stunning, and far superior to the main tourist mosques that will charge a fortune to enter. This tour goes (by ferry) over to the Asian side, where you visit Karakoy, which gives you a more authentic food experience, away from the old town tourist traps. We were given dishes we wouldn't have thought of ordering, but we're so glad we tried everything! We left absolutely stuffed! The group was fantastic, Salih was great, and the restaurants were perfect. I highly recommend this tour!

Today we had a fantastic...

PHIL_M, Apr 2026
Today we had a fantastic tour with Binnur on a Street Food Tour around the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Binnur is an excellent and knowledgeable local guide with smile.

Excellent day

Stephen_F, Apr 2026
Burak was an excellent guide. We had a wonderful day fantastic locations to sample the best food around istanbul. Group of 10 just enough made good friends and had a wonderful experience. Highly recommend

Brilliant experience....

Dom_D, Apr 2026
Brilliant experience. Perfect quantity and variety of food, plus Binnur was a fantastic guide. Would highly recommend

Simply wonderful! Our...

Eric_R, Mar 2026
Simply wonderful! Our guide was very knowledgeable and taught us about food, Turkish culture and history. Would gladly do again!

Warm & Wonderful

Sandra_C, Feb 2026
Senay was a warm and wonderful guide as she shared the love of her culture with us. Highly recommend!

Fantastic food tour with...

Anthony_P, Feb 2026
Fantastic food tour with Onder as the best guide. He knew the city very well, took me to the best food tastings and gave a very interesting commentary at each stage of the tour. It is difficult to choose my favorite food as all were so incredible. Highly recommend this tour along with Onder as a guide.

Come hungry. There is an...

Timothy_D, Jan 2026
Come hungry. There is an amazing array of of the foods available in Istanbul. Our guide, Onder, told us about the history of Istanbul and it's foods. We do walking foodie tours where ever we go and this is one of the best.

So much delicious food! ...

Debra_M, Jan 2026
So much delicious food! Our guide Onder, was terrific. We always love to do food tours. Not only do you get wonderful food, but you also get a different perspective of the city. It was a whole day experience, and couldn't have been better!

An abundance of great food options

Janet_R, Jan 2026
This guided trip provided not only an abundance of food but a terrific overview of the city and it's many neighborhoods. We enjoyed learning about the food that we were eating, the history behind the food, and the many cultures that came together to create the unique dishes they we tried. The time went very quickly and we came away with recommendations for other places that we wanted to visit in Istanbul and in greater Turkey.

Highly recommend BEST way to understand culture is through food

Hillary_L, Dec 2025
Binnur is delightful! Great storytelling very informative. A broad range of drinks, savory food, sweets enjoyed in cozy local cafes and shops.

Best day in Istanbul!

Krystin_C, Dec 2025
Very informative and well rounded tour! Önder was incredible, sharing information about the history of the foods we tried and the development of Istanbul over the centuries! It was great to take the ferry to both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Easily one of my favorite days traveling here. Highly recommend :)

The unexpected surprise

Yvette_C, Dec 2025
It’s a must do ! You’d never taste or order the food we got to taste ! Amazing traditional food that all tasted amazing Not only do you get to go to the Asian side. On the ferry, but the guide who was incredible gives a history commentary One of the best tours Ive ever done Thank you Onder Denker our guide you were so attentive and knowledgeable

Great local experience

Gretchen_T, Dec 2025
Our guide was very knowledgeable and attentive. He accommodated our dietary needs and provided a culturally rich experience. It included many local favorites, not overcrowded tourist spots. I highly recommend this tour.

Binnur was a great guide...

Ryan_L, Nov 2025
Binnur was a great guide who showed me several new dishes, a couple of them I would have overlooked if I had not taken the tour.

Great foodie experience

Maggie_P, Nov 2025
Really fun experience. Tried lots of things which I would never have thought of trying and it was a great opportunity to explore the Asian side of Istanbul. Binnur was a great guide. Really friendly and know

Great Food Tour to Do at the Start of Your Trip

Bernice_D, Nov 2025
Doing a food tour in the beginning of the trip is always a good idea bc the tour guide has recommendations for places to eat and things to do. That’s exactly what Onder (my tour guide) did! He was great at explaining the foods we were trying and places that he thinks are “must visit.” I would’ve never found the places we tried without this food tour! Highly recommend in the start of your trip!

Istanbul Food tour 2 continents.

Brian_C, Nov 2025
Eight food pairings from local Turkey food vendors. Onder was a great guide. He has great knowledge of Istanbul history and food. A must do tour while in Istanbul.

From Turkish Breakfast to Dessert: A Perfect Food Tour

Shilpa_n, Nov 2025
We had a fantastic tour with our guide, Salih! He was incredibly knowledgeable, offering rich insights into Istanbul's food culture and history. The day was a culinary adventure, starting with a traditional Turkish breakfast, taking a boat to the Asian side, and sampling a huge variety of delicious foods like çiğ köfte, midiye muscles, iskendar kebabs, fish kebabs, and dessert!!! Every stop was clearly carefully chosen and the food was exceptional. Despite being a long day, the easy, comfortable pace made it thoroughly enjoyable.

Wonderful Istanbul

Roger_W, Oct 2025
Wonderful tour guide, very knowledgeable with history, picked great food experiences. Took us to Asian side and European side.

Highly recommend this tour with Bunner!

Valerie_M, Oct 2025
One of the best food tours we've had. Bunner was very knowledgeable about the Turkish cuisine as well as areas surrounding our amazing food. We enjoyed getting to know her as well as other in our group. The locations took us out of the tourism and into the heart of Istanbul. Highly recommend. Thank you Bunner!

From $134.91

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 47 days in advance.

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