Istanbul Food Tour: History and Culture of Turkish Cuisine

Savor the diverse flavors of Turkey on this Istanbul Food Tour: History and Culture of Turkish Cuisine. Wander through bustling markets, snack on street food, and venture down hidden backstreets to uncover culinary traditions that define Turkish culture and history. This tour is a cultural journey that gives you a deeper understanding of what makes Turkish cuisine so special. With only a handful of fellow travelers, you'll enjoy a personalized experience that’s as informative as flavorful.

This gastronomic experience lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to savor each bite, engage in conversations, and learn about the stories behind the food. Travelers who have booked this foodie tour before have rated their experience an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 232 reviews. Gear up for a culinary exploration that ventures beyond the ordinary, guiding you through an immersive local journey in Istanbul.

Your tour begins by crossing the Golden Horn, an ancient waterway separating Istanbul’s old and new sections. Cross the Galata Bridge and see the iconic Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s oldest and tallest structures, standing as a proud symbol of the city.

Next, head to Istiklal Caddesi in the Beyoglu neighborhood, where Turkish delights await you. Savor a range of flavors, from savory mezes and kebabs to sweet, flaky baklava.

Along the way, you'll visit St. Anthony of Padua, the largest Roman Catholic Church in Istanbul. Its neo-Gothic architecture and serene atmosphere offer a touch of history in your culinary adventure.

Then, wander through Passage Hazzopulo and try Menengic Pistachio Coffee, a unique drink made from the pistacia tree.

Your next stop is Avrupa Pasaji, where you'll taste Istanbul’s best icli kofte—crispy shells filled with minced meat, parsley, and pine nuts. A short walk away is Balik Pazari, a lively street full of bars and fish meze restaurants, where you can sample freshly grilled seafood.

Continue to Cicek Pasaji for a traditional Turkish bar experience. Here, you can sip on drinks like raki or wine paired perfectly with various meze dishes. It’s an authentic taste of Turkish dining culture.

The tour wraps up at Taksim Square, where you can treat yourself to classic Turkish ice cream. Finish your journey with a comforting cup of Turkish tea in Taksim Gezi Park, soaking in Istanbul's historic charm and modern energy.

Throughout the experience, a knowledgeable expert will guide you, offering valuable insights and information. The activity is offered in 2 languages: English and Spanish.

The starting point for this culinary tour is located in Istanbul. The exact address is Azapkapı, Tersane Cd. No: 5, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye. The endpoint of the tour is located at Taksim Square, Gümüşsuyu, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye.

Reservations for this activity can be made for up to 10 individuals per booking. We recommend you review the "Included" and/or "Good to know" sections below for more details about the experience.

The cancellation policy for this experience is as follows: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Taste a wide range of Turkish delights with this Istanbul Food Tour: History and Culture of Turkish Culinary. Choose your travel dates and book this tour before it fills up!