Trip of Foodies in Istanbul
Before visiting Turkey, my knowledge of Turkish cuisine was limited to kebabs. So, during this trip, I wasn't particularly looking forward to Turkish food. It turns out that having such low expectations made me even more pleasantly surprised by the local cuisine I encountered.
Turkish Breakfast (Kahvaltı)
In Turkey, breakfast isn't just a meal – it's a cherished ritual that sets the tone for the day ahead. Known as "Kahvaltı," Turkish breakfast is a delightful journey through a myriad of flavors and textures. Picture a spread brimming with cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and freshly baked simit bread, complemented by decadent spreads like creamy kaymak (clotted cream) and savory pastes such as tahini and muhammara (red pepper and walnut paste).
But simit bread isn't just a side dish here; it holds significant cultural and economic significance. Its price, sold by vendors, can reflect the local inflation situation, making it a unique economic indicator. And let's not forget about eggs – a staple of Turkish breakfast, prepared in countless ways to please every palate. From the indulgent menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers) to the hearty sujuklu yumurta (eggs cooked with spicy Turkish sausage), there's an egg dish for everyone.
Of course, no Turkish breakfast is complete without a piping hot cup of çay (Turkish tea) or kahve (Turkish coffee). Interestingly, the shape of the tea cups has its roots in history. Shaped like tulip buds, these cups pay homage to the tulip flower, symbolizing the Sultanate in Turkish culture.
The Egyptian Bazaar
Istanbul's Egyptian Bazaar is a starting point for anyone eager to explore the essence of Turkish cuisine. Amidst the hustle and bustle, you'll discover a tantalizing array of delights – from baklava, and Turkish delights to spices and dried goods, each bursting with vibrant colors and irresistible flavors. Among the stars of the show are Turkish delights, beloved for their soft, chewy texture and diverse flavor profiles. Crafted from syrup, gelatin, nuts, and spices, these treats are delicately dusted with powdered sugar, creating a visually stunning presentation. With flavors like rose, lemon, orange, honey, and almond, Turkish delights make for perfect souvenirs to savor later. However, I would recommend being cautious when purchasing items here, as the Egyptian Bazaar tends to inflate prices due to its popularity among tourists.
The European Anchovy Dish
Strolling along Galata Bridge became a favorite pastime during our Istanbul escapade. Whether bathed in sunlight or illuminated by the city's twinkling lights, the sight of fishermen casting their lines never failed to captivate us. Their buckets overflowing with fish spoke volumes – December was indeed the season for European Anchovy, known as hamsi in Turkey!
Curiosity piqued, my partner and I ventured to a local fish joint on the Asian side and zeroed in on the fried European Anchovy dish. Each bite was a revelation – perfectly crispy and utterly delectable, with not a hint of fishiness. The tantalizing aroma even lured in a cute bystander, whom we happily shared our catch with.
In Istanbul, restaurants boasting blue and white stripes specialize in seafood delights. Yet, amidst the culinary delights, we couldn't ignore the harsh economic realities. Turkey's currency woes and inflation had taken their toll on locals. Observing fishermen persevering late into the night, we couldn't help but wonder if their efforts were driven by the desire to provide for their families in the face of economic uncertainty.
From Michelin-starred Restaurant to a Humble Eatery
Our culinary adventures in Istanbul spanned the spectrum, from dining at a Michelin-starred establishment to indulging in traditional Turkish cuisine crafted by a chef featured in Netflix's food documentaries. We even made a pit stop at a humble eatery favored by blue-collar workers near our hotel.
While our experience at the Michelin-starred restaurant left us wanting more, the Turkish traditional fare prepared by the Netflix-celebrated chef truly stood out. Having traveled across Turkey to gather recipes from various regions, this restaurant Çiya Sofrası offers a diverse selection of home-cooked specialties that are a must-try.
Amazing traditional Turkish home food in Çiya Sofrası:
Yet, it was the humble eatery near our hotel that stole our hearts. Offering fresh, flavorful dishes at affordable prices, we found ourselves returning three times. From the savory Lahmacun, a Turkish-style pizza topped with beef or mushrooms, to the mouthwatering eggplant and tomato kebabs, every bite was a delight.
It's moments like these that remind us of the hidden gems tucked away in the corners of bustling streets – proof that remarkable culinary experiences can be found in the most unexpected places.
Exploring Asian Restaurants in Istanbul
One of my quirks whenever I visit a non-Asian country is to seek out local Asian restaurants. While I don't expect them to be authentic, it's precisely the unexpected twists that draw me in – the chance for a delightful surprise. I still remember the time in Colombia when I tried ramen with avocado, an intriguing combination indeed!
This time, in Istanbul's upscale Nişantaşı district, we stumbled upon a Japanese ramen joint nestled in a mall's top-floor food court. We ordered chicken karaage and ramen
, both promisingly different from our expectations. The karaage had a texture reminiscent of fish, with a crispy exterior giving way to tender meat. As for my ramen, the broth was unexpectedly spicy and tangy, infused with red peppers – a delightful twist.
However, our excitement dwindled when the bill arrived. Nearly $50 for two people – a common sight in the US but quite hefty in Istanbul, where our usual Turkish meals cost around $20 for both of us. It seems Japanese cuisine is a rare find here indeed.
Our Airbnb Food Tours
We also embarked on a six-hour food tour, starting from the old town district and winding our way to the Asian side, where we indulged in nearly 20 different varieties of street food. It was a feast for the senses that left us happily stuffed and thoroughly satisfied. I highly recommend it to fellow foodies out there – it's an experience you won't want to miss!