First published on April 30, 2020, and updated on August 17, 2024. It is impossible to visit Istanbul without tasting the most classic flavors of traditional Turkish and Ottoman Cuisine during your stay at some of the best local Istanbul restaurants. But, what are traditional Turkish dishes and where do locals savor the delicious flavors … Read more
Istanbul is one of the most unique and vibrant cities in the world, with its chaotic streets, incredible food, and fascinating culture. This vibrant metropolis is home to some of the best restaurants in the world and if you’re looking for the best food and restaurants in Istanbul, look no further – we’ve got you … Read more
Tired of kebabs and pide? Crave a real Italian pizza? Or want to try Italian dishes other than pasta and pizza? Do not worry, you will be relieved to know that Istanbul has a collection of excellent Italian restaurants offering authentic & delicious Italian dishes. Whether you want to discover new Italian dishes or you’re … Read more
If you’re a huge fan of Chinese food and looking for a Chinese restaurant in Istanbul, you will need a little research to locate the Chinese restaurants that are limited in numbers. While there are some fantastic restaurants offering the best of Chinese cuisine in Istanbul, do not expect to stumble upon a Chinese restaurant … Read more
Though Turkish cuisine is made from a million different styles of delicious food, there may be times you just have a craving for something a little different. If you’re looking for authentic Asian food, you might want to try one of the many sushi restaurants in Istanbul. Our list includes eateries that combine good food … Read more
You’re in Turkey for a few days. You know Turkish people love meat, and you’re craving a good steak. Do not worry, Istanbul is home to some of the finest steakhouses in the world. Here, you can unleash your inner caveperson and enjoy a delicious piece of meat cooked over an open flame. From traditional … Read more
Upon the burning embers of the remaining coal, a spit filled with red, hot meat twirls around and around like a dervish until the succulent pieces are ready to instigate a trance-like ecstasy within the mouth of the consumer. This magical dish, home to the Turks, Greeks, and those in the Balkans, is so beloved … Read more
Many people will say that they have been to Istanbul and never had stuffed grape leaves. This is because those who visit the city’s restaurants are too busy stuffing their faces with kebabs and döner and therefore miss out on one of the great culinary treasures of Turkey: stuffed grape leaves (yaprak sarma). These tiny … Read more
Often erroneously referred to as another version of steak tartare, the çiğ köfte (raw meatball) is constantly underestimated with its fiery spice, sweet yet sour pomegranate molasses, and it’s smooth texture. Finely grounded fatless lamb, bulgur, onions, garlic, tomato, and hot pepper paste is treated with extremely hot spices (isot, pul biber) and kneaded until … Read more
A drop of fat dripping down the shish that’s sitting, nonchalantly, in the fire. You know you’re being teased; you know the urge to resist has evaporated; you know you’re going to give in to that primal urge. There’s a good reason why the Turks are stereotyped as kebab lovers, and there’s also a good … Read more