Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Spice Bazaar
- Bosphorus Ferry
- Kadikoy Market
Photos & Highlights
- Gain insider knowledge from a culinary expert about the rich history of Turkish cuisine
- Engage with local vendors and sample authentic Turkish cuisine from bustling markets
Select a date
Tour Description
Explore Istanbul's vibrant Spice Bazaar and Kadıköy Market, where the aroma of spices and the chatter of bustling markets create an unforgettable atmosphere. Prepare to dive deep into the heart of Turkish cuisine with a local expert by your side, uncovering the rich history and cultural significance behind each dish.
Picture heaps of mint tea, fragrant saffron, and smoky Urfa pepper sitting next to silk pashmina scarves and copper coffee pots while vendors call out and offer samples of Turkish Delight. Sample the distinctive flavors of the bazaar as you learn about the connections between the history of the market and Turkish cuisine from your expert.
Cross the Bosphorus Strait by ferry to explore the Kadıköy market, bursting with briny air and bright colors. Here, you’ll see everything from fishmongers and gourmet shops to butchers and fruit vendors. Linger at a few unusual stops, like the pickle shop where anything that can be is pickled. Visit local delis and bakeries, perhaps tasting tart pomegranate sauces, syrupy Turkish sweets, cake-like cheese helva, and sour sumac juice.
By the end of the tour, you'll have a newfound appreciation for Istanbul's culinary scene and will feel confident navigating the city's diverse food scene. Here, every bite tells a story of tradition and community.
Join us for an enriching experience that transcends typical tourist activities, transforming your understanding of Istanbul's gastronomic heritage.
- You want to explore Istanbul's vibrant food markets and engage with local vendors, all with an expert by your side to serve as your cultural translator.
- You'd like to learn the history behind iconic Turkish dishes and ingredients, tasting authentic flavors and treats along the way.
- You love culinary adventures and want to discover hidden food gems in Istanbul.
- You’d like to explore the local markets, but are unsure of how to find the best vendors or would like guidance in evaluating the overwhelming selection of ingredients and samples.
- Spice Bazaar
- Bosphorus Ferry
- Kadikoy Market
A few things other Context travelers have tasted on this tour include:
- Herbs and spices
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Turkish Delight
- Local cheeses
- Cured meats
- Preserved fish
- Pickled items
- Seasonal fruits
- Turkish coffee
These tastings do replace a meal. Of course, if you are still hungry afterward, your expert will be able to help you find the best place for a little extra treat.
Dietary restrictions should be shared in advance in order to possibly adapt the tour.
What is included in the tour?
Various food tastings are included during the tour from sweet to savory. Ferry tickets to cross over to Kadıköy are not included. Your expert guide will help you purchase these during the tour.
Where does the tour begin and end?
The tour begins at the Spice Bazaar (on the Historic Peninsula) and ends at the Kadıköy Market. Your expert guide will provide you with instructions on returning to the Historic Peninsula or to another destination at the end of the tour.
Can this tour be adapted for vegetarians or celiacs?
Yes, please indicate any dietary restrictions in the tour notes and your expert guide will adapt the tastings accordingly.
Do tastings cover a full meal?
Yes, tastings cover a full meal.
Will I be able to purchase items to take with me?
There is ample opportunity to buy food to take home, some of which can be vacuum-packed for travel.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
This tour is not walking intensive. The Spice Market is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs, however, the ferries and the Kadıköy Market are more challenging. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss the best option for your needs.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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109 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Aylin shared a tremendous passion for food and history. She shared the multi-cultural history of how certain foods arrived in Istanbul and had special tastings for us of unique treasures we would never have tasted without a special guide. In addition she was super helpful making additional reservations and recommendations for the balance of our dining experiences while we were in the city.
Robin
May 23, 2024
Excellent Guide, friendly and very knowledgeable!
Manuel alfonso
May 17, 2024
Banu was terrific! She brought the city to life for me through food - I enjoyed listening to her stories and fitting together a few of the seemingly limitless puzzle pieces of Turkish culinary traditions, trying out some of her favorite foods and touring the markets, randomly running into one of her old school teachers, and closing it all up with a satisfying cup of Turkish coffee at a relaxing café. I'd highly recommend this tour to anybody looking to expand their knowledge of Turkish cuisine.
Joseph
Nov 17, 2023
