Istanbul Evening Food Walking Tour

Meet your guide in Istanbul’s Karaköy district and ride the subway — the world’s second-oldest underground funicular — to the nearby Beyoğlu district.

Set out through the bustling backstreets, making frequent stops to sample some of Istanbul’s favorite foods and drinks. As you explore, your guide will fill you in on Turkey’s cuisine and how Istanbul, on the cusp of Europe and Asia, absorbs a plethora of culinary influences, making its food scene incredibly exciting.

Stop for some borek, a moreish pastry oozing with cheese, potatoes or meat, and enjoy some aryan, a yogurt drink that’s a big local favorite.

Join the early evening crowds in a traditional meyhane and savor meze such as patlican salatsi (eggplant purée), along with raki, Turkey’s beloved aniseed liquor. As you taste, learn about the origins of meyhanes and some of the ingredients used in Turkey's most popular dishes.

Next, sip on Turkish tea at a teahouse that was once a meeting spot for the Young Turks, the early 20th century rebels credited with helping bring multi-party democracy to the country. Then, weave through streets of food carts to try goodies such as icli kofte and midye dolma (rice-filled mussels).

Head into the historical Çiçek Passage for some Turkish delight and to try some of the delicious baklava (honey soaked pastry stuffed with nuts), cikolata (chocolate) or ice cream from the Maras region that’s much loved here.

Continue to Taksim Square and dig into Istanbul’s latest food fad — an islak or ‘wet’ burger made with tomato sauce-soaked buns.

Finish at a trendy cafe filled with street art to enjoy a perfectly brewed Turkish coffee. Your tour ends here, leaving you free to continue your explorations or travel independently back to your hotel.