Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings

5.0 (15 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
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Duration4h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 8 travelers

Overview

Our evening Istanbul food tour is a cross-continental moveable feast that traces the old Silk Road, moving beyond the tourist curtain. Kicking off in the Old City, we set sail between two continents and traverse the Bosphorus Strait, linking the imperial spice markets of Europe with the rebellious street food of Asia. With 14+ tastings - ranging from slow-cooked lamb beyran soup to hand-rolled sarma - this is a unique culinary adventure designed to unlock the flavours of the Ottoman world.

What's included

  • Max 8 exclusive guests, smallest group size in Istanbul
  • 14+ food tastings included, more than any other Istanbul food tour
  • Moveable feast with 8-9 stops around the streets of Eminonu (Europe) and Kadikoy (Asia)
  • Bottled water included
  • Led by professional foodie guides
  • Alcoholic drinks excluded
  • Pick up and drop off from hotel excluded. Easy-to-find meeting point for all guests.
  • Vegetarians have 3-4 less tastings due to limited alternatives
  • Unsuitable for severe allergies and celiac disease, due to risk of traces and cross-contamination

What to expect

  1. Istanbul
    15m
    Embark on a cross-continental journey across the Bosporus Strait, from the Sultan’s spice markets of Europe, to the Anatolian ustas and street food of Asia. This is our 14+ tasting Istanbul food adventure across two continents, at the historic city terminal of the old Silk Road and Spice Route.
  2. 1h
    Beneath the 17th-century domes of the Egyptian Bazaar, the air is filled with scent of cured Isot pepper and wild oregano, as we explore the vaulted pantry of Turkish ingredients. At a traditional kebab house, pull up a seat and watch the masters thread hand-minced lamb onto iron skewers, searing over charcoal flames. Pair it with hand-chopped tomato and pepper dip, fresh lavas flatbread and purple turnip juice salgam. At a family-owned eatery from Gaziantep, dip a spoon into a bowl of garlic-spiked beyran lamb soup.
  3. 20m
    Board a vapur ferry, with spectacular views of the ‘Old City’ minaret skyline receding and seagulls trailing, we cross the border to Kadikoy in Asia Minor.
  4. 40m
    Stop at a fresh deli in the heart of the market, presided over by its octogenarian owner for over three decades. His kitchen is serving a mini-feast of Levantine mezze; sun-yellow zucchini flowers and ribbons of sarma grape leaves stuffed with herbed rice, Cretan-style white cheese, and smoky eggplant mash.
  5. 1h
    We keep the momentum going with sumac-dusted fish wrap balık durum, and a handful of midye dolma - plump mussels stuffed with aromatic rice and hit with a citric squeeze of lemon. Beyond these hidden gems, there's more surprises within the 14+ tastings waiting to be discovered in our foodie marathon.

    Meet two brothers who hold the secret to the perfect cig kofte - raw bulgur patties are kneaded with pomegranate molasses and tucked into crisp lettuce wraps, followed by crispy lahmacun and a frothy ayran beverage.
  6. KadIkoy
    45m
    Visit a legendary institution for the ‘King of Desserts: kunefe. Shredded pastry, soaked in syrup and molten cheese.

    By the time we hit the pier, you’ll have conquered two continents and 400 years of culinary influence in a single evening.

    Join our local foodie guide to strip away the tourist veneer and claim your place at the table of the real Istanbul.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet inside Coffeetopia Eminönü cafe, next to the Eminönü Ferry terminal·. It is centrally located next to the old historic quarter of Istanbul. It's easily reachable by tram, taxi, or walking.

End point

The tour ends at Karaköy - Eminönü Vapur Iskelesi pier on the Asian side. Your guide can assist you with directions in case you want to stay longer in Kadıköy, or take a boat and transport back to your accommodation (in Taksim or Eminönü/Sultanahmet).

Additional information

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • See 'What to Expect' section and 'What's Included' for info on dietary restrictions
  • We recommend comfortable walking shoes. Bring rain gear/umbrella, if rain looks likely. There's lot of tastings to try, come hungry!

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (15)
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Operated by A Chef's Tour · Booked through Viator
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