In Istanbul food is everywhere. At every corner a street vendor offers you something delicious. Crowded markets present a feast for the senses, with fresh local and seasonal produce. Restaurants prepare numerous fish and seafood dishes, whose scent travels across long distances and entices you to take a seat.
And of course, with so much variety of ingredients and tastes, food is well appreciated in Istanbul. Everyone savours it and likes to sit down for lunch or dinner, or a quick snack along the way. As one article claimed: “With very discerning stomachs, Turkish people have been foodies before the term existed, ‘locavores’ without even trying. Everyone in Istanbul has opinions on ‘the best’ döner, pilav, kuru fasülye, dolma, and so on.”
So, without further ado, here are 10 pictures to prove the above point!
Want fresh fruit? Look no further – it’s everywhere. No need to find a supermarket. Local markets have it all, or streetside vendors offer freshly squeezed juice of your choice!
First cherries of the season are always a joy. Crunchy, colorful and delicious. One of our favorites!
So are artichokes, specifically artichoke hearts in Turkey. At this time of the year you can find them everywhere. Oftentimes they are sold ready to be cooked. Typically the heart (base) is cooked in olive oil and lemon and served with small pieces of carrot and peas – Tasty as a meze or for light lunch!
A spring salad to satisfy even the most picky among the foodies from a local kitchen… doesn’t this look delish?! Turkish asparagus, olive oil, crushed white cheese, lemon, oregano, black pepper and more.
On to cooked food! Turkish yoghurt is a common and welcome addition to all sorts of cooked veggies and greens! Often paired with crushed or grated garlic mixed in the yogurt, it is a winner at the table!
Beautifully served food is twice as tasty! Turkish rice (pilav) mixed with loads of herbs, flat leaf parsley and spring onions – mix with veg or meat of your choice.
Seafood markets abound, selling a great variety of fresh fish.
Pita makers are one of the ‘landmarks’ of Istanbul’s food scene. Pita is also one the most common foods to go along with cooked dishes.
Mezes, tasty hot or cold Turkish appetizers, set in the middle of the table ready to share with friends or family, are a must try with something for everyone.
And if you are hungry for sweet desserts, Turkey can offer you plenty in terms of sweet pastries such as baklava.
And if local food and does not satisfy you (is that even possible!?), a rich variety of food from other parts of Turkey, such as Anatolia, is often available as well.
Want to enrich your foodie experience in Istanbul? Take a Bosphorus cruise with dinner and enjoy a fresh authentic Turkish meal in the private setting of our yacht.
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