Istanbul Secret Food Tour Review

Istanbul Secret Food Tour Review

Can I just start by saying this food tour met all my expectations, pleased my inner fat girl, and completely made my taste buds swirl in delight! I have not had a food tour before that impacted my food travels like the Secret Food Tour in Istanbul! I highly recommend them!

Here is a bit about the tour…

The first meet up was in a location easy to find—shhh! It might be a secret…. no really it is! It was a small group and a great mix of people from across the globe. Even though it was a small group, it was just the right amount of people to really get to know about the food and culture and how different cultures perceived this area and food tour. Consensus says- everyone really enjoyed this! Of course, it helped that our guide was not only beautiful and had a great accent, but she was very knowledgeable about the cuisine, culture, and history of Istanbul. She also was instinctual and knew what to say and the right amount of conversation for the group to enjoy each other and to also let us savor the food.

Now to the talk about the tour highlight….. the food!!

Stop 1: Karakoy Restaurant

I wasn’t ready for the breathtaking views with full windows looking out over the water and across the bridge to the panorama sights of the city. See the cook in action with an open flame kitchen and comfortable restaurant on the top floor of an old historical building. tinder Kabobs, mezza platter, local spirits, and great conversation with the group. The highlight was definitely the chicken kabobs that were so tinder and paired with the local fresh bread. I can see why they are an award-winning restaurant and it will be hard to top this during the rest of the tour!

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Stop 2: Turkish Delight Sweet Shop

Lots of choices for the sweet tooth craving- fresh and delicious! This is the best souvenir to take back home with you- if it will last through the plane ride!

Stop 3: Pier and walk by the fish market to Karakoy

Meshur Balikci was once a local favorite in a mobile cart, and then he opened a permanent location so it’s easier to find his amazing fish wraps with no bones and a special sauce! It’s prepared right in front of you and boyyyyyy is it tasty! So fresh and I love that it’s easy to manage without the bones! Bonus!

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Next stop requires a short cable car ride through the Tunel and back to the other side. This is a great way to get from Karakoy up to the end of Istiklal Caddesi near the Galata Bridge It’s a quick ride, about 2 minutes. Use the Istanbulkart card for access. Some people call this a funniculur or a tram. Either name and it’s a great way to get across to the other side! Nice bit of history!

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Stop 4: Simsek

Ventured down an alley with local flair and street-side tables and service with all smiles. Turned a corner and tadaaaa!! Beautiful umbrellas lining up over the side café’s.

Umbrellas: Hoca Tahsin Street in the Karakoy district

For the next tasty and friendly location, we had chicken broth and on of the freshest breads I have ever smelled!  This is not the time to be on a low carb diet!

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Stop 5: Walking

As we stroll through a more lavish area with modern architecture, expensive restaurants, and fun shops, street stalls, and of course local cuisine café’s, I try to keep up with the group and not get caught up with my photography. This would be a good area to explore some more of for sure.

What did we eat here? Roasted Lamb intestines! Would you try them?? I had too (for research purposes) and boy were they yummy! Don’t forget to try a cigarette pie— this was one of my favorite items in Istanbul!

Mercan Cafeteia: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293974-d7707230-Reviews-Mercan_Kokorec_Midye-Istanbul.html

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Stop 6: Ahsen Dessert Shop

To top of the evening with a sunset view and a table full of sweets with the most amazing flavors of fruits, nuts, and delightful cuts of rolled sugar confections at Ahsen Dessert Shop! Here we were spoiled with a tea set up fit for the queen and king of Istanbul, or a great group of Foodies! 

Ahsen: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ahsen/227880471139711?nr

After the last stop, and ending up with a full belly, a huge smile, and great insight on what to eat, to do, and eat again for the remainder of my trip, I was happy to make the walk down through the Taxim area and walk off some of these calories! I could have stayed with the guide all night, however, I was so full I could not have managed another bite!

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I would definitely book with this company again and try more locations and different times of day to explore even more of the varieties of tours and amazing food in Istanbul!

http://www.secretfoodtours.com/istanbul/

On this four-hour journey, our local guides will educate you about some of the city’s most quintessential dishes. Learn the evolution and history of Turkish foods, each bite you savour will be a taste of history.

On our tour, learn how a lizard became an alligator and the city of the blind became the most desirable area for locals. With our tour, you will experience the best Doner, Lahmacun, Mehemen and a variety of other delights. As we conclude the tour, and you are very full we introduce our secret bite.

Cheers!

Dee