Istanbul
Eat like a local in Istanbul
Local Food & Drink Tastings • 3 hours
5.0
(11)
Eat like a local in Istanbul
Baklava dripping in honey, flaky pastries and the best kebab in the city.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Discover Istanbul's vibrant food culture over 3-hours with your host
- Get what you want out of your private and personalised experience - try the cafes, markets, bazaars and authentic local restaurants
- Your experience, your pace - stroll through the neighbourhoods grabbing snacks on the go opt for a more indulgent approach, trying a few dishes at one or two restaurants
- Get a unique insider’s point of view of the city's food scene and authentic local places to eat and drink on the rest of your trip
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
A private and personalized experience
3 hours with your host
6-8 tastings of various local food specialities
A glass of wine, beer or soft drink
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
What’s not included
Food and drinks other than the ones included in the experience
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
You’ll join one of our local Istanbul hosts to weave through this vibrant city together, embarking on a culinary adventure from Europe to Asia and back again - and this time we’re not just talking about your tastebuds flitting between continents.
You’ll feast your way around the city, enjoying dishes like lahmacun, a kind of Turkish pizza at a local cafe, Şiş Kebap, a skewered kebab which believe us, tastes even more incredible once you’ve seen it come out of the hot coals, as well as some street food favorites like crunchy fish sandwiches coated in sesame seeds.
There’s always room for a dessert (or two) like baklava dripping in honey or a more unusual rose-water soaked dough known as Güllaç. Explore markets to discover the kaleidoscope of spices on offer, try street food like flaky borek pastries, stop by traditional cafes in obscure places and the best kebab joints - only a local knows where to try the best version of each dish, and that’s exactly where they’ll take you. Word to the wise: skipping breakfast might not be the worst idea before this one.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
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recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of this experience
Louise,
Jan 2025
Burak was an amazing host for the day. All the food we tried was delicious and we definitely went to a few locations and cafes/restaurants that we wouldn’t have tried ordinarily. Definitely recommend this tour!
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Morgan,
Nov 2024
I could not think of a better guide then Burak. He was the most amazing person, we lost our passport, therefore late to the tour. Nevertheless he accommodated and still did the entire tour a hour late. The conversation was amazing, so much knowledge and so insightful about every little thing. Saw all the hidden paths and knew his way around the city and gave so many recommendations. I TRAVEL TONS AND HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS SO TRUST ME
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Robert,
Aug 2024
Great guide, easy regarding adjusting tour to meet our needs, helpful.. best meal we had in Istanbul. Felt totally safe and taken care of. Navigated us back to our ship in port.
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Esther,
Jul 2024
One of the best tours I have taken in the 90 plus countries I have traveled to. Feruza was kind enough to meet me at my hotel that was an hour plus away. We visited Hagia Sophia & toured the area with delicious kebabs, Turkish meatballs, tea & baklava. I love the street feeling of Istanbul
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Esther,
Jul 2024
Feruza was incredible, very kind & inspirational in her history of the city. She took me to some fabulous places to eat & this has been the best tour I have done
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Tobye,
Jul 2024
Such a great food tour of local, authentic food. Our guide, Feruza was fantastic. She went above and beyond and fed us well! We enjoyed chatting with her and learning about Turkish Cuisine. Highly recommend her!!
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