A Food Lover's Tour of Istanbul: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them

Ever wondered how it feels to taste a city where the East and West meet? Istanbul is a food heaven with a cultural mural history. Foodies should visit this place. Its distinctive cultural combination is reflected in its strong tastes, varied culinary traditions, and rich, aromatic spices. Istanbul's dishes will make a lasting impression on your taste buds whether you dine in a charming, traditional restaurant or taste street food. Prepared to go off on an unforgettable culinary adventure? Let's explore must-try foods and the best spots to enjoy in this food lover's guide to Istanbul.

Starting with the grilled skewers to the slow-cooked meats, all the different turkish foods had their tastes and varieties of softness and tenderness in their texture. The moment you step into the streets of Istanbul, you must have been tempted to taste Kebab, the identity of Istanbul food.

• Zübeyir Ocakbaşı (Taksim): Specialising in Adana kebab and Urfa kebab, Zübeyir Ocakbaşı provides the dining area's ambience and guarantees fresh, grounded meat prepared through traditional grilling.

• Kebapçı İskender (Beyazit): Renowned for a unique İskender Kebab, which is a tasty combination of compressed lamb meat, tomato sauce, yoghurt and pita bread.

It would be wrong to say that any meal out in Istanbul is finished without tasting baklava. Baklava is a dessert made of thick layers called phyllo, crushed pistachios or walnuts, and sweet-smelling honey-based syrup.

• Karaköy Güllüoğlu (Karaköy): This baklava shop perfect in baklava is internationally well-known for its tenderness that melts in your mouth. The sweetness, complemented by the crispy texture, makes it ideal, so any dessert lover shouldn't miss it.

• Hafiz Mustafa 1864 (Sultanahmet): Another favourite, Hafiz Mustafa, is well known for its baklava selection and pistachio flavours. It is best served with Turkish tea on the side for a more rewarding experience.

If you find yourself wandering around the busy streets of Istanbul, there is no way you will miss the smell of simit, the roasted sesame bread. Also known as the 'Turkish bagel', it is a type of bread with a crispy crust and a spongy interior.

• Simit Sarayı (Multiple locations): A popular one that serves sweet and hot simit with different fillings. Pick one up as you stroll along the Bosphorus in Karaköy for rest.

• Local Street Vendors: Simit vending is prevalent in any corner, especially around Taksim, or Kadıköy. These vendors are usually overloaded with baskets full of simit prepared to serve you on the go.

Istanbulers usually consume several meze varieties as appetisers before eating a meal. From smooth and thick portions of hummus to the sour yoghurt base, meze is a perfect way to get a Turkish taste. These portions are ideal for sharing with family and friends.

• Meze by Lemon Tree (Beyoğlu): This restaurant has a unique approach to the classic meze menus and a massive list of dishes that can be selected from traditional and modern options. Skip the Cacık (yoghurt mixed with cucumber and garlic) or the Muhammara (red pepper paste with spices).

• Ciya Sofrası (Kadıköy): One of the renowned destinations on the Asian side, Ciya Sofrası offers a variety of mezes representing different parts of Turkey. They both offer a variety of meze plates, so it's a great way to share tastes in one place.

Istanbul is situated on the borders of two continents and near the Bosphorus Strait, which is why it offers some of the freshest seafood in Turkey. Any true seafood lover will find themselves delighted by the many options available in Istanbul, whether grilled fish or baked mussels.

• Karaköy Lokantası (Karaköy): Fancy fast-food joint with an extensive fish menu. They have grilled fish, or choose a plate of midye dolma, mussels stuffed with rice.

• Balıkçı Sabahattin (Sultanahmet): It is a well-known seafood restaurant offering fresh fish and various mezes. It is suitable for a quiet dinner and fantastic views of the Bosphorus.

A famous Turkish breakfast is highly colourful and includes various kinds of cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey, jams, bread and eggs. The food is very delicious and suitable for breakfast as you have a relaxed meal.

1. Van Kahvaltı Evi (Cihangir): This place is also famous for serving a variety of traditional breakfast meals such as menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers), freshly made bread and simit.

2. Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu (Kadıköy): A good place for breakfast, which serves a traditional Turkish breakfast which is enough to keep you entire all morning.

Istanbul is calling you. Experience its unique culture with its colourful spices, delicious treats, and filling meals. Istanbul will attract your taste and leave you wanting more, regardless of whether you're an experienced foodie or a curious tourist. Are you prepared to experience Istanbul's magic? Prepare your taste buds. The city's delights are waiting for you.