Discover Istanbul’s Asian side on a private food tour, savoring Turkish and Kurdish delights, stunning views, and iconic landmarks with an expert guide.
Embark on an extraordinary culinary adventure that takes you to the heart of Istanbul’s Asian side, a region rich in history, culture, and gastronomy. This private tour is designed for food enthusiasts eager to savor the authentic flavors of Turkey while discovering the hidden gems of this vibrant city. Guided by a professional gourmet expert, this experience blends iconic landmarks, stunning views, and unforgettable culinary delights.
Your journey begins with a traditional Turkish breakfast shopping experience at a local market near the Spice Bazaar. Here, your guide will curate a selection of delectable items such as a variety of cheeses, olives, pistachio paste, hazelnut spreads, buffalo cream drizzled with honey, and fresh-baked simit bread. Pair these with Menemen (a Turkish-style scrambled egg dish) and steaming cups of Turkish tea for a breakfast like no other at a local café.
Next, head to the Ortaköy Mosque, a stunning architectural marvel set against the backdrop of the Bosporus Strait. Capture breathtaking views of the first Bosporus Bridge, a landmark that symbolizes the connection between Europe and Asia. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the mosque and its cultural significance.
Continue your journey to the Çamlıca Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity of 60,000 worshippers. Located on Istanbul’s highest hill, this modern architectural masterpiece offers sweeping panoramic views of the city and the Bosporus Strait. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and admire the serene beauty of Istanbul.
From there, the adventure leads to the bustling Kadıköy Food Market, a food lover’s paradise. Sample an array of local delicacies at seven unique stops, each offering a variety of flavors and culinary traditions. Indulge in delights like pastrami (sun-dried beef), pickled vegetables, goat cheese aged in goat skin, and tantuni—diced beef or chicken wrapped in lavash bread with yogurt, garlic, and sumac sauce. Try the Middle Eastern-inspired lahmacun, a flatbread topped with minced lamb and fresh herbs, as well as spicy stuffed mussels cooked with rice.
For a grand finale, enjoy the famous İskender Kebab, served at a historic restaurant run by the fourth generation of the family who invented this beloved dish. The meal continues with the decadent Künefe dessert, made from angel hair noodles filled with melted cheese, pistachios, and sweet syrup, accompanied by traditional Turkish ice cream made from goat’s milk and orchid root.
Throughout the tour, you’ll explore the lesser-known parts of Istanbul, connecting with its local culture and experiencing the city as its residents do. This private tour ensures personalized attention and a seamless experience with luxury transportation, making it a perfect choice for families, couples, and small groups seeking an exclusive, in-depth exploration of Istanbul’s culinary and cultural treasures.
End your day with a satisfied palate and a deep appreciation for Istanbul’s vibrant food scene and rich history, as your guide drops you off back at your hotel.
This unique journey combines gastronomy, history, and culture, offering you an unforgettable taste of Istanbul that lingers long after the tour concludes.
Your private luxury vehicle will pick you up from your hotel. Sit back and enjoy the ride to your first destination.
Experience an authentic Turkish breakfast at a local café, featuring fresh market delicacies like Menemen, buffalo cream with honey, and simit bread paired with Turkish tea.
Visit the iconic Ortaköy Mosque and take in panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the first bridge connecting continents.
Marvel at one of the world’s largest mosques and enjoy breathtaking views from Istanbul’s highest hill.
Savor diverse flavors across seven stops, from Iskender kebap to lahmacun, mussels, and unique cheeses. Explore the bustling market and sample local specialties.
Indulge in mouthwatering künefe with Turkish ice cream made from goat’s milk and orchid root.
Return to your hotel in comfort with a happy belly and unforgettable memories of Istanbul’s culinary treasures.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Included
Not Included
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
Know Before You Go
Alana Hicks - Canada
01 March
I was traveling alone and really wanted to experience Istanbul's food scene, and this tour didn't disappoint. The breakfast foods were so fresh and delicious, and I loved trying all the different cheeses and honeys. Visiting the Ortaköy Mosque was wonderful, and the view of the Bosphorus Bridge was...
Read More
Lewis Lake - Canada
02 March
I booked this tour for my wife and I, and it was a wonderful experience. The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. He explained the cultural significance behind each stop, including the Ortaköy Mosque and Çamlıca Mosque. The entire day was like a private VIP experience, with great food, stun...
Read MoreAll reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.7/5
Based on 6 Reviews
4.7/5
4.7/5
4.7/5
I was traveling alone and really wanted to experience Istanbul's food scene, and this tour didn't disappoint. The breakfast foods were so fresh and delicious, and I loved trying all the different cheeses and honeys. Visiting the Ortaköy Mosque was wonderful, and the view of the Bosphorus Bridge was breathtaking. The tantuni and lahmacun were amazing, and I couldn't resist eating the kunefe at the end. If you love food and want to experience the true flavor of Istanbul, this tour is for you.
Helpful? Yes
I booked this tour for my wife and I, and it was a wonderful experience. The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. He explained the cultural significance behind each stop, including the Ortaköy Mosque and Çamlıca Mosque. The entire day was like a private VIP experience, with great food, stunning views, and a local perspective on the city. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something special in Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
My wife and I took this tour to celebrate our anniversary, and it was one of the best travel experiences we've ever had. The breakfast shopping experience at the local market was unique and gave us a taste of local life. We loved the Kadıköy Food Market, especially the pastrami and stuffed mussels. The tour concluded on a sweet note with an excellent Künefe dessert. It was a wonderful combination of food, culture, and beautiful scenery. Definitely worth every penny.
Helpful? Yes
I joined this tour with a group of friends, and it was a perfect way to explore Istanbul's food scene. We all love exploring food markets, and the Kadıköy Food Market was full of delicious surprises. The İskender Kebab was delicious, and the Künefe was unlike anything I'd ever tasted before. The whole experience was fun and well organized, and we learned so much about Istanbul's history along the way. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the city through its food.
Helpful? Yes
My sister and I took this tour while visiting Istanbul, and it was truly a delight. We're both foodies, so exploring the Asian side of the city with a local food guide was perfect for us. Breakfast at the market near the Spice Bazaar was a wonderful experience. By the end, we were stuffed but delighted by the kunefe and Turkish ice cream. The tour was well organized, and our guide was very knowledgeable. I highly recommend it for foodies, but we would have liked to have spent more time savoring the food at each stop.
Helpful? Yes
I took my girlfriend on this tour to experience the authentic food culture of Istanbul, and it was a truly unforgettable day. The food was fantastic from start to finish, and we especially loved the pastrami and lahmacun. The only thing I wish it had been different was that some places were a bit crowded, so we didn't get to linger as long as I would have liked. But overall, it was a wonderful day.
Helpful? Yes
Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved