Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
- Spice Bazaar
- Bosphorus Ferry
- Kadikoy Market
Photos & Highlights
- Gain insider knowledge from a culinary expert about the rich history of Turkish cuisine
- Engage with local vendors and sample authentic Turkish cuisine from bustling markets
Select a date
Tour Description
Explore Istanbul's vibrant Spice Bazaar and Kadıköy Market, where the aroma of spices and the chatter of bustling markets create an unforgettable atmosphere. Prepare to dive deep into the heart of Turkish cuisine with a local expert by your side, uncovering the rich history and cultural significance behind each dish.
Picture heaps of mint tea, fragrant saffron, and smoky Urfa pepper sitting next to silk pashmina scarves and copper coffee pots while vendors call out and offer samples of Turkish Delight. Sample the distinctive flavors of the bazaar as you learn about the connections between the history of the market and Turkish cuisine from your expert.
Cross the Bosphorus Strait by ferry to explore the Kadıköy market, bursting with briny air and bright colors. Here, you’ll see everything from fishmongers and gourmet shops to butchers and fruit vendors. Linger at a few unusual stops, like the pickle shop where anything that can be is pickled. Visit local delis and bakeries, perhaps tasting tart pomegranate sauces, syrupy Turkish sweets, cake-like cheese helva, and sour sumac juice.
By the end of the tour, you'll have a newfound appreciation for Istanbul's culinary scene and will feel confident navigating the city's diverse food scene. Here, every bite tells a story of tradition and community.
Join us for an enriching experience that transcends typical tourist activities, transforming your understanding of Istanbul's gastronomic heritage.
- You want to explore Istanbul's vibrant food markets and engage with local vendors, all with an expert by your side to serve as your cultural translator.
- You'd like to learn the history behind iconic Turkish dishes and ingredients, tasting authentic flavors and treats along the way.
- You love culinary adventures and want to discover hidden food gems in Istanbul.
- You’d like to explore the local markets, but are unsure of how to find the best vendors or would like guidance in evaluating the overwhelming selection of ingredients and samples.
- Spice Bazaar
- Bosphorus Ferry
- Kadikoy Market
A few things other Context travelers have tasted on this tour include:
- Herbs and spices
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Turkish Delight
- Local cheeses
- Cured meats
- Preserved fish
- Pickled items
- Seasonal fruits
- Turkish coffee
These tastings do replace a meal. Of course, if you are still hungry afterward, your expert will be able to help you find the best place for a little extra treat.
Dietary restrictions should be shared in advance in order to possibly adapt the tour.
What is included in the tour?
Various food tastings are included during the tour, from sweet to savory. Ferry tickets to cross over to Kadıköy are not included. Your expert guide will help you purchase these during the tour.
Where does the tour begin and end?
The tour begins at the Spice Bazaar (on the Historic Peninsula) and ends at the Kadıköy Market. Your expert guide will provide you with instructions on returning to the Historic Peninsula or to another destination at the end of the tour.
Can this tour be adapted for vegetarians or celiacs?
Yes, please indicate any dietary restrictions in the tour notes, and your expert guide will adapt the tastings accordingly.
Do tastings cover a full meal?
Yes, tastings cover a full meal.
Will I be able to purchase items to take with me?
There is ample opportunity to buy food to take home, some of which can be vacuum-packed for travel.
Can we add a car service to drive us from our hotel to the start of the tour?
Yes, absolutely. You may add a car service directly at checkout, or simply send us an email, and we will be happy to arrange it for you. Please note that due to new regulations at the Port of Istanbul, we are unfortunately unable to offer pick-up services directly from the port. However, if your hotel is located within Istanbul, we will be very happy to accommodate your transfer needs and ensure a smooth start to your tour.
Can we add a car service to drive us from our hotel to the start of the tour?
Yes, absolutely. You may add a car service directly at checkout, or simply send us an email, and we will be happy to arrange it for you. Please note that due to new regulations at the Port of Istanbul, we are unfortunately unable to offer pick-up services directly from the port. However, if your hotel is located within Istanbul, we will be very happy to accommodate your transfer needs and ensure a smooth start to your tour.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
This tour is not walking-intensive. The Spice Market is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs; however, the ferries and the Kadıköy Market are more challenging. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss the best option for your needs.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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132 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Loved Aylin's tour. It was a really great introduction to Turkish cuisine and culture. She was warmly welcomed into each food establishment and we were made to feel equally comfortable. I learned a lot about the generosity and warmth of the Turkish people. I am glad we visited the Asian side of Istanbul. It has a different vibe than the European side where all the "main attractions" are for the first time visitor. Our lunch was great at Ciya. Aylin was fun to be with and she really let us set the pace of the tour. I love her approach to Turkish cuisine especially the surprise chicken pudding.
My only complaint would not be with Aylin but with the contact people at Context. The tour ends with lunch which is not included in the price of the tour. I asked context if my husband ( who was attending a conference in the morning) could meet up with us at the end for the lunch and was told no.
Aylin warned us that the tour would be longer that 3 hours. i asked her directly about my husband joining us and she said it would be no problem. I let him know when we got close and he met us. It had no impact on the tour or group what so ever.
I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is visiting Istanbul!
Helene
Reviewed on:
Sep 30, 2011
Possibly the best tour I have ever taken, anywhere! A delightful and thorough introduction to both the food and the culture of Istanbul. We just loved our day with Alyn. We loved the shops and eateries she took us to, and we really enjoyed meeting the proprietors as much as we did sampling their wares. I later returned with a group of friends to many of the same vendors and we did some serious purchasing so Alyn's careful efforts are a win-win for everyone. You have found a gem in this woman!
I was happy to hear from other participants on our tour that your Market tours in other cities have been just as good. I look forward to signing up for many of them, preferably all of them! If you can replicate the experience we had with Alyn in Istanbul, well, kudos to Context for greatly enriching the experience of travel.
Kelly
Reviewed on:
Sep 27, 2011
Aylin's brains and exceptional "foodie" training were immediately evident (she has worked ith Alain Ducaisse and Alice Waters, and studied at Oxford, etc.). She simply had all the answers! Loved seeing the Spice Market and doing so with her meant we experienced a deep dive into the specific tastes and seasonings ofbthe bet shops, vs. just a cursory overview, which is what we would have done on our own. The Ciya restaurant in Kadikoy was excellent; such fun to go to a place I had read about in the New Yorker last year! Loved the fact that Aylin didn't seem intent on finishing "on time"; she instead cared more about "doing things right" and showing us everything. Overall, bravo! We've come to expect excellence from you and you delivered again.
Shawn
Reviewed on:
Sep 19, 2011
