Istanbul street‑food tour (simit, döner, baklava, meze)
Discover Istanbul through its flavors. This walking food tour visits busy street stalls, historic markets and neighborhood meyhanes to taste iconic Turkish street foods — simit, döner, baklava and a selection of meze — while learning about local food culture, ingredients and culinary history.
Location
Typical route: Spice Bazaar (Eminönü) → Karaköy → Galata → Beyoğlu (or optional Asian-side route: Kadıköy market), Istanbul, Turkey
Duration
3–4 hours (can be shortened to 2 hours or extended to half-day with additional stops)
Best Time to Visit
April–June and September–October for mild weather. Year‑round possible; avoid the hottest July–August midday heat and very rainy winter days. Evenings are lively for meze and rakı.
Pricing
Approx. €25–€60 per person for a small-group walking tour (includes 6–8 tastings). Private tours: €120–€220 depending on group size and route. Street-only self-guided budget: €5–€20 if buying individual items.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Fresh, sesame-coated simit with Turkish tea (çay) from street vendors
Classic döner sandwiches and dürüm — beef, lamb or chicken from family-run stalls
Traditional baklava tastings at a renowned pastry shop (e.g., Karaköy/Güllüoğlu area)
Meze tasting at a local meyhane (small plates such as ezme, hummus, stuffed vine leaves, grilled octopus)
Visiting the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) and neighborhood markets
Local beverages: çay (tea), Turkish coffee, ayran and optional rakı during meze
Short cultural and historical notes about Ottoman/modern food traditions
Itinerary
Meet at Spice Bazaar / Eminönü (central and easy by tram or ferry).
Guide explains route, hygiene practices and allergy checks. Bring small change.
Simit and çay at a busy street vendor near the ferry docks.
Taste different simit styles. Ideal for a quick introduction to Turkish breakfast street food.
Walk to Karaköy / Galata for döner or local sandwich stop.
Try a classic döner dürüm or folded sandwich. Vegetarian options (falafel, grilled veggies) often available on request.
Market walk through the Spice Bazaar / side streets; small tastings (olives, cheeses, lokum if offered).
Short stops to learn about spices, tea and Turkish delight. Opportunity to buy souvenirs.
Meze tasting at a traditional meyhane or small tavern (early evening departures).
Plates may include ezme, haydari, roasted eggplant, stuffed vine leaves and seafood meze. Optional rakı pairing for adults.
Baklava and Turkish coffee finale at a well-known pastry shop.
Different types of baklava explained and sampled; chance to buy boxed baklava to take home.
Tour end and Q&A; recommendations for further eating and exploration.
Guide points out nearby cafes, restaurants and transport links (tram, ferry).
Safety Requirements
Inform the guide of food allergies, intolerances or dietary restrictions before the tour starts.
Street food hygiene varies; choose stalls busy with locals and those recommended by the guide.
Watch for traffic when crossing streets — many vendors are curbside.
If consuming alcohol (rakı), do so responsibly; many daytime stops are alcohol‑free.
Stay hydrated and dress for the weather; the route includes some walking and stairs (Galata area).
Not recommended for people with severe food allergies unless arranged in advance.
Tips
Bring cash in small denominations; many small vendors prefer cash.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobbles and uneven streets.
Ask for small portions or share — tastings are best enjoyed in company.
Try the tea (çay) between savory bites and have Turkish coffee with baklava to finish.
If you are vegetarian/vegan, let the guide know — plenty of meze options exist but confirm ingredients.
Consider an afternoon or early evening slot for the meze experience; mornings are best for simit and bakeries.
Ask vendors about how items are made — most are happy to explain; learning a few Turkish words (thank you = teşekkürler) goes a long way.
Pack a lightweight wet wipe or hand sanitizer; public restrooms may require small change.
