My partner and I had a wonderful time with Naz on this tour. She was extremely lovely and knowledgeable, taking us to some delicious eateries across the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. We were very full by the end! We were lucky enough that our tour ended up being private and we left feeling like we had a new friend in Istanbul! We would definitely recommend.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- intimate, small-group with max 10 person
- Turkish Tea
- Turkish Pickle Juice: A salty, tangy local drink made from traditional Turkish pickle brine.
- Stuffed Mussels: Try rice-filled mussels with lemon, a beloved Istanbul street snack.
- Turkish Coffee: Freshly brewed coffee and a taste of Turkish hospitality.
- Baklava: Finish with flaky, nut-filled baklava and sweet Turkish syrup.
- Friendly and passionate Professional Licensed Tour Guide
- Lahmacun(Turkish Pizza): Thin, crispy dough topped with seasoned minced meat, tomatoes, and peppers.
- Turkish Delight: Taste authentic lokum and discover its place in Turkish hospitality.
- A scenic public ferry ride across the Bosphorus, traveling from Europe to Asia like a local
- Honey and Cream, Home made fried potatoes, Tomatoes, Turkish cheese
- Simit: Crispy, sesame-covered simit—one of Istanbul’s favorite street foods.
- Traditional Turkish Menemen: Eggs, tomatoes, and peppers—a classic Turkish breakfast favorite.
Excludes
- Gratuities / Tips for guide
- No vegetarian food options for all of our food stops
- Eat like a local is walking tour.
- Soft drinks and Alcoholic drinks except Turkish Tea and Turkish Coffee
- Personal purchases at the Spice Bazaar or elsewhere
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- We will meet in front of the main gate of Spice Bazaar at 09.30 AM, looking at the new mosque(Valide Sultan Mosque) on the right.
Return
- We make sure that our guests take the ferry to Sirkeci which is starting point of the tour.
Itinerary
Step into one of Istanbul's oldest and most vibrant marketplaces, where the aromas of spices, teas, and Turkish delights have welcomed travelers for centuries. Learn how the Spice Bazaar became a vital trading center of the Ottoman Empire while discovering the stories behind its colorful shops and rich culinary traditions.
Your journey begins at the historic Egyptian Spice Bazaar, nestled along the shores of the Golden Horn in the heart of Istanbul's Old City. Surrounded by the magnificent Yeni (Valide Sultan) Mosque and overlooking the iconic Galata Tower, you'll step into one of the Ottoman Empire's most important trading centers. As the aromas of spices, teas, and Turkish delights fill the air, discover how this vibrant marketplace connected continents, cultures, and cuisines for centuries.
Experience the Bosphorus like a local as we cross from Europe to Asia by public ferry. Enjoy breathtaking views as you sail between Europe and Asia, experiencing one of the world's most unique waterways.
Leave the tourist crowds behind and explore vibrant Kadıköy Market. Discover where locals eat and enjoy some of Turkey's most iconic street foods. Along the way, enjoy carefully selected Turkish favorites including simit, stuffed mussels, Turkish Menemen, and freshly made baklava.
Relax along the Kadıköy waterfront and enjoy one of Istanbul's most beautiful panoramic views. From here, the Old City reveals a completely different perspective across the Bosphorus.
Our experience concludes at Kadıköy Ferry Terminal, where you'll leave with a full stomach, new stories, and a deeper understanding of Istanbul's culture, history, and everyday life. Whether you choose to stay and explore Kadıköy or take the ferry back, you'll leave having experienced Istanbul like a local.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Fatih was excellent. He communicated well and was very knowledgeable. He took great care of us.
Fatih was an amazing and knowledgeable guide! He was so personal and extreamly detailed oriented with every place he took us to. He made sure we were all comfortable, safe, and treated us like family. We had a 75th birthday celebration and he even surprised us with an amazing cake. I can't say enough amazing things about fatih and how wonderful he made our experience in turkey!
This food tour was the highlight of our time in Istanbul! We were traveling as a group of friends. It was incredible value for money and Fatih was so informative. It was a mix of culture and food. So many tastings were included. My favourites were the pickles and the stuffed mussels. We also brought our 2 year old on the tour and they were very patient with her. Don’t hesitate to book you won’t regret it!
Really enjoyed our food tour got to see plenty along the way guide was very informative and friendly
We had such a fantastic time on this food tour - it was the best decision to book! We felt like we saw so many places and tried an incredible range of delicious foods, and it had so many bonuses, like taking the ferry between the European and Asian sides and lots of historical/cultural information which really brought everything together! Fatih was an awesome guide and his wife was so friendly. We would not hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone visiting Istanbul! You will be full to the brim and very happy afterwards!
Okay so I've done a few food tours before and this one was hands down the best. The Spice Bazaar was amazing, I could've spent hours there just looking around. The ferry ride across the Bosphorus was so pretty too, and Kadıköy has such a good vibe, way more local feeling. Food was so good across the board, I was kinda scared to try the mussels but glad I did lol. And then the menemen at the end was such a good way to finish. Our guide was awesome, super friendly and knew so much, made the whole thing really fun. Worth every penny honestly.
Spice Bazaar, ferry, menemen… sounds simple, but this tour deserves a lot more than that. What really stood out was how Fatih turned every stop into a story. It wasn’t just “here’s the food” he explained why it exists, where it came from, who started making it, and how it became part of Istanbul’s food culture. By the time we got to the stuffed mussels, which I almost skipped, I completely understood why locals line up for them instead of going for the touristy spots on the main strip. The simit was still warm, the menemen was amazing, and the baklava at the end nearly broke me. The ferry crossing was beautiful too, but one of the best parts was realizing halfway through the tour just how different the European and Asian sides of Istanbul feel. Somehow, in one morning, we got a real taste of both. The group was small, so everything felt relaxed and personal. We never felt rushed or like we were just being moved from one stop to the next. If you only do one food tour in Istanbul, skip the generic ones and do this one with Fatih.
This tour was amazing! The Spice Bazaar was so colorful and the smells were incredible. I bought some Turkish delight and it was the best I've ever had. The ferry ride to Kadıköy was so relaxing with the best views. The Asian side definitely has better food, trust me. The guide was fun and interesting. The Turkish coffee was the freshest I've ever had, you could taste the difference. And the menemen, perfect ending to a perfect tour. I'm already missing that 3 hour. If you're in Istanbul, do this tour.
No regrets. This tour was amazing. We started at the Spice Bazaar and I went a little crazy buying spices I don't even know how to use lol. The ferry ride was so peaceful with incredible views. Kadıköy is where it's at – so much better than the touristy side. The food was all delicious but the Turkish coffee was something else. So fresh and aromatic. The guide was awesome, super knowledgeable and fun to be around. And the menemen at the end? Perfect finishing touch. I left so full I had to unbutton my pants. Worth it though. Highly recommend!
I'm not usually one to write reviews but this tour was so good I had to. The Spice Bazaar was amazing, I loved all the smells and colors. The ferry ride was stunning, ohh lord so many photos. Kadıköy was vibrant, full of life. The food was all delicious, especially the baklava and the Turkish coffee. The guide was brilliant. Menemen Incredible. This was the best part of my Istanbul trip.
I had such a great food tour in Istanbul with Fatih. He was super friendly, knowledgeable and knew so many hidden gems that we would never have found on our own. What made it even better was how easygoing and fun he was to spend time with. It felt less like a formal tour and more like exploring Istanbul with a local friend who really knows the city, its food and culture. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Highly recommend booking a tour with him!
This tour was so cool. We literally started in Europe and ended in Asia. How wild is that? The Spice Bazaar was overwhelming in the best way – the smells, the colors, the chaos. I loved it. Then we took the ferry and the views were insane. Kadıköy felt so local and authentic, way better than the European side for food. The guide was brilliant, so friendly and made the history really interesting. I loved the Turkish coffee stop, you could tell it was freshly ground right there. And the menemen? Delicious. This tour was the highlight of my Istanbul trip for sure.
Fatih is exceptional. He made the history of Istanbul so accessible and fascinating. He wasn't just reciting dates, he was telling stories that connected the past to the present. He was so attentive and made sure everyone was engaged and happy. His recommendations for other things to do were priceless. He completely exceeded our expectations. We left feeling like we not only ate incredibly well but also truly understood Istanbul's heart and soul. Thank you so much Fatih!
Best decision ever, whole experience was seamless and incredibly enjoyable. Seeing the city from the Bosphorus while crossing to Asia is something I'll never forget. Our guide was friendly, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took us to spots we never would've found on our own. Every single thing we tasted was delicious but the authentic Turkish coffee and the final menemen were my absolute favorites. The menemen was so full of flavor. This is a must-do for any food lover visiting Istanbul
What an incredible guide, Fatih was so passionate and full of energy. His knowledge about the history of different civilizations in Turkey is seriously impressive. He explained things in such an engaging way, I was completely hooked. not just a great guide, he's a genuinely kind person. If you visit Istanbul, booking a tour with Fatih is a no-brainer. You'll leave with so much more than you came with.
This tour was so worth it. The ferry was stunning, the views were unreal. The Asian side felt so much more local and less touristy. The food was amazing, especially the baklava and the Turkish coffee. The guide was so nice. And the baklava was incredible. I make sure to put this my friends to do list. Highly recommend!
My favorite food tour ever. The mix of markets, ferry rides, and food stops was perfect. The Spice Bazaar was a sensory overload in the good way, and learning about the Turkish delight there was so fun. The ferry going to Kadıköy gives you stunning views. I loved the vibe of the Asian side, it feels so much more real. The food was all simple but delicious, the fresh Turkish coffee and the menemen really stood out for me. You could tell a lot of thought went into choosing each stop. Our guide was super friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and made everything easy and enjoyable.
My favorite food tour ever. The mix of markets, ferry rides, and food stops was perfect. The Spice Bazaar was a sensory overload in the good way, and learning about the Turkish delight there was so fun. The ferry going to Kadıköy gives you stunning views. I loved the vibe of the Asian side, it feels so much more real. The food was all simple but delicious, the fresh Turkish coffee and the menemen really stood out for me. You could tell a lot of thought went into choosing each stop. Our guide was super friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and made everything easy and enjoyable.
Fatih is the guide you hope for. He’s super professional but also so warm and approachable. He really knows his stuff from Ottoman history to modern Turkish cuisine. What I loved most was his sincerity. You can tell he genuinely loves what he does and wants everyone to have a great experience. He gave us so many insider tips that we used for the rest of our vacation. A truly fantastic guide who made our time in Istanbul so much more meaningful. Highly highly recommend!
I had such a good time on this tour! Genius concept, eat your way from Europe to Asia. The ferry ride was super chill. Our guide was so sweet and professional. The Kadıköy market was bustling and full of character. The food was all delicious, especially the stuffed mussels (I was nervous to try but so glad I did) and of course the menemen. I also loved that we could leave our Spice Bazaar purchases and pick them up later, these little details make a big difference. This was a definite highlight of my time in Istanbul.
I can't recommend Fatih enough. He's a walking encyclopedia of Istanbul's history and cuisine, but he's so down-to-earth and fun to be around. He made an effort to connect with everyone in the group, which was so nice. His passion for sharing his city's culture is infectious. He didn't just tell us history, he made us feel it. We got so many great tips on where to eat and what to see. He honestly made our holiday so much better. A brilliant guide who deserves all the praise. 5 stars isn't enough!
Fatih was so welcoming from the moment we met. He knew everything about Istanbul's culture and history and told it in a way that felt like stories, not facts. He was also really attentive, checked in on everyone and made sure we were all having a good time. I loved his food recommendations, we went to a few of them and they were spot on. He genuinely cares about giving you a good experience.
Fatih was honestly amazing. He knew so much about the city's history and made it interesting, not boring like a history class. He was also super patient with us taking forever at each stop. He gave us so many good tips for restaurants and things to do after the tour. You can tell he really loves his job. If you want a guide who actually cares, go with him. Simple as that.
This tour was incredible from start to finish. The Spice Bazaar was a dream, I bought so much Turkish delight I had to buy an extra bag lol. The ferry ride to Asia was stunning, I could've stayed on that boat all day. The Kadıköy market buzzing with energy and the food was all so fresh and tasty. Our guide was friendly and explained the history behind each dish without giving a lecture style. The menemen, Wow, I didn't know eggs with tomatoes could taste that good!!
Okay so I'm usually not a tour person but I decided to try this one and I'm so happy I did. The spice market smelled SO good I wanted to stay there. Then we hopped on the ferry and I swear I took a thousand photos of the Bosphorus, sorry to my Instagram followers lol. Kadıköy was so lively and the food was incredible. The guide was super chill and knew his stuff. I loved how he didn't rush us and let us enjoy everything. And that menemen, I will try to recreate it at home and most probably fail miserably. If you're in Istanbul, do yourself a favor and book this!!!
Honestly one of the best guides I've ever had. Fatih was so warm and welcoming from the get-go. He knew everything about the city's history and culture, and he told it in a way that felt like a friend telling you stories, not a teacher lecturing you. He was also really attentive – made sure everyone in the group was okay and having a good time. I loved his restaurant recommendations too, we went to a few after the tour and they were amazing. He genuinely cares about giving you a good experience.
Fatih is a gem! He knows literally almost everything about Istanbul's history but presents it in such a chill way, not boring at all. He's super approachable and answered all my million questions without getting annoyed lol. His stories about the different cultures that have lived in Istanbul were so captivating. He made sure we were all comfortable and having fun the whole time. He's not just a guide, also a storyteller. I learned so much and had a blast. A huge thank you to Fatih for making our trip so memorable!
This tour was so fun! I loved every minute of it. The highlight for me was the ferry across the Bosphorus – the views were like something from a postcard. Once we got to Kadıköy, it was a whole different world, so many cool local spots. Our guide was a pro, super friendly and knew all the best places. I'm so glad we had a licensed guide because we would've missed so much good stuff on our own. The menemen was the perfect way to end, it was so filling and tasty. Also the group was small which made it feel exclusive. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Istanbul.
What a morning! We started at the Spice Bazaar and I was amazed by the smells and colors. I bought some spices and tea, and they let us leave our bags there and pick them up after the tour which was great. Then we took the ferry to Kadıköy was smooth and gave us amazing views. The Asian side definitely feels more authentic for food. The Turkish coffee was the best I had in Turkey, hands down. Our guide was brilliant passionate, professional, and made sure we were all having a good time. The menemen was the perfect finish. I'm still thinking about it :) how such a simple dish can be that tasty :)
I came to Istanbul for the food and this tour delivered. The Spice Bazaar stop was so cool, I bought like a kilo of Turkish delight and some weird tea that's supposed to be good for your health lol. Best part, They let me leave my shopping there and pick it up after the tour so I didn't have to carry it around like a pack mule. The ferry to Kadıköy was beautiful, I took about 100 photos. The guide was super friendly and made everything fun. The Turkish coffee stop was so authentic, you could tell they ground the beans right there the smell was incredible. And the menemen? Perfect ending. after booking this tour, your taste buds will thank you.
We have booked this food tour by chance. We started the tour in Spice Bazaar, tried turkish delights which was amazing. Ferry ride is the best way to understand how big is Istanbul. Obviously Kadıköy has better food and there is a reason locals choose asian side for their food. menemen was unforgettable. This was the best part of my Istanbul trip. Fatih was our guide and he was amazing. Thank you for this experience.
Fatih knows Istanbul inside out. From the top tourist sites to the best local food spots, he made our trip seamless and unforgettable. Friendly, accommodating, and full of great stories. If you want a truly memorable team trip to Istanbul, book with him. Highly recommend!
Our guide, Fatih would say, “Vamos bailamos,” as he practiced speaking Spanish. :) He brought humor, patience, helpful recommendations, as well as passion and pride for Turkey and its history.
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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