Private And Guided Istanbul Food Tour: Taste Of Istanbul

We enjoyed Durya's Istanbul walking tour and food tour. She is very easy to communicate with and adapted to our needs and pace. Her subject knowledge is very good and she made the tour very enjoyable experience. Highly recommended!

One of the most enjoyable tours I’ve taken anywhere in the world. Some great food - particularly the mackerel wrap and the Kurdish kebabs. However, the stand out of the tour was our guide Derya. The tour was full of, not just good food, but laughter. It felt like we were being shown around Istanbul by a good friend. A memorable, and highly recommended, experience.

Our family four spend just under a week in Istanbul in March 2026, and spent two days on two different tours with Derya. She was absolutely amazing!! We first did the 1/2 day food tour, starting in Karikoy and ending in the Asia side of Istanbul (Including the ferry ride over). The 2nd tour (Also with Derya) was the historical sites, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. Derya was the perfect guide for us on our first trip ever to Istanbul. She is knowledge and passionate about making sure her guests have a great experience, which we did. Our two girls, aged 11 and 13 loved her - Derya kept them fully engaged and interested the entire time, by balancing the history/ cultural part of the tours with fun stories, food, treats/sweets, and just engaging us in conversation. Both my girls said when we were leaving Istanbul that they missed Derya! We are so grateful for the time she spent with us and for making our time in Istanbul such a fine and memorable experience. Prior to our tours, the communication and coordination with the company was top notch. This is a first class team and I highly recommend them to anyone visiting Istanbul!

We had a fantastic private food tour — Taste of Istanbul — with our guide Fukan. The Turkish breakfast was delicious, and we tried the freshest baklava. The tour was full of laughter, fun, a local ferry ride, and an authentic Istanbul experience. Fukan was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the day truly special. We wish we had met him earlier, as we would have loved to spend more time with him on other tours. Unlike some other tours we’ve done, there were no hidden costs — everything was transparent, which made the experience even better. A wonderful way to explore Istanbul through food and local culture!

We always try to book a food tour when visiting a new destination, and the guided private food tour “Taste of Istanbul” was by far the best one we’ve ever done. Our guide, Furkan, was exceptional. The tour covered both the European and Asian sides of the city, including a ferry ride between the two, and lasted over five hours. At every stop we were greeted with a warm, friendly smile, and we spent the day visiting places Furkan genuinely loves and enjoys himself with friends, far from the usual tourist spots. The food was absolutely unreal, and despite our limited time in Istanbul, we truly felt that we experienced the city in a deep and meaningful way. The people, culture, food, and of course Furkan, made Istanbul one of our favorite cities. A special note for travelers with mobility issues, as we have: Istanbul is not perfectly designed for accessibility, but Furkan’s local knowledge, flexibility, and thoughtful personal touches made the experience smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable for us.

Derya was absolutely fantastic and the two tours we did with her (the food tour and Hagia Sophia/Blue Mosque/Grand Bazaar tour) were the highlights of our trip to Istanbul. She is a brilliant, informative and hilarious guide.

We had an unforgettable culinary journey through Istanbul's lively food scene, guided by Furkan. From the secret local spots to legendary dishes each stop was bursting with flavor, culture and fun. A huge thank you to Furkan for sharing your passion and stories, you truly made this food tour extraordinary.

A really great food tour. Experienced it all on both the European and Asian side of Istanbul. A wonderful cultural experience. Durban was a great guide

Had an amazing day exploring both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, and tasting lots of local and truly authentic Turkish food. From simit (bagel) dipped in honey and clotted cream to Turkish tea (cay) and coffee, from lahmacun (pizza) topped with fresh herbs and lemon juice to stuffed mussels and fried pork intestine sandwiches (described as “hangover food”), and from golden baklava and dondurma ice cream to delicious Kurdish doner kebabs. Everything was truly delicious and fresh. And our guide, Derya, was a true delight - kind, knowledgeable, and funny. We loved seeing Istanbul through her eyes and she took us to a lot of great local places. One of our best days in Istanbul. Highly recommend!!!

The best thing to do at the start of your visit to Istanbul to take a private and guided Istanbul food tour - Taste of Istanbul. Our guide, Furkan, was fantastic. He thoughtfully planned the experience, providing us with a full and flavorful taste of the city. I did this tour with my two teenagers and they absolutely loved it. I highly recommend Furkan and his company.

We had an incredible food tour that included a visit to the Grand Bazaar , guided by Furkan. His politeness and knowledge were impressive, making our experience unforgettable. The food was absolutely amazing, and the itinerary was perfectly tailored to our preferences. Furkan provided valuable insights into the culture, history, and culinary offerings of Istanbul, and he was instrumental in assisting us with our purchases at the Grand Bazaar. This day was perfect, and it was worth every penny we spent.

We went on several food tour during our recent trip to Europe and this one was by far the best experience we had. Furkan was an amazing guide showcasing his extensive knowledge and flexibility. We felt as though we were exploring Istanbul with an old friend. The eateries we visited were favorites among the locals and every dish was delicious.

Wonderful morning with Furkan, our friendly and knowledgeable guide. Delicious food and so lovely to visit places locals love rather than touristy ones. Furkan was great with our teenage kids involving them in the experience and sharing more than food but also insights into Turkish culture. Thankyou so much

We booked a food tour with Private Istanbul Walking Tours for our first full day in Istanbul and enjoyed it so much that we ended up booking another tour two days later! Our guide, Furkan, was fantastic. We learned so much about the food and history of Istanbul and got to visit some fantastic neighborhoods that we wouldn’t have otherwise visited. The food on our tour was fantastic and very plentiful. I highly recommend this company and will book with them again the next time I visit Istanbul.

Fabulous day trying the foods of Turkey! Derya picked us up from our hotel and we went to breakfast near Galataport, then we wandered around that neighborhood trying coffee and baklava. We crossed over via ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul and got more lunch-ish items and then finished with kabobs. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and were very full by the end of the day! Derya was a delight to chat with through the day and hopefully we'll make it back and be able to plan another trip! Catching the ferry back to the European side of the city was super easy and it dropped us off right on the main street to our hotel where it was just a 10 minute walk to get to. Highly recommend this tour and Derya as a guide!

It was an experiência, we met for breakfast to have a real turkish experiência so it started in a high. We stopped couple times before getting to lunch always getting a deeper knoledge of Turkey's food, politcs and economics. It gave me a better understanding of such amazing country. Furkan was attentive, friendly and Professional, loved it.

Our guide couldn’t have been better. We tried so many foods and went all over. He picked us up at the hotel and made sure we knew several different ways to get home. We learned a lot about the culture and political system, which was an added bonus. I lived That it was a private tour and he took extra care for our youngest that wasn’t feeling 100%

Our guide knew Istanbul inside and out. Very informative food tour. Very qualify and knowledgable to secure any tourism

My friends and I had the most fantastic food tour in Istanbul with our excellent guide, Derya! She met us at our hotel, and we kicked things off with a fantastic breakfast at a local favorite pastry shop. The freshly baked borek,cheese, olives, menemen, and our group’s absolute favorite, honey, and clotted cream, were to die for! We even tried rice pudding cooked with chicken, which turned out to be delightful surprise. Throughout the day, we explored both Asia and Europe, making six delicious stops, all of which were excellent. The tour included plenty of walking, lovely ferry ride, and tons of laughter. It was the perfect way to enjoy our time in Istanbul. Thank you, Derya! You truly made our experience unforgettable!

Derya took us on an unforgettable food tour of Istanbul that spanned nearly five delightful hours. We sampled an incredible variety of local dishes, from savory kebabs to flaky baklava, each bite offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culinary tapestry. Her charming personality shone through every interaction, and her warm smile made the experience feel more like an outing with a close friend rather than just a guided tour. The way she connected with each vendor showcased her love for the city and its people, creating a welcoming environment that invited us to ask questions and share our own experiences. By the end of the tour, we not only felt wonderfully satisfied but also deeply appreciative of the city’s essence, thanks to Derya's passionate storytelling. Without a doubt, she was the best tour guide we have ever had, leaving us with lasting memories and a genuine connection to Istanbul.

Spending time with Furkan was truly fantastic. I really appreciated how enjoyable the day was, and it meant a lot to me to have such a positive experience. I learned so much during our time together. The shopping was great, but the food truly stole the show. Furkan has such a warm spirit that instantly puts everyone at ease. This feeling made my introduction to the gastro culture in Istanbul not only memorable but also exceeded all my expectations. Thank you, Furkan, for a wonderful day.

We always prefer to take private tours during our travels, and our trip to Istanbul was no exception. Derya was highly recommended by a friend, and she certainly lived up to the praise. Over the course of two full days, we immersed ourselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of the city. Derya expertly guided us through iconic landmarks, unveiling their fascinating stories, while also leading us to hidden gems far from the typical tourist paths. We wandered through bustling bazaars filled with vibrant textiles and fragrant spices, and indulged in the delectable offerings of traditional Turkish cuisine, savoring every bite. With her deep knowledge of the city and its people, Derya navigated Istanbul like a true local, warmly greeting acquaintances at every turn. The entire visit was seamless; thanks to her meticulous planning, we never had to wait in line or feel rushed, allowing us to truly soak in each experience. As we made our way through the enchanting streets, we couldn’t help but wish for more time in this beautiful city. Istanbul and Turkey have so much to offer, and we left longing to explore even further.

We arranged a food tour ahead of our arrival at the Istanbul cruise port, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision. Furkan met us at Galataport and guided us through an enriching five and a half hour experience, where he shared insights into Turkish cuisines, history and culture. This tour was undoubtedly the highlights of our two week Mediterranean journey. The warmth and friendliness of the Turkish people made us feel very safe and comfortable as we explored Istanbul. If you’re planning a visit to the city, I highly recommend taking a tour with Furkan to truly appreciate all that Istanbul has to offer.

My husband and I recently embarked on an incredible food tour in Istanbul with Furkan, who guided us through both the European and Asian sides of the city. The day began with a delightful breakfast featuring traditional dishes that set the perfect tone for the culinary adventure ahead. We savored melt in your mouth baklava and rich pistachio and enjoyed refreshing ice cream that was both creamy and flavorful. As we explored the bustling streets, we indulged in stuffed mussels, perfectly seasoned and served warm, followed by mouthwatering kebabs that captured the essence of Turkish cuisine. The highlight of the tour was definitely the seasonal street food, showcasing local specialties that truly reflected the vibrant culture of Istanbul. Every bite offered a new story, making it a memorable journey for any food lover. This was undoubtedly the most amazing food tour we've ever experienced.

Booking our culinary tour with Derya was the best decision we made for our Istanbul adventure. As the planner of our trip, I was thrilled to have scheduled this experience early on (Day 2), giving us insider knowledge for the rest of our stay. The array of food we sampled was exceptional—authentic, off the beaten path, and a delightful gateway to discovering our own culinary preferences. Derya's expertise in selecting the perfect food spots was unparalleled, and her recommendations enriched our dining experiences throughout the trip. Communication with Derya was a breeze. She was accommodating, engaging, and her passion for Istanbul's culture and cuisine was infectious. This tour was more than just a food tasting; it was an enriching journey through the city's history and traditions, making it the highlight of our visit. If you have any reservations about the cost, rest assured it is well worth it. You will indulge in a diverse array of foods, teas, coffees, and desserts, each carefully chosen by Derya for an authentic taste of Istanbul. This day was a cherished memory and a testament to the value of our investment. If you want to maximize your Istanbul experience, don't hesitate—book this tour with Derya!

We loved our tour guide Furkan. He was so friendly and personable. We enjoyed every spot he took us and all the food he presented to us. I am a vegetarian and the other 3 people in the group weren’t. He went out of his way to make sure I was always taken care of. We tried things we never would have otherwise. It was such a fun way to get a true taste of Turkish cuisine. Great tour. Well worth the money.

We had an awesome vacation, all thanks to the amazing planning by the Private Istanbul Walking Tours travel company. It was our first time using a travel agent, and it was great to have everything sorted out by Furkan, who knows the country so well. All the accommodations, drivers and tours were perfect and we didn't have to worry about anything. Our ten-day itinerary was just right for exploring Turkey and visiting Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Bodrum. Each day was full of advanture, and we never got bored. Learning about Turkey's history was fascinating, the Istanbul food tour and Cappadocia hot air ballon tour were our highlights. The tours were informative without being overwhelming. We also had a blast in Bodrum, especially the day we spent on a boat. We highly recommend Furkan and his team.

We had an excellent day with Furkan and visited so many different places with a really wide variety of dishes. The day started with a lovely breakfast (I wish I could take the cream home in my suitcase 😄) and we even stopped for a beer. The stuffed mussels were a great surprise too. Would highly recommend this tour, Furkan was great company. However as we didn’t hear from him we guess our lottery ticket didn’t win 🤣

My family and I have been very blessed to have had the opportunity to travel extensively around the globe, and during these trips, we often hire local tour guides to aid in our adventures. On a recent trip to Istanbul, we had the good fortune to be assigned Derya for a private guided walking tour of local eateries. From its inception, this educational excursion was met with significant resistance from my three teenage daughters, who preferred not to get up at 0730 to expand their culinary horizons but rather lay in the air conditioning and watch TikToks all day. Undeterred by their grumpiness and pleas to stay in bed, we pressed on and assembled in the hotel lobby, where we met Derya. She immediately put everyone at ease with her warm personality, infectious smile & positive attitude. For the next 8 hours, we went from one amazing quaint little cafe to the next. Derya's knowledge of local cuisine, culture & history was extraordinary. It was like we were taking a college-level class in Anatolian history while sampling the most delicious Turkish cuisines. Each location was better than the previous, and Derya expertly planned the route & menu so that (1) the portions were such that you never felt "stuffed" (2) each restaurant was easily accessible on foot, (3) yet just far apart enough to burn off a few calories and make room for the next stop. Needless to say, the day was a huge success, and it was all smiles and hugs as we said goodbye to Derya. But our adventure did not stop there.... Later that evening, I received a WhatsApp message from Derya recommending several amazing dinner options within walking distance from our hotel. We were so impressed and appreciative of Derya's genuine desire to see us enjoy our stay in Turkey that we hired her again several days later to give us a guided shopping tour of the Grand Bazaar. This decision turned out to be a huge windfall for me, as Derya knew exactly which vendors to deal with for the highest-quality handbags, rugs, jewelry, and spices. Not only did she ensure we purchased the best-quality products, but she was also very familiar with pricing throughout the Bazaar and helped us negotiate excellent deals. I normally do not fill out surveys or write reviews ( now that I think about it, this is my 1st one ). but in this case, Derya's level of customer service, local knowledge and professionalism was so extraordinary that I felt compelled to share our stories. If you are planning a trip to Istanbul, I strongly encourage you to contact Derya in advance for recommendations on hotels, restaurants, transportation, tours, etc. I can promise you will be glad you did!!!

Our unforgettable five and half-hour walking tour through Europe and Asia included an incredible food tasting experience. We were delighted to spend time with Furkan, who led us to savour mouthwatering, authentic Turkish cuisine that we would have missed without his expertise. Furkan’s profound understanding of the city and his well established connections enriched our adventure, offering us an exquisite fusion of food, history, culture, daily life, and exploration.

The Istanbul food tour with Derya exceeded my expectations. Derya not only gave a great tour and was hilarious, but she also shared a wealth of knowledge as a food and wine expert. We visited Karakoy and Kadikoy, where we tasted wonderful traditional breakfast, baklava, ice cream, stuffed mussels, kebabs and wine. It was definitely worth the time and money if you want to experience Istanbul and Turkish gastronomy.

We went on this awesome private and guided Istanbul food tour with Furkan as our guide. He met us at the Galataport cruise terminal and even dropped us off at our hotel after the tour. We got to keep our suitcases in the van during the tour, so we didn’t have to worry about checking out from the cruise. The tour lasted almost six hours and took us to both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with stops at hidden gem locations where we got to try so many delicious Turkish foods. The baklava and kebab were out of this world! Furkan was super cool, fun and really engaged with our group. He’s definitely the best tour guide we’ve ever had, and the service they provided was top notch.

I visited Istanbul multiple times for work, but it was my first time joining a guided food tour. I had heard great things about Furkan from my colleagues, so my expectations were high, and he exceeded them all. His knowledge, energy, and passion for food were incredible. It’s clear that he loves Istanbul and definitely knows his food. I highly recommend Private Istanbul Walking Tours, especially with our wonderful guide Furkan. One quick tip for travelers: be prepared for a good amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Also, it’s better not to plan a big dinner as you’ll be eating a lot of food. Lastly, it can get hot in Istanbul in July and August.

My family and I had a fantastic food tour with Furkan. He is exceptionally knowledgeable about Turkish cuisine and took great care of us. We had a fantastic time and are already excited for our next tour with him in Istanbul after we return from our African safari on our way home. Tesekkur ederim.

This food tour was so much fun (and delicious). Our guide, Furkan, was the best...knowledgeable, funny and kept the pace easy for our group of 10. We saw so much of the local neighborhoods (and sampled so many Turkish foods) that we would not have seen if not on this tour (with an added stop to sample raki(?)). This experience is well worth the time, whether visiting Istanbul for a day or several days. Furkan was conscious of the time we needed to be on board our cruise ship and had us at the port in plenty of time. This tour is not to be missed!!

Our food tour with Furkan was an absolute feast for the senses, featuring a delightful array of traditional Turkish delicacies like breakfast, baklava, ice cream, fish sandwiches, stuffed mussels, fizzy shots, and delectable kebabs. Furkan was not just incredibly knowledgeable and punctual, but also so warm and entertaining. He truly made the whole experience unforgettable. It set the perfect tone for our incredible 10 day trip to Turkey.

Furkan was amazing and always so nice and information. He planned the most amazing trip in our four days in Istanbul. He was with us the entire way showing us pearls and introducing us to some amazing cultural experiences that you would never get on your own. We did several tours with his company, and some of the highlights were the food tour and going to the different mosques We went to Taxim Square as well as some of the neighborhoods on the Asia side. He is super educational, enthusiastic, and got along well with the whole family. I can’t say enough about how amazing our experience was because of him I would highly recommend his company anywhere in Turkey.

Wonderful start to our time in Istanbul. Derya was knowledgeable, entertaining and warm. We covered a lot of ground, visited many diverse food venues and learnt a lot while sampling delicious fare. While travelling between areas we learnt some Istanbul history and how to use the public transport system. Wear comfortable shoes and loose fitting clothes because you will walk and eat a lot! Thanks Derya!

After a friend’s recommendation, we booked a tour with Private Istanbul Walking Tours, and it truly exceeded our expectations. The Istanbul food tour, guided by Furkan, was the highlight of our trip. Furkan’s wealth of knowledge and engaging storytelling made the experience truly delightful. We not only learned a great deal but also indulged in a variety of exquisite local flavors, elevating our appreciation for Istanbul. This tour is an absolute must for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of this incredible city.

Furkan was an amazing guide. He was punctual and met us at the hotel. We started the day with lovely Turkish breakfast, followed by coffee and baklava. Then we took a relaxing ferry ride to the Asia side for lunch. We also visited local shops on the Asian side for local treat. Along the way, Furkan gave insights on the importance of the Turkish cuisine, and historic culture of the city. He was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions patiently. Tour lasted 5 hours (perfect balance of walking and eating). I would highly recommend this tour!

Furkan was wonderful. He catered to our vegetarian diet and provided delicious food options. He also took care of our transportation needs. Highly enjoyed this tour.

My husband and I visited Istanbul for a week as a side trip tagged to my work conference. We are both foodies and love learning about the culture of the countries we visit through food. We have heard great things and expectations were high. But oh my goodness - this tour and our guide, the lovely Derya has lifted the veil of real Istanbul during our walking tour with her. The food, the smalls the people, culture and traditions of this beautiful country were explained and experienced through Derya’s experience and knowledge. Every request was catered too and accomodate. Every question about history, food and tradition was answered by the very knowledgeable and lovely Derya. There is absolutely no way that we could have seen what we have seen tasted what we have tasted and experience what we have experienced without Derya by our side. I could not recommend this tour and Derya enough - if you want to experience real Istanbul I highly recommend this tour. We met a guide we said goodbye to a friend. This incredible experience won’t ever leave our memories!

We had the best time and the best guide for this tour! I cannot recommend Derya highly enough! She is so knowledgeable about the food, culture, and the area of both the Asian and the European side, taking us to many local, high quality places to try various foods. We enjoyed each dish very much: Breakfast with many vegetables, eggs, clotted cream with honey, and bread; Turkish Coffee, Baklava, Ice Cream, Kabob, fun drinks, and we had the best time. Worth every Lira and more. Do not miss this tour.

Great introduction to the city! I think food is the best part of traveling, and this tour covered it all! Come hungry and try everything recommended. Just don't eat it all. Have to save room for the next treat🎉. Local guide provides so much information on current issues. Can't recommend enough!!!

I just had to share about our incredible time exploring Istanbul with Furkan. He was our third tour guide in Istanbul, and we really wished we had found him sooner. Unlike the other tour guides, Furkan never rushed us or took us to shops. From the moment he greeted us at our hotel to the end of the tour, we had a blast and tried so many delicious local dishes at hidden gems we wouldn’t have found on our own. My teenagers loved the fish sandwich and kebab restaurant, while I couldn’t get enough of the breakfast and Turkish coffee. Furkan knows all the best spots; everybody greets him with a big smile. Get ready for lots of walking, laughter, and eating. We were so full by the end that we didn’t even need dinner that night. It was the perfect way to wrap up our time in Istanbul. Furkan offers all kind of tours in Istanbul and Turkey, and next time we’ll definitely book all our tours with him.

We had a bit of a difficult start to our food tour due to the bed weather. Despite the rain, Furkan’s friendly and welcoming nature made all the difference. Our trip to Karakoy by tram ended with a lovely breakfast, and luckily, the weather improved afterwards. It almost seemed like Furkan’s charm had influenced the weather too. Exploring the cafes, street food vendors and shops he recommended was an amazing way to experience Istanbul. We learned a lot about breakfast and Turkish coffee culture, and got to enjoy treats like baklava, kokorec, stuffed mussels, and a refreshing feezy shot. We highly recommend him and Private Istanbul Walking Tours to anyone planning to visit Istanbul.

Melis, our guide, made this a wonderful experience. She was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and generous in guiding our trip, facilitating warm welcomes, delicious food experiences and local knowledge. We got insights that made us so much better aware of what's available and worth trying.

My 18 year old daughter and I had an amazing food tour of Istanbul with Furkan. He was an entertaining and informative guide who took us to fantastic food outlets. Even though I had been to Istanbul before, it still felt like a fresh introduction for me. We learned a lot about the significance of tea, coffee and food in Turkish culture. The kebab was not just impressive, it was a delight that we savored so much that we barely ate dinner that night. Furkan's in depth knowledge of Istanbul and its culture made it the perfect way to start our trip. I highly recommend this tour and suggest you ask for Furkan as your guide.

We absolutely loved this tour! We did the private tour .Our guide Furkan was so knowledgeable and took us to incredible venues. We tasted many things we had never had before and thoroughly enjoyed the neighborhoods he walked us through. He took us at our own pace and we enjoyed food on both continents. On the ferry ride he gave us great information about the area and history. We would definitely request him again!