Istanbul Food Tasting Tour

Departing from Eminönü, you will head to the first location, the Spice Market or Misir Çarsisi. One of the possible translations of ‘Misir’ is ‘Egypt’, so the market is also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. In the old days, the spices came from India and South-East Asia to Egypt and, from there, were transported to Istanbul via the Mediterranean Sea. Surrounded by a dizzying array of colors and aromas, you will find rare and common spices, alternative remedies for aches and pains and aphrodisiacs that have been tested through the centuries. Then, you will take a public ferry to the Asian Side and try simit, a traditional circular bread with sesame, poppy, flax or sunflower seeds. While on board the ferry, you will get the chance to feed seagulls and take pictures of them. On the Asian side, you will indulge in tasting traditional street food. The dishes will include rice stuffed and fried mussels, tantuni (thinly sliced beef with Turkish spices, herbs, onions and tomatoes, all rolled in a durum wheat wrap), as well as Turkish Burger and Turkish coffee, prepared in a cezve on hot sand.