Guide to Istanbul’s Flavors

Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents, is as diverse in its culinary offerings as it is in its culture. This guide takes you on a gastronomic journey through Istanbul’s various districts, each boasting its own unique flavors and specialties. From the fresh seafood of the Islands to the rich desserts of Beyoğlu, the vibrant pickles of Beşiktaş to the traditional meat dishes of Fatih, Istanbul’s culinary landscape is a mosaic of tastes and traditions. As we explore these areas, we’ll discover not just the food but also the stories and history behind these iconic dishes that define the essence of Istanbul’s rich culinary heritage.

The Islands (Adalar)

• Fish, Meze, Ice Cream: Known for seafood and refreshing desserts.

Beşiktaş

• Fish, Pickles: Fresh fish and a variety of pickles.
• Beşiktaş-Beyoğlu: Famous for almond paste.
• Beşiktaş Ortaköy: Known for “Kumpir” (stuffed baked potato) and mussels.

Beykoz

• Beykoz Paça: A unique soup variety.
• Beykoz Anadolu Kavağı: Renowned for its fish dishes.

Beyoğlu

• Beyoğlu Chocolate: Special chocolate varieties.
• Beyoğlu Fish Market: Fish and meze selections.
• Beyoğlu Cihangir: Various pickles.
• Beyoğlu Sütlüce: Specialty in sweetbreads.

Çatalca

• Water Buffalo Yogurt: Rich and flavorful.

Eyüpsultan

• Eyüp Güvec (casserole), Eyüp Ring, Almond Cookies: Regional delicacies.
• Eyüpsultan Alibeyköy: Tulumba dessert and pickles.
• Eyüpsultan Kemerburgaz: Pickles and meatballs.

Fatih

• Eminönü: Famous for fish sandwiches.
• Women’s Market: Büryan (pit-cooked lamb).
• Kıztaşı: Head and foot soup.
• Kumkapı: Fish and meze.
• Samatya: Kebab, fish, and meze.
• Sultanahmet: Meatballs.
• Süleymaniye: Dried beans.
• Unkapanı: Chicken rice.
• Vefa: Traditional Boza drink.

Kadıköy Moda

• Ice Cream, Chocolate: Sweet options.

Sarıyer

• Sarıyer Pastry, Sarıyer Pudding, Fish: Local flavors.
• Rumeli Kavağı: Fish, mussels, and figs.

Silivri

• Creamy Tray Yogurt: Thick and creamy.
• Selimpaşa: Okra and melon.

Şile

• Fish: Fresh seafood.
• Ağva: Fish and “Mancarlı Pide” (pita with herbs).

Üsküdar

• Meatballs, Fish, Pickles: Various flavors.
• Çamlıca: Famous for Çamlıca pretzels.
• Kanlıca: Kanlıca yogurt.
• Kuzguncuk: Almond cookies and chocolate.
• Çengelköy: Çengelköy almonds.

Tuzla

• Meatballs, Fish: Classic tastes.

Zeytinburnu

• Merkezefendi: Meatballs.
• Yedikule: Lettuce.