Food tours in Istanbul
A food tour is the quickest way to eat your way around Istanbul. The most comfortable months are May to September, with highs around 78°F (26°C) and about 6 rainy days a month.
Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Top food tours in Istanbul
Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & FerryFrom $135View 
Taste of Istanbul Food Tour: Street Food & CultureFrom $40View 
Istanbul Europe to Asia Food Tour - Local Markets & FerryFrom $40View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
What to eat and drink in Istanbul
Expect to taste the local staples. Ones to look for:
- Kebab
- Grilled or spit-roasted meat; Istanbul has dozens of regional styles.
- Baklava
- Layers of filo pastry with chopped nuts, soaked in syrup or honey.
- Simit
- A sesame-crusted bread ring sold from street carts all over the city.
- Lahmacun
- Thin flatbread topped with spiced minced meat, rolled up with herbs and lemon.
- Meze
- A spread of small dishes (dips, salads, pickles) shared before the main course.
- Börek
- Flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach or minced meat, often eaten for breakfast.
- Turkish delight
- Lokum: soft cubes of starch and sugar flavoured with rose, citrus or nuts.
- Döner
- Meat roasted on a vertical spit and sliced into bread or a wrap.
How to pick a good food tour
- Skip a big meal beforehand: most tours serve the equivalent of lunch or dinner across six to ten stops.
- Small groups of 12 or fewer get served faster and fit into tiny counters and bars.
- Check what's included. Some tours count drinks as stops, others charge for them on the day.
- Ask about dietary swaps before you book. Many tours can replace meat or gluten dishes if they know ahead.
Istanbul month by month
Averages for Kireçburnu, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 48 (9) | 49 (9) | 54 (12) | 61 (16) | 70 (21) | 78 (26) | 82 (28) | 83 (28) | 76 (25) | 68 (20) | 59 (15) | 51 (11) |
| Low °F (°C) | 38 (4) | 38 (4) | 41 (5) | 47 (8) | 55 (13) | 63 (17) | 69 (20) | 70 (21) | 63 (17) | 56 (14) | 49 (9) | 42 (6) |
| Rainy days | 17 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 18 |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:00 pm | 6:38 pm | 7:10 pm | 7:43 pm | 8:15 pm | 8:38 pm | 8:35 pm | 8:04 pm | 7:14 pm | 6:24 pm | 5:46 pm | 5:37 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for food tours in Istanbul?
May to September. Expect highs around 78°F (26°C) and about 6 rainy days a month. The least comfortable months are January and February.
What food is Istanbul known for?
Kebab: grilled or spit-roasted meat; Istanbul has dozens of regional styles. Baklava: layers of filo pastry with chopped nuts, soaked in syrup or honey. Simit: a sesame-crusted bread ring sold from street carts all over the city.
Where can I book food tours in Istanbul?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
