Istanbul is a city flourishing in the Orient. Although Turkey lies on both the Asian and European continents, you would hardly find similarity to Europe there. Their culture is reminiscent of the culture of the Middle East, and this is reflected in the human nature there, as well as in their delicious cuisine, which is among the best healthiest in the world. What you need to try during your visit to Istanbul and what dishes you should not forget to taste, all this in this article.
1. Baklava- the Istanbul’s sweetest food
An inseparable part of Turkish cuisine is a honey cake called baklava. Today you can easily buy it here in Slovakia, but the atmosphere of tasting baklava in the oriental country is unforgettable. Baklava is most widespread in Turkey, Central Asia and the Balkans. Bon appetite!
2. Turkish Coffee
In our understanding, Turkish coffee is just plain coffee, over which many people just bend their nose. But the Turks would certainly disagree with such a name for potted coffee, because Turkish coffee is quite different from what we think. In fact, it is specially prepared coffee with the help of so-called. and the coffee beans are directly brewed in it. As a result, this coffee is much stronger and more intense. Such a coffee is a pleasant experience, whether you are a coffee machine or not.
3. Pide-Turkish pizza is a truly delicious food
Pide is a pizza in Turkish style. It’s actually an elongated pastry with some filler. Most often, vegetables, cheese, or meat are used as fillers, especially kebabs. Personally, I really liked pide with goat cheese. You can find Pide in every Istanbul restaurant and if you feel like something other than our classic pizza, Pide is definitely a good choice.
4. Turkish tea
Turkey tea is one of the most popular drinks in Turkey, the Balkans and Cyprus. It is a relatively strong black tea that is grown in an area called Riga. It is served in small viewing glasses on decorated saucers. Probably the most common pattern is a tulip. Related to this is the fact that the tulip is planted during the season at the Hagia Sophia and makes the largest living carpet in the world. The custom is that this tea is sweetened with two to three cubes of sugar, which gives it a real sweet and exceptional taste.
5. Turkish Honey-the most popular candy food
Traditional sweets in Turkey are nothing but Turkish honey. This delicacy is made from egg white, honey, sugar and chopped nuts. In Istanbul, Turkish delight is actually sold on every corner. Fortunately, sellers have expanded their product range here, and in addition to honey according to traditional recipes, you can find here all kinds of flavors from the fiction of the world. In most stalls, Turkish delight can be tasted for free before you buy it.
6. Kebab or Turkish meatis the most popular food
Although I personally limit meat for a long time, I can’t forget that Turkish cuisine is full of meat dishes and lamb or beef is one of the most widespread food in Turkey. Thanks to a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and meat, even Turkish cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world.
7. Spices and teas on Turkish bazaars
Istanbul is a city of colors and this is mainly due to the large variety of spices that are sold literally everywhere. In the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar you will find spices from the fiction of the world. Everybody knows the classic ingredients like chili or turmeric. But how about trying something extraordinary. In Istanbul you will also find the most expensive spices in the world. It is saffron, which is obtained from the stigma of the saffron flower. Only one gram of this miraculous flower costs up to € 20,000. But if you’re lucky, the saffron tea tasting will also be offered at the bazaar stalls. In return, you can buy some souvenirs or other, cheaper spices.
8. Simit – Istanbul’s most popular street food
Simit is a traditional pastry that originated during the Ottoman Empire. It is sprinkled with sesame seeds and in Turkey it is the most popular street food. At Hippodrome in Istanbul you will find at least 5 stalls offering semit and you can taste it for less than 3 euros. This sweet pastry is also usually served at breakfast in hotels.
9. Muhallebi Milk Pudding
The traditional muhallebi milk pudding recipe is originally from Persia and its main ingredients are rice, sugar, flour and milk. You can taste these puddings at most restaurants and other businesses. The history of these puddings goes back to the 7th century, when one cook served this pudding to an Arab general who tasted so much that he named it himself. This theory is of course not confirmed.
10. Lokum-Turkish jelly food
Turkey jelly has been tasted by everyone. However, to taste it in Turkey is a real charm. In addition, you can find this goodness literally on every corner and also in different flavors.
Food guide for Istanbul we should. However, what sights you should visit in this beautiful oriental city can be found in the Istanbul-List of 12 Places you have to see.
I hope you enjoyed the Istanbul Food Guide. If you have any questions or comments, I will be pleased with your comments.
