The city of Istanbul, the meeting point of the East and the West has simply an amazing food travel. This busy city is not only renowned by the beautiful architecture and abundant history it possesses, though, it is also the paradise of the foods in Istanbul.
The streets of the city are always filled with appetizing smell, burnt kebabs and baked pastries. Be it in the gourmet restaurant or a meal eaten at the stall in the street, gustatory impressions of Istanbul reveal a history of centuries of cultural integration. The Turkish cuisine incorporates Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterannean as well as Balkan influences to produce a menu that is as diverse as it is flavourful.
Food tours have taken precedence with tourists as many Tour Packages to Istanbul include food tours these days. Such packages also contain local food experiences, and it allows visitors to find out traditional dishes, recipe of the region, and the secrets. Istanbul serves up all kinds of food from well-known fare to lesser-known greatness.
To all who are thinking of Holiday Packages to Istanbul, make sure that you incorporate into your itinerary options the time to absorb the food of Istanbul; it is indeed among the best ways of relating to the Turkish culture. And, the good news is that? In Istanbul, the abundance of the most delicious dishes cannot be an expensive experience with numerous cheap Istanbul tours.
Here are some of the must-try foods in Istanbul.
1. Doner Kebab an Old Turkish Favourite
Doner kebab is what is probably the most popular Turkish food export. Its contents are prepared by the slow roasting of thin sections of spiced meat (usually lamb or chicken) on a vertical spit, and ambulatory in a piece of flatbread or perfected on a plate accompanied by rice. In Istanbul you can find doner almost on each street corner and it is impossible to imagine the life of this city without this meal.
2. Simit The Turkish Bagel
This bread ring covered with sesame is a very widespread snack or breakfast dish. Simit is crispy on the outside but soft within and usually it is sold by the street hawkers pushing carts within the city. Locals consume it with tea or cheese and it is so fast and good that it makes it convenient to travelers who are on the move.
3. Lahmacun -Turkish Pizza
Lahmacun is thin and crunchy with a spicy flavor to it, consisting of minced meat, vegetables, and seasoning. It can be rolled up in fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, it is a delicious street food which is easy to consume during walking around the city. Most Holiday Packages to Istanbul offer guided tours of local delicacies such as lahmacun.
4. Balik Ekmek- Fish Sandwich on the Bosphorus
Balik ekmek (grilled fish sandwich) is a real Istanbul experience and is typically sold along the waterfront in places such as Eminonu. Grilled fish caught fresh is shoved into bread with lettuce and onions. It is easy, nutritious and very delicious.
5. Turkish Delight (Lokum) A Sweet Treat
Turkish delight is available in numerous Flavors- rose, pistachio, lemon and so on. These chewy, soft, sweet cubes make the best souvenir or snack during your city walk. Even some of the Tour Packages to Istanbul involve going to the traditional confectionery stores to taste the authentic lokum.
6. Meze A Collection of Small Dinners
Meze refers to a variety of appetizers or drinks accompaniments. Mezes range in variety, as there is hummus and baba ghanoush, dolmas and olives, and much more to taste and to get acquainted with Turkish gastronomic culture. It tastes best with friends in a busy meyhane (Turkish tavern).
7. Baklava- the sultan Dessert
Baklava is a multi-layered pastry prepared using filo dough, filled with nuts chopped and sweetened using syrup, or honey. This entry of royal desserts is fine-tuned by generations of watchers in Istanbul. On the side of people who have booked cheap Istanbul vacation packages, it is advisable to locate a local patisserie that has freshly baked baklava.
Conclusion
You cannot afford going to Istanbul without trying the local cuisine. Food in the city is the direct link of the culture richness of a city and diversity of people living in it. Be it biting your way into a juicy doner, the fluffy piece of baklava or a sip of the traditional tea, each of those dishes makes your Istanbul experience. Memories formed in the markets, bakeries and cafe of Istanbul usually outlive the memories formed on tourist attractions.
Luckily, with various Tour Packages to Istanbul, travelers can easily find culinary adventures included in their itinerary. Whether it’s foods in Istanbul walks through hidden alleyways or dinners in local homes, food becomes a bridge between traveler and culture.
Holiday Packages to Istanbul are designed to offer both sightseeing and the joy of authentic local tastes. And thanks to numerous affordable Istanbul vacation packages, these delicious experiences are within reach for everyone. So, come hungry—because Istanbul is ready to serve you a feast like no other.
