When I set my arrangements for Istanbul, I was excited to experience authentic Turkish food for the first time. Having read about the diversity of their culinary work, I was surprised to hear that Turkish cuisine is full of herbs like sage and rosemary layered on meats, grains and vegetables.
Most people assume that Turkish food is all kebabs and baklava. The kebab doesn’t even originate from Istanbul! It actually comes from an area of Turkey that is further East into the country. Nevertheless, the kebab is readily available (especially near tourist attractions), but the bread is dry and flavorless and the meat is nothing special making the higher price unjustifiable. Long story short, skip the kebab sandwiches. If you want kebabs, look in residential neighborhoods for meat specialty restaurants. However, one thing that is worth getting at the kebab sandwich stands is the pomegranate juice. There is something satisfying about watching fresh pomegranates get squeezed by hand, on the spot, just for you. Think of the antioxidants!
And although the kebabs do not live up to the hype in Istanbul, the baklava does. On my last day there, I was sick to my stomach from eating a fist-sized slice of the sticky dessert. The napkin on which it was presented to me was stained with butter grease.
Most people assume that Turkish food is all kebabs and baklava. The kebab doesn’t even originate from Istanbul! It actually comes from an area of Turkey that is further East into the country. Nevertheless, the kebab is readily available (especially near tourist attractions), but the bread is dry and flavorless and the meat is nothing special making the higher price unjustifiable. Long story short, skip the kebab sandwiches. If you want kebabs, look in residential neighborhoods for meat specialty restaurants. However, one thing that is worth getting at the kebab sandwich stands is the pomegranate juice. There is something satisfying about watching fresh pomegranates get squeezed by hand, on the spot, just for you. Think of the antioxidants!
And although the kebabs do not live up to the hype in Istanbul, the baklava does. On my last day there, I was sick to my stomach from eating a fist-sized slice of the sticky dessert. The napkin on which it was presented to me was stained with butter grease.
While in Istanbul, the real cuisine is fish. The fish and tomato sandwiches, fried mussels with rice and squid are all fantastic. Head to the Eminönü district for everything fishy.
Tea is another culinary delight. Turkish people drink the most tea per day, an average of 20 cups a day, according to a 2003 study. Most cafés will give you complimentary glasses of tea after you order the first one. In addition to black tea, many locals drink apple tea as well, which tastes like warm apple cider.
Tea is another culinary delight. Turkish people drink the most tea per day, an average of 20 cups a day, according to a 2003 study. Most cafés will give you complimentary glasses of tea after you order the first one. In addition to black tea, many locals drink apple tea as well, which tastes like warm apple cider.
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