Private Food Tour in Local Food Markets in Asian Side by Van

Discover the flavors and sights of Istanbul’s Asian side through a comprehensive private food tour in local markets by van. Priced at $284 per person and lasting approximately 6 hours, this experience offers a deep dive into the city’s culinary and cultural contrasts between its two continents. The tour is led by an expert local guide and includes visits to less-touristy markets, famous mosques, and iconic bridges, all away from the typical crowds.

This tour is perfect for those eager to explore authentic local flavors, enjoy panoramic views, and learn about Istanbul’s history through its food. The focus on seven unique food stops guarantees a variety of tastes, from traditional Turkish cheeses to Kurdish specialties, making it an enriching experience for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. The only consideration is that the tour involves visiting mosques, so comfortable shoes and modest attire are recommended.

Key Points

• Private 6-hour experience with a knowledgeable local guide
• Seven food stops offering a rich variety of Turkish and Kurdish dishes
• Visits to Ortaköy Mosque and the first Bosporus bridge with scenic views
• Tastes include cheeses, olives, halva, Tantuni, and Künefe dessert
• Includes ferry ride, luxury transportation, and all taxes and fees
• Designed to explore less-touristy markets away from crowds

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The Tour Begins with Breakfast Shopping at a Local Dairy Store

The tour starts with hotel pickup and a visit to a local dairy store near the Spice Bazaar. Here, the expert guide handles your breakfast shopping, selecting fresh cheeses, olives, and specialty spreads like hazelnut and pistachio pastes. After shopping, guests enjoy a Turkish breakfast at a nearby café, featuring Menemen, Simit bread, and Turkish cay tea.

This early stop provides a genuine taste of Istanbul’s everyday life, away from tourist centers. The breakfast experience emphasizes quality ingredients and traditional preparation, making it a delightful introduction to the city’s flavors. The guide’s local knowledge enhances this initial taste, explaining the significance of each item.

Visiting Ortaköy Mosque and the First Bosporus Bridge

Next, the tour leads to the Ortaköy Mosque, famous for its stunning location on the Bosporus and picturesque views. Visitors get an excellent photo opportunity of the mosque with the Bosporus Strait and the first bridge connecting Europe and Asia in the background.

While here, the group appreciates the scenic views of the Bosporus and the historical significance of the bridge, built in the 1970s. This stop offers a chance to absorb Istanbul’s unique position straddling two continents, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos.

Exploring Camlica Mosque on Istanbul’s Highest Hill

The guide then takes guests to Camlica Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity of sixty thousand people. Located on Istanbul’s highest hill, this mosque offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Bosporus.

Inside, visitors need to wear modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees, and women should wear a scarf, as per the site’s rules. The architecture combines traditional Islamic design with modern touches, and the towering structure makes for a spectacular sight. The view from the hill is especially striking, giving a sense of Istanbul’s sprawling beauty.

Sampling Local Street Food at Kadköy Market

The tour’s culinary highlight is a visit to the Kadköy Food Market, a lively hub where the guide introduces a variety of Turkish and Kurdish street foods. Here, guests taste sun-dried pastrami (beef), pickled vegetables, and fermented goat cheese called Tulum, which ages in goat skins for two years.

Other stops include Tantuni, a diced beef or chicken wrap in lavash bread with herbs and sauce, and Lahmacun, a Middle Eastern-style pizza topped with minced lamb, onions, and tomatoes. Mussels cooked with rice and spices in their shells are also sampled, offering a fresh seafood flavor.

This vibrant market provides an authentic glimpse into local eating habits, with each stop offering distinct flavors. The guide’s explanations deepen understanding of each dish’s cultural significance, making the tasting experience both educational and delicious.

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The Inventor of Skender Kebap: A Historic Food Stop

Further along, the tour visits a family-run restaurant where the famous Skender kebap was invented by the current owner’s ancestors. The fourth-generation restaurant prepares this signature dish, which features seasoned grilled meat served with rice, vegetables, and bread.

Guests enjoy the rich flavors of the kebap, prepared with traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. This stop allows for a deeper appreciation of Istanbul’s culinary history and the stories behind its iconic dishes.

Seafood Delights: Mussels with Spices

Continuing the culinary journey, the guide introduces mussels cooked with rice and spices in their shells. The spicy, savory flavor of this dish makes it a memorable part of the tasting experience. Usually served hot, the mussels offer a fresh seafood taste that complements the other savory samples.

This stop highlights the city’s seafood richness, especially on the Asian side, and showcases the local love for spice-infused dishes. The guide ensures that guests understand the spices used and the traditional preparation methods.

Ending with Künefe and Turkish Ice Cream

The tour concludes with a mouth-watering Künefe, a dessert made from angel hair noodles stuffed with cheese and soaked in honey syrup. It’s paired with Turkish ice cream (Dondurma), which is made from goat’s milk and features a chewy texture due to its unique root ingredients.

This sweet finale is served at a well-known local spot, leaving guests with a delicious taste of Turkey’s famed desserts. The combination of warm cheese, crispy noodles, and sweet honey offers a satisfying end to the day’s culinary exploration.

Transportation, Guide, and Additional Inclusions

Throughout the tour, guests benefit from roundtrip private luxury vehicle transportation, ensuring comfort and convenience. The tour fee covers all taxes and fees, including the ferry ride across the Bosporus, which provides scenic views of the city from the water.

The professional, licensed guide fluent in English and Spanish shares engaging stories about the food, sights, and local culture. The tour’s private group setting allows for personalized attention and a flexible pace, making it suitable for those who prefer an intimate experience.

Physical Requirements and Practical Tips

Participants should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and standing during market visits and mosque visits. Since visits to mosques are included, women need to wear clothing covering shoulders and knees, along with a scarf for hair coverage.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with mobility impairments, due to the nature of the sites involved. Cancelling is flexible, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Final Words on the Asian Side Food Adventure

This private food tour in Istanbul’s Asian side offers a genuinely local experience, away from touristy spots, with a focus on authentic tastes and scenic sights. The seven tastings ensure a well-rounded culinary experience, complemented by visits to historic mosques and panoramic viewpoints.

The expert guide’s storytelling enriches the journey, making it more than just a tasting tour—it becomes a cultural exploration. The luxury transportation and ferry ride add comfort and charm, while the delicious desserts at the end leave a lasting impression.

Ideal for foodies and those interested in Istanbul’s contrasting sides, this tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into the city’s flavors and landscapes, making it a memorable addition to any visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
No, the tour involves visiting mosques, so comfortable shoes are necessary, and ladies need to wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, with a scarf for hair.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 6 hours, including all visits, tastings, and transportation.

What is included in the price?
The price covers food sampling at seven stops, roundtrip luxury vehicle transport, ferry fees, taxes, and all handling fees.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is alcohol included in the tour?
No, alcoholic drinks are not included in the package.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for a day of walking and exploring local markets and mosques.

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