What to eat and what to buy in Istanbul?

Türkiye is bordered by the Baltic Sea which explains why its cuisine is influenced by the flavors and aromas of the sea and a unique Mediterranean palate highlighted by sea fish dishes, olive oil, black olives and fermented pickled vegetables. Yet it would be an epicurean sin to not mention the desserts. We recommend three local menus and the areas which serve these delicious menus.

Balik Ekmek

There is a local gastronomic favorite in the guise of a simple fish sandwich made with a fragrantly-grilled Mackerel, paired in with freshly baked bread, fresh lettuce, onions and pickles. Squeeze lime juice to enhance the flavors even more and you have the local street food favorite, which is also served in restaurants.

To experience the original version of this unique sandwich, you are to head over to sandwich stands under the Galata Bridge. Just about every restaurant serves up this delicious sandwich. One bite is an explosion of flavors unique to the area whereby you can enjoy the sea view and Bosphorus Strait in its entirety.

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A famous sandwich location Pinpoint will lead you to a sandwich-selling boat docked by the Eminonu Harbor which has convenient areas to relax, sit and enjoy a meal by the shore.

Especially during the late afternoon till evening, the hustle and bustle of the vibrant town will come to life.

Midye Dolma

Plump orange mussels stuffed with herbed rice and aromatic spices are sold at the Asian side of Istanbul or the Kadikoy area. Alongside the charismatic pier is the local fish market and street food stalls serving seafood, which is a given that this dish will always be served fresh. Each side of the mussel of the Midye Dolma comes in bite-sized pieces. Squeeze lime juice to tame the strong flavors for enjoyment and as many mussels your heart desires.

Baklava

Türkiye’s favorite dessert is a thinly layered pastry made from filo pastry or dough, filled with nuts like pecans, peanuts or crushed pistachios and sweetened by honey or syrup plus cinnamon flavor. It is a culmination of sweetness and nutty aromas in a single bite, upon which if one isn’t accustomed to the Baklava, your first bite will reveal a burning sweetness that will entice your palates to new levels of dessert heaven.

If ever you feel exhausted and need a rest, just find a romantic corner to order a cup of hot tea to enjoy your Baklava. The sugar boost and soothing tea aroma will provide strength to continue your journey for many more kilometers.

Tips
The Baklava should be eaten with Turkish tea, either black tea or the more popular apple-flavored tea. No sugar is added to the beverage because the tea’s bitterness cuts into the sweetness perfectly. Just have fun and enjoy this famous national dessert.

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Karakoy Gulluoglu is a reputable dessert shop steeped in history because it was the first to create Baklava in 1820. The shop is located in the Karakoy area, nestled by shops serving their special versions of Baklava. You have not lived if you have not tried Baklava. Eat it at the shop. Buy a box to take home to your loved ones or take a few as souvenirs.

WHAT TO BUY

Among the myriad of local products to purchase, there are a few items that you should not miss.

• Turkish Delight: The world-famous Turkish Delight or Lokum is the quintessential signature dessert of Türkiye. Made from gel, starch and sugar, the fillings of Lokum are made up of an assortment of dried fruits, dates, pistachios, hazelnuts and walnuts. And the Lokum flavors range from orange, rose and lemon to name a few. Couple this dessert with tea or coffee for a perfect way to relax and unwind from your travels of the day.

• The Evil Eye: The Evil Eye is an eye-shaped amulet made from cerulean or sky blue, white and blue blown glass stacked together in a circular shape. This popular amulet is usually sold as souvenirs and is believed to ward off evil spirits. You can use it as a house decoration or hanging ornament above your entrance door, or just simply hang it on a tree to fend off evil.

• Turkish Coffee: Turkish Coffee is where it all began as one of the original sources of this beverage. In Türkiye, it’s not entirely about the coffee bean but it is the cezve coffee brewing method which involves grinding the coffee bean to a fine powder texture, bringing the coffee to a boil in a brass or copper container. An important tip for the cezve method is that you purchase a boiler and coffee cups to match.

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