Turkish cuisine is considered one of the world's three great cuisines alongside French and Chinese, and Istanbul is its most spectacular showcase. Here the culinary traditions of Anatolia, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Balkans and the Caucasus converge, creating a mosaic of flavors that goes far beyond kebab.
What makes Istanbul's food scene special isn't just the quality of its cuisine, but how it's woven into daily life. Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) is a social ritual of overflowing tables; lunch might be a quick lahmacun from a street stall or a lokanta set menu of home-style stews; and dinner can range from a sophisticated meyhane restaurant with meze and rakı to a simple balık ekmek by the Galata Bridge.
The most important thing to know: Istanbul's best food is rarely found in restaurants overlooking the monuments. Locals know that quality lies in the side streets, neighborhood markets and lokantas with no English menu. A local food guide will take you to exactly those places you'd never find on your own.
In this topical guide we've gathered everything you need to enjoy Istanbul's gastronomy: from must-try dishes to the best markets, including the sacred experience of Turkish breakfast. Each article includes specific recommendations and tips from someone who's been eating their way through this city for years.
