Guide for Foodies: 10 Best Istanbul Food Tours (2025)

Top 10 food tours in Istanbul

1. Istanbul Taste of Two Worlds Food Tour – Spice Market and Ferry

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 6 to 7 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

Join one of the best food tours in Istanbul and let the local guide take good care of you and your taste buds. During the tour, you will visit 8 different eateries and try different local dishes. Basically, the best of what Turkish cuisine has to offer.

Starting at the Spice Market with a traditional Turkish breakfast sets the stage for a flavorful experience. Then you will cross the Bosphorus by ferry to explore the more modern and chic area on the Asian side.

Exploring the local Kadıköy market is a highlight of the tour. You can expect to encounter a lot of flavors and aromas as you wander through the market, interacting with local vendors and learning about their products.

Finish up with freshly brewed Turkish coffee while sampling locally-made crispy golden baklava before your guide takes you back to the ferry.

🍽 Food that you will get to try:

• 8 uniquely different eateries and restaurants, with multiple tastings at each
• Turkish breakfast items, including cheeses, buffalo cream, hazelnut paste, honey, olives, dried beef pastrami, and simit
• Turkish tea & menemen
• street foods like dolma, tantuni, and kokoreç
• Turkish coffee with baklava

💡 Other things to note:

• small-group tour limited to 10 people
• not recommended for vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free travelers
• comfortable walking shoes recommended

What did guests love about this Istanbul food tour?

“Ali was the BEST! My husband and I had a great time learning about the history of Istanbul while eating our way through both continents. Come hungry and be ready to leave with a full stomach and more. We even went back to one of the places the next day for lunch because it was so delicious! HIGHLY recommended!!”

2. Istanbul Food Tour – History and Culture of Turkish Culinary

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 3.5 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

This Istanbul food tour takes you to the Beyoglu (Pera) neighborhood. Known for its mix of trendy restaurants, quirky meyhanes (traditional taverns), and busy food markets, Beyoglu offers a blend of Turkish culture, history, and culinary delights.

During the tour, you will get to sample some of the traditional Turkish dishes in the historical places that have been serving locals for years. These hidden corners host charming local eateries and culinary gems that may not be immediately obvious.

And just like every meal in Turkey, the tour concludes with Turkish tea and some baklava. This Istanbul food tour added a twist and included a unique pistachio baklava for you to sample something different as well.

🍽 Food that you will get to try:

• Dürüm Kebab
• İçli Köfte
• raki
• baklava
• Turkish tea
• and more food sampling

💡 Other things to note:

• small-group tour limited to 10 people
• the minimum age is 12 years
• transport by funicular included

What did guests love about this Istanbul food tour?

“Our guide, Erol, took us to great places off the beaten track. Erol is very passionate about Turkish food, not only the dishes themselves but also the cultural context around how each one is to be enjoyed. It made for a very fun, interesting – and delicious experience. One word of caution: Come hungry, and don’t eat too much at any stop, especially at the beginning – there’s so much!!!”

3. Istanbul Traditional Food Tour with Dinner on Off-Touristy-Path

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 5 to 6 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

This is one of the best Istanbul culinary tours and it takes you to explore the European and Asian sides of the city. It starts with a ferry ride across the Bosphorus River so you can visit the famous Kadikoy Carsisi market and other important food attractions.

The market will give you the chance to sample many local bites and explore the street food in Istanbul. After the tour takes you to the restaurant for a hearty meal filled with traditions and history.

Baklava and coffee on the European side is a non-negotiable part of the tour. Even if your belly is full by now.

This Istanbul food tour included 9 stops with multiple samples at each place. So arriving hungry and skipping a meal beforehand is definitely a wise choice to fully enjoy and appreciate the flavors and dishes that await you.

🍽 Food that you will get to try:

• Pastrami, pickled vegetables, olive, cheese, halva tasting, lahmacun, Tantuni, stuffed mussels
• Meze varieties, kebabs, baklava, and ice cream made of goats milk
• Unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water

💡 Other things to note:

• group tour limited to 10 people
• travel on the public ferry is included

What did guests love about this Istanbul food tour?

“We really enjoyed our evening food and culture tour. Not only was our guide knowledgeable but he was also funny and kind. The local market was amazing and we loved all the different tastings. We would never have gone into some of the shops and restaurants on our own but felt completely comfortable on the tour. Our guide was always ready with a bit of history and a joke along the way. Couldn’t recommend this anymore!!!”

4. Private Istanbul Food Tour – 10 Tastings including Raki & Padi

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 3 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

Get an insider’s perspective on the trendy Asian-side district and eat your way through Turkish cuisine. If you are looking for an intimate experience, this private Istanbul food tour is for you!

This tour offers an individual approach, which means that you can alternate the itinerary and the food that you want to sample. Or you can fully trust your local expert to navigate you around and guide you through some of the local flavors. Flexibility is the key.

Also, this Istanbul food tour includes cultural attractions in between the food sampling, which means that you will get a unique perspective and learn more things about the famous food district of Istanbul.

🍽 Food that you will get to try:

• 10 tastings
• with vegetarian alternatives

💡 Other things to note:

• this is a private tour and only your group will participate
• alternatives offered for those with dietary restrictions
• opportunity to change the itinerary: let your guide know your wishes at the beginning of the tour or contact them after booking

What did guests love about this Istanbul food tour?

“My husband and I can’t say enough good things about our time eating our way through Kadikoy with our guide, Sözüm. It wasn’t just a tour- it was more like hanging out with your cool friend who knows all the best spots. She also took us to amazing places we wouldn’t have tried on our own. Can’t recommend enough!”

5. Istanbul walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours 

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 4 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

This is one of the top food tours in Istanbul as it offers a secret dish and other hidden gems during the tour. If you are an experienced foodie and you have tried a lot of things from Turkish cuisine already, this tour is your opportunity to learn something new.

Get a unique perspective of Istanbul’s historic district of Kadikoy and discover some of the best eateries in the area. These places are often overlooked by tourists, which means that you get an authentic experience to eat at the places that you would normally miss.

During this tour, you will also pass by some famous attractions like Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Suleymaniye Mosque. If you have a limited time in Istanbul, it is your chance to tick off these sights.

🍽 Food that you will get to try:

• Lahmacun
• Doner
• Menemen
• Muhlama
• Cheese
• Manti
• Beyran soup
• Katmer
• Pide and freshly baked brown bread
• Fresh salad, vegetables, olives, etc
• Wine, coffee, water 

💡 Other things to note:

• group tour limited to 10 people
• upgrade for a private food tour is available
• comfortable shoes are recommended

What did guests love about this Istanbul food tour?

“It was awesome. The food portions were great and the food was delicious. The length of the tour was perfect.”

6. Cook with a Local: Private Home Cooking Class In Istanbul

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 3 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

If you have done some of the best food tours in Istanbul and want to try something different yet still food-related, a cooking class is the best option for you. Join a private cooking class in a warm family home hosted by the lovely mother-daughter duo, Nuray and Ipek.

This class invites you to prepare a full homemade meal from scratch. You’ll make dishes like içli köfte (stuffed bulgur meatballs), karniyarik (eggplant stuffed with minced meat and tomatoes), barbunya pilaki (beans in tomato and lemon sauce), and more.

You’ll also get to wrap up cheese börek and finish with something sweet – homemade baklava. Throughout the class, Nuray and Ipek will guide you, share tips, and talk about Turkish cooking traditions passed down through generations.

Once everything is ready, you’ll sit down together to enjoy the meal you just made, accompanied by Turkish tea or coffee, of course.

🍽 Food that you will get to try:

• Seasonal salad
• Mercimek çorbası (lentil soup)
• İçli köfte (stuffed bulgur meatballs)
• Barbunya pilaki (beans in tomato-lemon sauce)
• Karniyarik (stuffed eggplant)
• Cheese börek
• Homemade baklava

💡 Other things to note:

• this is a private tour and only your group will participate
• vegetarian option is available, please advise at the time of booking if required
• this is a cooking class so it is a hands-on experience

What did guests love about this Istanbul food tour?

“We had a great time. The hosts are very welcoming and warm. We enjoyed cooking as a family, which also includes our ten-year-old daughter and seven year old son. We learned how to cook a few Turkish recipes which we look forward to trying at home. This activity is highly recommended to anyone who enjoys soul food in warm company while learning great cooking tips. Thank yo very much for the experience!”

7. Istanbul Guided Street Food Tour Around European and Asian Sides

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 5.5 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

The half-day, small-group food tour of Istanbul is an incredible opportunity to explore Turkish cuisine. With breakfast, lunch, and snacks included, you’ll have a chance to sample a variety of street food in Istanbul, Turkey throughout the tour.

One of the highlights of this food tour is visiting Kadikoy and Karakoy. These markets offer a lively atmosphere and the best local goodies. From fresh produce to aromatic spices, you’ll have the chance to discover a wide choice of ingredients and products.

Throughout the tour, you’ll visit family-run shops and eateries, which offer authentic and traditional Turkish dishes. The guidance provided during the tour will assist you in navigating through the menus.

By exploring both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the city’s food scene. Each side has its own distinct culinary identity, influenced by different cultures and traditions.

🍽 Food that you will get to try:

• Midye
• Balık dürüm
• Kokorec
• Iskender
• Turkish coffee or Çay
• Künefe

💡 Other things to note:

• group tour limited to 10 people
• travel on the public ferry is included

What did guests love about this Istanbul food tour?

“This tour was an amazing introduction to an array of Turkish food. Our guide Salih was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing not only his knowledge about food but also of Turkey as we explored the area. The tour was extremely enjoyable and appropriately paced. Highly recommend!“

8. Istanbul Guided Walking Tours with Food and Beverage Tastings

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 3.5 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

This is one of the best Istanbul food tours, and it promises to be a delightful experience. Your guide will be able to provide insights into the preparation methods, ingredients, and stories behind each dish.

Starting in the Karakoy neighborhood, you’ll have the chance to explore and indulge in the diverse street food offerings. With the guidance of your knowledgeable guide, you’ll be able to navigate through the neighborhood and discover local culinary gems.

🍽 Food that you will get to try:

• Wet hamburger
• Dolma
• Pickles
• Meatball
• Fish Sandwich
• Lahmacun
• Baklava

💡 Other things to note:

• small-group tour limited to 8 people
• travel on the public ferry is included

What did guests love about this Istanbul food tour?

“Salih was the absolute best tour guide I’ve ever come across. He was super knowledgeable and friendly and took us to some amazing off-the-radar local food places. We had been in Istanbul for a few days before this food tour and felt that we ate the same things almost every time so Salih did a fantastic job showing us some awesome new choices! Would definitely recommend it.”

9. Private and guided Istanbul food tour – Taste of Istanbul 

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 6 to 7 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

The private guided food tour in Istanbul is a fantastic way to explore Istanbul’s food scene while receiving personalized attention from your local guide. You’ll have the opportunity to discover both popular and lesser-known foods that you may not have discovered on your own.

Throughout the tour, your local guide will introduce you to a variety of culinary delights, providing insider knowledge and recommendations. Trying local dishes that are off the beaten path will unlock authentic flavors and traditions of Turkish cuisine.

As it is a private tour, you can expect a more tailored and intimate experience, ideal for friends and family traveling together. Also, your guide can adapt the tour to suit your interests and dietary preferences.

🍽 Food that you will get to try:

• Turkish breakfast: menemen, sucuklu omlet, kaymak, and honey
• Mersin’s tantuni or liver wrap
• stuffed or fried mussels and pickles

💡 Other things to note:

• this is a private tour and only your group will participate
• vegetarian option is available, please advise at the time of booking if required
• your tour guide will meet you ‘personally’ at your hotel reception, vacation rentals, Airbnb, or cruise port

What did guests love about this Istanbul food tour?

“Furkan was our guide and knew all of the best places to sample real Turkish food. His recommendations on what to order, how to eat it, and what he thought tasted great were spot on. He was also a very pleasant person to spend the day with and very knowledgeable about Istanbul as well as Turkey. We had a great time.”

10. Private Food and Culinary Tour of Istanbul

⭐️ Rating: 5 | ⌛️ Tour Length: 6 to 7 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy a variety of traditional dishes. Each dish represents a unique aspect of Turkish gastronomy, and by tasting a variety of traditional dishes, you’ll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local food culture.

During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to have a traditional Turkish breakfast or lunch at Ocakbasi Kebab restaurant. Visiting one of Istanbul’s famous delicatessens and trying Turkish treats is another exciting part of the tour.

Turkish coffee cannot be excluded from this popular food tour in Istanbul either. But there are more delicious surprises on your way if you choose to book this private food tour in Istanbul, Turkey.

🍽 Food that you will get to try:

• beyran soup and seasonal kebabs
• stuffed mussels
• traditional home cook-style food
• Turkish desserts
• Turkish coffee

💡 Other things to note:

• this is a private tour and only your group will participate
• vegetarian option is available, please advise at the time of booking if required

What did guests love about this Istanbul food tour?

“Our guide, Furkan, was outstanding! Extremely knowledgeable and fun. We enjoyed a variety of Turkish food and drinks. It was the highlight of our Istanbul visit.”