Discovering the Best Local Eateries in Istanbul: Top Travel Tips
Istanbul, the city that blends tradition and modernity like no other. Apart from the rich cultural heritage, Istanbul is known for its lip-smacking delicacies. The city has a wide variety of food options that can satisfy your taste buds. If you want to experience local cuisine, you must try street food, but to discover the best local eateries in Istanbul, you need to read on. Here are our top travel tips.
1. Get Away from the Touristic Areas
If you want to experience authentic local cuisine, then avoid the tourist spots. The restaurants and cafes near the major tourist attractions are usually overpriced and serve food that is over-adapted to meet the tourists’ palates. The best way to enjoy local cuisine is to get away from the mainstream areas. Walk around the residential neighborhoods, and you will find many hidden gems that serve authentic local food.
2. Follow the Locals
One of the best ways to discover the best eateries in Istanbul is to follow the locals. Istanbul is a city where the locals take their food very seriously. You will often see locals queuing up outside the restaurants during meal hours. That is a clear sign that the food is worth trying. If you see the locals enjoying a particular dish, try it without hesitation. Also, ask the locals for recommendations. They are more than happy to share their knowledge about local food.
3. Try Street Food
When it comes to local cuisine, street food is a must-try. The streets of Istanbul are filled with vendors selling a variety of street food that is both delicious and affordable. Some of the popular street food items include stuffed mussels, simit (sesame-seed covered bread), and doner kebab. If you are unsure about what to try, look for the longest queues outside the food stalls. That’s where you will find the best street food.
4. Visit Food Markets
If you want to explore the local food scene in Istanbul, then visit the food markets. The markets are bustling with life, and you will find fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and meat. The markets also have eateries that serve authentic local food. One of the must-visit markets is the Grand Bazaar, where you will find many food stalls and shops selling a variety of spices and sweets.
Conclusion
Istanbul is a food lover’s paradise. To discover the best local eateries, you need to follow the locals, avoid the touristy areas, explore the markets, and try street food. The local cuisine is a reflection of the city’s rich culture and history. So, the next time you visit Istanbul, make sure to try the local delicacies and enjoy the best of what the city has to offer.
