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Where to eat in Istanbul
Istanbul, though not the capital of Turkey, is its largest city and its centre of business and culture. It has over 13 million inhabitants, taking up 18% of the population of the country, and if the Asian half of the city is included, it constitutes the third largest metropolitan area in Europe. So, quite and important city, but that's not the half of it. Istanbul has been the centre of many different civilizations, and has existed under names such as Constantinople (under the Romans) and Byzantium (under the Byzantines).
The fact that it has been such an influential place in all these times, and for all these different people, means that Istanbul has developed a rich and varied culture. And this can be seen in the spectacular array of glorious foods on offer. From the satisfying ili kfte bought at street markets, or the hearty stews and meat dishes found in high-end restaurants, Istanbul can cater for some very large appetites. But where is the best place to go to eat there?
For a somewhat unusual experience, Galata House is a great choice. It runs from a building that between 1904 and 1919 was a British jail, but has been successfully and beautifully restored to its current purpose. It is run by husband and wife, Nadire and Mete Gktuğ and serves mainly recipes passed down from Nadire's Georgian mother. A must have option is the hingali, which is meat-filled dumplings swimming in a fantastic tomato sauce.
Erzincanli Ali Baba Fasulyeci is a great and popular choice of establishment. It has been serving food since 1924, but used to be the theological-school library in the Sleymaniye Mosque. One of its most renowned dishes (and quite deservedly so) is the kuru fasulye consisting of haricot beans, Anatolian-style, in spicy tomato sauce.
There are plenty more establishments offering beautiful meals, but you haven't experienced Istanbul until you've tried some of the delicious morsels found on street stalls. From savoury snacks to rich sweets, you can make a meal out of sampling this food. Or why not give in to a nice succulent kebab?
The fact that it has been such an influential place in all these times, and for all these different people, means that Istanbul has developed a rich and varied culture. And this can be seen in the spectacular array of glorious foods on offer. From the satisfying ili kfte bought at street markets, or the hearty stews and meat dishes found in high-end restaurants, Istanbul can cater for some very large appetites. But where is the best place to go to eat there?
For a somewhat unusual experience, Galata House is a great choice. It runs from a building that between 1904 and 1919 was a British jail, but has been successfully and beautifully restored to its current purpose. It is run by husband and wife, Nadire and Mete Gktuğ and serves mainly recipes passed down from Nadire's Georgian mother. A must have option is the hingali, which is meat-filled dumplings swimming in a fantastic tomato sauce.
Erzincanli Ali Baba Fasulyeci is a great and popular choice of establishment. It has been serving food since 1924, but used to be the theological-school library in the Sleymaniye Mosque. One of its most renowned dishes (and quite deservedly so) is the kuru fasulye consisting of haricot beans, Anatolian-style, in spicy tomato sauce.
There are plenty more establishments offering beautiful meals, but you haven't experienced Istanbul until you've tried some of the delicious morsels found on street stalls. From savoury snacks to rich sweets, you can make a meal out of sampling this food. Or why not give in to a nice succulent kebab?