If your taste buds crave adventure, a foodie’s weekend in Istanbul offers the perfect escape. Between the ancient spice routes and the modern café culture, Istanbul seamlessly blends tradition with innovation in every bite. From sizzling street eats to elegant meze feasts, this city will treat you to a whirlwind of flavors, aromas, and unforgettable meals—all packed into a single weekend.

Day 1: Wander the Markets and Snack Like a Local

Start your journey in the iconic Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), where the air is perfumed with saffron, rose petals, sumac, and dried mint. Every stall bursts with color, offering Turkish delights, honeycombs, and nuts for you to sample. You’ll want to grab a box of lokum to nibble as you explore.

Hop on a ferry to the Asian side and dive into Kadıköy Market, a favorite among locals. Wander past heaps of fresh figs, anchovies, and homemade cheeses. Don’t miss out on the sesame-studded simit—often called the Turkish bagel. Pair it with a glass of çay and watch Istanbul buzz around you.

Must-Try Street Foods

• Balık ekmek – Grilled fish on a bun, served by the waterside in Eminönü.
• Kokoreç – Spicy, crispy lamb intestines served with a squeeze of lemon.
• Lahmacun – Turkish-style pizza topped with minced meat and herbs.
• Midye dolma – Mussels stuffed with herbed rice, sold from mobile carts.

Day 2: Indulge in a Meze Feast with Raki

No foodie’s weekend in Istanbul would be complete without a long, laughter-filled night at a meyhane. These traditional taverns—especially those tucked into Karaköy and Asmalımescit—serve cold and hot mezes alongside glasses of raki, the famed anise-flavored drink known as “lion’s milk.”

Order a meze platter and share it around the table. The joy here is in lingering over flavors, conversations, and the occasional folk tune playing in the background.

Must-Order Mezes at a Meyhane

• Hummus – Rich, nutty, and perfectly smooth.
• Haydari – Thick yogurt with dill and garlic, served cold.
• Şakşuka – Fried eggplant tossed with tomato and garlic sauce.
• Ezme – Spicy mashed salad of tomatoes, onions, and chilies.

End your weekend with a dessert crawl through Beyoğlu. Try künefe, a syrupy, cheese-filled pastry with crispy edges. Or enjoy a thick Turkish coffee with a side of baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu, a beloved institution with decades of sweet-making expertise.

Whether you’re a street food fanatic or a slow-dining enthusiast, a foodie’s weekend in Istanbul is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Every bite tells a story, and every neighborhood adds a new chapter. What dish would you fly to Istanbul for right now? Tell us in the comments below—and follow us on Instagram for more food-driven travel adventures!