A whole library could be written about how deliciously they cook food in Turkey, however, we will try to mention the most important things within the framework of this article. You can start your acquaintance with Ottoman cuisine with coffee or tea. Traditionally, these drinks are served in small portions with a piece of Turkish delight and a glass of cool water. Turks treat the process of drinking coffee with respect and pay great attention to serving (this is not Bulgarian burnt coffee from a machine). For breakfast, you should try “menemen” - a type of omelette in the Turkish style, traditionally served in a special metal bowl with graceful handles.
Perhaps the main gastronomic feature of Istanbul is the fast food “balik ekmek”: every evening Eminonu Square is filled with the aroma of fried fish sandwiches. Try it: cheap, fatty, fishy, colorful! For dessert you should definitely try Turkish delight. Istiklal Street is the best place for its tasting, which is usually free, even if you don't buy anything. By the way, the most delicious Turkish delight is with dried rose and pistachios.
Balyk ekmek sandwich. 7 liras Turkish beer Bomonti Dondurma. 3 lira/ball
Turkish ice cream: sorbet and dondurma, is sold in Istanbul on almost every corner. Some sellers make a whole show of the sales process: they spin it on a long metal spoon, do not give it to the buyer in any way, you can participate, but when you finally get your cone, the ice cream is almost melted.
The local brewery Bomonti produces several varieties: unfiltered, red ale, dark stout. You can buy it in large supermarkets, such as Carrefour, or drink it on tap in one of the bars, away from Orthodox areas. The price of a bottle in a store is 12 liras, in a bar - 60. Effes beer is also brewed in Turkey, but it is no different from what is sold in Bulgaria. The Turks cook incredibly delicious food and sightseeing can easily turn into a gastronomic tour.
The best places and attractions of Istanbul
- The Grand Bazaar is the very “heart of the city”. Worth a visit even if you don't plan on shopping. The prices for the goods are not indicated here, based on the unreasonable tourist, be careful.
- There are a huge number of mosques in Istanbul: the Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye, Sultanahmet, Fatih... Entrance is open to everyone, photography is allowed, visiting is free. The main thing is to take off your shoes before entering. The interior and decor of the mosques are very similar, although experts, of course, assure that this is not the case.
- Gulhane Park literally means “house of roses”. However, tulips are planted here in the spring. Instead of sparrows, green parrots live in the park. You can have a picnic on the grass and watch how the locals spend their time. Visiting is free.
- The ancient “shopping and entertainment” street Istiklal, filled with tourists at any time of the day, here you can have a snack and do some shopping. If you haven’t been to Istiklal, you haven’t been to Istanbul. To understand the rhythm of this city, you need to walk through it at least once.
- Pedestrian bridge "Attaturk" and bridge-restaurant "Galatsky". Be careful, prices are higher than in other places, but the view of the sunset or city lights is amazing.
- Eminonu Square.
Tram on Istiklal Street
Where is the best shopping in Istanbul?
The center of Istanbul resembles a large market. There is something for sale on every corner: food, dishes, clothes, chandeliers, wedding dresses, jewelry, spices, textiles, shoes, watches or dondurma. If you want to buy fancy Turkish trinkets at inflated prices, head to the Grand Bazaar. The Laleli area is known for a large number of clothing stores, branded and not so much. However, the best place for shopping is, of course, Istiklal Street, there are expensive world-famous brands, and nearby in the alley are equally high-quality counterfeits.
Coffee lovers should take Turkish coffee Kurukavechi with them, the average cost is 35 liras/500 g. You can also buy it in Bulgaria, but only 2-3 times more expensive. Kurukavechi Nuri Toplar is a type of coffee with herbal aroma for true coffee connoisseurs. A golden Turk without painting will cost you 25-40 liras.
The average cost of delicious Turkish delight is 78 liras/kg
Cultural Features of Istanbul
- There are a lot of cats on the streets of the city. Local residents treat them with respect, as legend says that all cats are descendants of the Prophet Muhammad’s favorite, Muizza. Cats are allowed in mosques.
- There is no extreme heat in Istanbul, even in August, as the Bosphorus Strait provides access to sea winds. However, do not forget about a hat and cream for protruding parts of the body.
- Istanbul is an interesting city with a long history, but after a long walk you want to quickly return to your room and wash yourself from head to toe. The city is dirty: the Turks leave garbage everywhere, and the street cleaners don't do much cleaning.
- There is Ikea in Istanbul. In addition to other interesting dishes, the restaurant menu includes dolma and Turkish kalach with poppy seeds, a lot of confectionery, but no alcohol at all.
- Istanbul is not the United Arab Emirates, here you can wear short dresses, ladies will only need to “curtain” when entering the mosque.
- Turks say “Hello” when they answer the phone, listen - it’s funny.