Istanbul Evening Food Tour: Taksim, Istiklal & Local Eats

4.83

(59 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Right as the sun dipped behind the rooftops, we found ourselves weaving through the buzz of Istiklal Street. The air smelled faintly of roasted chestnuts and something spicy—maybe it was the Cig Kofte stand tucked between a music shop and a tiny bookstore. Our guide, Cem, handed us a soft wrap filled with bulgur and fresh mint. I’ll admit, I hesitated at first—raw meat isn’t my usual go-to—but the mix of herbs and lemon made it surprisingly light. You could hear the tram bell in the distance, and locals chatting over tea at outdoor tables.

A quick stroll brought us to Taksim Square, where street musicians played old Turkish songs. We ducked into a family-run spot for Icli Kofte—sort of like a crispy meatball with pine nuts inside. Cem showed us how they shape them by hand, pressing the dough just so. The outside was golden and crunchy; inside, warm and nutty. It’s easy to see why this is a favorite after-work snack here.

Later, we crossed under the glow of Galata Tower and made our way toward a kebab place that only locals seemed to know about. The Cag Kebab was sliced straight from a horizontal spit—juicy lamb with just a hint of smoke. You could taste the difference compared to what you get at touristy spots. By now, my hands smelled like grilled meat and sumac.

We finished near the Spice Bazaar, where dessert shops spill light onto the cobblestones. The baklava here was flaky and not too sweet—layers of pastry with pistachio and honey syrup that stuck to your fingers. I grabbed an extra piece for later, because honestly, who can resist?