Istanbul Chronicles Part 2 (Fabulous food and the spice of life)

A journey for the taste buds

Hafiz Mustafa (Turkish Sweets)-Taksim, Istanbul Photo by Naila Tasneem

Istanbul is known for its exotic traditional Turkish cuisine, along with breathtaking views that make the whole experience very enjoyable. Before getting into what I tried and what I expected, I just want to highlight the important link between travel and food.

When I was planning my recent travel to Istanbul, I could feel a sense of excitement rise inside of me that I hadn’t felt in years. I was looking forward to an endeavor that feeds the soul and enlightens the heart. Moreover, I had several things in mind that I wanted to treat my taste buds with when I reach there. Every place and city has some specialties to its culture, traditions, and preferences that define its unique identity and history. This may also be linked with climate conditions and local produce. It is always best to check what locals usually eat, as it helps in making more mindful choices and blending in with the environment without hassle.

It was certainly helpful for me to watch YouTube videos and other content to learn about the popular treats and foods. However, don’t do too much research since trying and exploring things locally helps to have a rewarding and inspiring experience. Let your own personal experiences and circumstances determine what is best for you and fill your heart with happiness.

For example, my favorites in the wish list before travel included cheesecake near Galata Tower, Hafiz Mustafa’s baklava, Kunafa, and lamb kofte. However, my experience turned out to be based on how I was feeling and found tempting during my trip. Also, I wanted to eat healthy and did not just want to gobble down too many fries or junk food to fill myself. Hence, I gradually moved towards healthy and nutritious choices, whenever possible, to reduce digestive strain on my stomach during travel. Additionally, I didn’t have an extreme sweet tooth during my trip. Even though I had planned to try a lot of cheesecake, baklava, ice cream, and other pre-trip desires, things changed, and I didn’t feel like having these during my stay. I didn’t feel like having lots of sweets except for trying some local specialties, which, originally, I hadn’t planned on trying, but ended up buying various combinations.

Hence, I would suggest not trying something just because you had planned to do so, especially if you don’t feel like it. Keep your options open, and something might surprise you ;). It’s good to be flexible during travel for a top-notch experience. Your own inner richness and joy are more important than living feeling trapped by your plans.

Moving on to the options that I can recommend to other travelers, based on my own personal choices and experiences, are mentioned below:

1. Adana Kebab

Adana Kebab (Istanbul, Turkey) Photo by Naila Tasneem

Adana Kebab is one of my favorite Turkish dishes. I had tried it before in Pakistan and the USA. I also make it myself, and it tastes great. It is a wonderful mix of spices and meat in just the right proportion and is one of the best grilled meats I have tasted. I really enjoyed this dish at a place near the Spice Bazaar. It is light, energizing, and you can order it with rice or bread. It served as a perfect lunch during my shopping trip. Just look for a clean, beautiful place, and you will find many restaurants where you can have it. I relished the taste and soaked in the sunlight with a beautiful outdoor view as I ate. Also, I enjoyed a little chat with the locals about my favorite destinations and best things to look for.

2. Turkish Tea

As I entered the Spice Bazaar, I could sense the grandeur and variety of the Turkish culture. It offered numerous delicacies and products. I was greeted with enthusiastic cheers of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ or ‘Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan’ (both meaning long live Pakistan) by several shopkeepers who invited me into their stores to taste their products and offered special discounted prices after learning I was from Pakistan. I was truly flattered by such warm gestures. I tried Turkish sweets, herbal teas, spice mixtures, and perfumes. There are so many varieties in each product that it can become hard to choose from.

This one particular tea I found extremely refreshing was a mixed tea that had several flower extracts, and I immediately decided to buy it as soon as I tasted it. I highly recommend tasting anything before purchasing, as there are so many varieties, and the best way to find the best option is to actually try them.

Turkish Mixed Tea or Kehwa- Photo by Naila Tasneem

3. Turkish Doner

I tried the Turkish Chicken doner from Merdo restaurant in Istanbul. It was quite filling and tasted good. It is served with rice and a thin piece of bread. It is also one of the most famous Turkish dishes, and one can also try it with lamb and beef. The sliced grilled meat is seasoned mildly and is usually served with rice, bread, fries, and pickles.

Merdo- Turkish Restaurant, Istanbul Photo by Naila Tasneem

In addition to the above, each place has something unique to offer. Also, there is a price differential in different locations. Do not forget to try the special Turkish coffee available in the Spice Bazaar. Turkish ice cream is also scrumptious. The one I tried was pistachio and vanilla. Traditional Turkish breakfast is also wonderful with different combinations, and I tried it with an iconic view from my hotel.

The Sultanahmet district is the historic district of Istanbul. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a journey into an array of historical landmarks. The local Turkish hot dog I tried somewhere near Sultanahmet from a local food cart was surprisingly very appetizing. The hot dog was juicy with pickles thrown in, and it served as a perfect snack during sightseeing.

I hope this will be helpful for anyone planning their trip to Istanbul. There is still so much more I want to try, and I guess I will save that for a future trip. My experience was based on valuable exposure and insights while conserving my energy and preparing for upcoming ventures. One of the ways to de-clutter the mind and find inner peace is to try something different and unexpected. It eases stress and gives composure. Just walking down unknown streets, hanging around strangers, visiting alluring sweet shops, and fascinating stores can inspire and energize you.