Dining in Istanbul

Overview

Surrounded by water on three sides, and rich in arable land, Turkey is almost entirely self-sufficient when it comes to food – fruits and vegetables, seafood, and meats. As one of the biggest holiday destinations in the region, its most cosmopolitan city and biggest medical tourism center, Istanbul, has some of the most diverse food in the country.  In Istanbul, can sample all that this country has to offer gastronomically, without ever having to step across the city’s borders.

Local Cuisine

Ruled at one time or the other by three of the most powerful empires in history, Istanbul’s culinary influences are incredibly rich and varied.  There is much of the Mediterranean, Roman, and Greek influence, characterized by the liberal use of olive oil and the presence of stuffed vegetables, wrapped grape vine leaves, light soups, and assorted salads.  The Moslem rulers of the Ottomans brought with them a predilection for kebabs made from ground beef or lamb, and combined with tomatoes and eggplant.  Don’t miss out on the traditional mezze or accompaniment that will arrive with your plate of kebabs.  And still to this day, Turkey readily accepts recipes and culinary traditions from Africa, Asia, and Europe as it continues to remain on the cutting edge of fine food and dining. 

With the Black Sea in close proximity, fresh sea food is plentiful – take care to choose a fish that is in season, or, if in doubt, stick to sea bass, mackerel, or bluefish.  

Most meals in Istanbul ends with a pastry, and there is enough variety here to send a sweet toothed medical tourism vacationer into sugar overdrive.  There’s baklava, bread pastries, rice puddings, and other kinds of sweet confections.   For a headier local flavor, try the raki, a local alcoholic beverage that goes great with some mezes.  

Restaurant Districts

The Beyoglu, Nisantasi, and Kadikoy areas attract lunchtime office-goers and shoppers looking for a quick bite accompanied by a cup of Turkish coffee.  The area in front of the Bosporus is dotted with bakeries selling fresh baked bread, sesame simit, and pastries.  It’s also a great place to have breakfast if you enjoy people-watching in scenic coastal settings.  Up further along the Bosporus are the Etiler and Besiktas areas, which boast of a cluster of five-star restaurants that serve mainly the city’s elite (including medical tourists who don’t mind throwing down a little extra cash).

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