Eating in Istanbul is a delight – you can sample a cacophony of tastes, influenced by the disparate regions of Turkey and the many nations that have passed through this country over the centuries.  The city has many top class restaurants, of course, but it is on the street that the nation’s history and traditions are most apparent.  Choose from kebabs, fish sandwiches, stuffed mussels, sheep’s head, intestines, raw meat balls (that aren’t meat or raw), the list goes on…

Tantuni, a tasty speciality from southern Turkey, is one of my favourites – minced meat fried with spices and served wrapped in a flatbread.  If you get a taste for it you may like to visit the annual tantuni festival in Mersin.

Tantuni making in motion

Stuffed fried mussels

Chopping a sheep’s head

If you want to get a taste of the real Istanbul, I highly recommend taking a food walk with the team at Culinary Backstreets.  Food is an essential part of Istanbul life and is therefore a vital part of any trip to this amazing city.

Copyright Debbie Smyth, 26 April 2015