
Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings worth booking?
Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings is a 4-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from $50 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (15)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Our evening Istanbul food tour is a cross-continental moveable feast that traces the old Silk Road, moving beyond the tourist curtain. Kicking off in the Old City, we set sail between two continents and traverse the Bosphorus Strait, linking the imperial spice markets of Europe with the rebellious street food of Asia. With 14+ tastings - ranging from slow-cooked lamb beyran soup to hand-rolled sarma - this is a unique culinary adventure designed to unlock the flavours of the Ottoman world.
What you get
About this experience
Our evening Istanbul food tour is a cross-continental moveable feast that traces the old Silk Road, moving beyond the tourist curtain. Kicking off in the Old City, we set sail between two continents and traverse the Bosphorus Strait, linking the imperial spice markets of Europe with the rebellious street food of Asia. With 14+ tastings - ranging from slow-cooked lamb beyran soup to hand-rolled sarma - this is a unique culinary adventure designed to unlock the flavours of the Ottoman world.
What's included
Included
- Max 8 exclusive guests, smallest group size in Istanbul
- 14+ food tastings included, more than any other Istanbul food tour
- Moveable feast with 8-9 stops around the streets of Eminonu (Europe) and Kadikoy (Asia)
- Bottled water included
- Led by professional foodie guides
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks excluded
- Pick up and drop off from hotel excluded. Easy-to-find meeting point for all guests.
- Vegetarians have 3-4 less tastings due to limited alternatives
- Unsuitable for severe allergies and celiac disease, due to risk of traces and cross-contamination
What you'll see and do
Istanbul
Embark on a cross-continental journey across the Bosporus Strait, from the Sultan’s spice markets of Europe, to the Anatolian ustas and street food of Asia. This is our 14+ tasting Istanbul food adventure across two continents, at the historic city terminal of the old Silk Road and Spice Route.
15 minutes here
Beneath the 17th-century domes of the Egyptian Bazaar, the air is filled with scent of cured Isot pepper and wild oregano, as we explore the vaulted pantry of Turkish ingredients. At a traditional kebab house, pull up a seat and watch the masters thread hand-minced lamb onto iron skewers, searing over charcoal flames. Pair it with hand-chopped tomato and pepper dip, fresh lavas flatbread and purple turnip juice salgam. At a family-owned eatery from Gaziantep, dip a spoon into a bowl of garlic-spiked beyran lamb soup.
60 minutes here
Board a vapur ferry, with spectacular views of the ‘Old City’ minaret skyline receding and seagulls trailing, we cross the border to Kadikoy in Asia Minor.
20 minutes here
Stop at a fresh deli in the heart of the market, presided over by its octogenarian owner for over three decades. His kitchen is serving a mini-feast of Levantine mezze; sun-yellow zucchini flowers and ribbons of sarma grape leaves stuffed with herbed rice, Cretan-style white cheese, and smoky eggplant mash.
40 minutes here
We keep the momentum going with sumac-dusted fish wrap balık durum, and a handful of midye dolma - plump mussels stuffed with aromatic rice and hit with a citric squeeze of lemon. Beyond these hidden gems, there's more surprises within the 14+ tastings waiting to be discovered in our foodie marathon. Meet two brothers who hold the secret to the perfect cig kofte - raw bulgur patties are kneaded with pomegranate molasses and tucked into crisp lettuce wraps, followed by crispy lahmacun and a frothy ayran beverage.
60 minutes here
KadIkoy
Visit a legendary institution for the ‘King of Desserts: kunefe. Shredded pastry, soaked in syrup and molten cheese. By the time we hit the pier, you’ll have conquered two continents and 400 years of culinary influence in a single evening. Join our local foodie guide to strip away the tourist veneer and claim your place at the table of the real Istanbul.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
Meet inside Coffeetopia Eminönü cafe, next to the Eminönü Ferry terminal·. It is centrally located next to the old historic quarter of Istanbul. It's easily reachable by tram, taxi, or walking.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends at Karaköy - Eminönü Vapur Iskelesi pier on the Asian side. Your guide can assist you with directions in case you want to stay longer in Kadıköy, or take a boat and transport back to your accommodation (in Taksim or Eminönü/Sultanahmet).
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- A Chef's Tour
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- See 'What to Expect' section and 'What's Included' for info on dietary restrictions
- We recommend comfortable walking shoes. Bring rain gear/umbrella, if rain looks likely. There's lot of tastings to try, come hungry!
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
10 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
AMAZING!! Highly recommend!
Sinan was an awesome tour guide, informative, funny, chilled, understood our Aussie sense of humour. We tasted many delicious authentic Turkish dishes on both the European side & Asia side (not the tourist type, only the places the locals know to go) and learnt so much about the history of Istanbul as we walked. The tastings are spread out nicely over the 4hrs so you don't fill uncomfortably full. What a wonderful way to spent the evening. Had a fantastic time, learnt so much and had a full belly by the end. Thanks Chefs Tour! We enjoyed so much we are planning to do a Chefs Tour in Singapore next month 😊
via Tripadvisor
The best of Istanbul
What an amazing experience we had with our guide Sinan. He was very relaxed and made us feel that way too. He was very knowledgeable about the culture, history and the amazing food. We feel like we have made a new friend and experienced the best of Istanbul. I would highly recommend 'A Chefs Tour' and ask for Sinan if he's available you will have an awesome experience.
via Tripadvisor
Best thing to do in Istanbul
Sinan was one of the best food guides we have had and we have done many food tours throughout the world. He had such an amazing knowledge of the local history of Istanbul, the Turkish people and different cultures that have had a influence on the food that we know as Turkish. The food variety was fantastic and we were completely full by the end of the tour. Definitely the highlight of our trip to Istanbul 😋🤙🏼
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic food tour
We had an absolutely fantastic tour with Sinan. He is an excellent guide and very knowledgeable about turkish food and the ingredients of each dish. We also learned about life for the locals in this amazing city and the food that they like to eat - not the touristy dishes that everyone knows about. We got to see both the European side and Asian side of Istanbul. We tasted some amazing food and left with full stomachs feeling like we'd made new friends along the way. I would one hundred percent recommend this tour - you won't be disappointed.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour, 100% recommend!
A wonderful food tour by a friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful guide, Okyu. Okyu was amazing - she gave us the history of both the city and the food we were sampling, and her choices for our stops on the tour were places we never would have found otherwise. She included plenty of walking between stops so we didn't get too full to enjoy each of the many plates, which I appreciated. We actually went back to several of the restaurants later in our trip because they were so delicious! Okyu also was generous with sharing other recommendations and advice for our trip. I absolutely recommend this tour - we did it on the first day and are glad we did!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $50 to $99
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by A Chef's Tour, who run 84 experiences we rank across 49 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.6 and 10 in the 90+ Club.
See everything A Chef's Tour runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 15 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
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On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings?
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Included: Max 8 exclusive guests, smallest group size in Istanbul; 14+ food tastings included, more than any other Istanbul food tour; Moveable feast with 8-9 stops around the streets of Eminonu (Europe) and Kadikoy (Asia); Bottled water included; and Led by professional foodie guides. Not included: Alcoholic drinks excluded; Pick up and drop off from hotel excluded. Easy-to-find meeting point for all guests; Vegetarians have 3-4 less tastings due to limited alternatives; and Unsuitable for severe allergies and celiac disease, due to risk of traces and cross-contam. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings?
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Meet inside Coffeetopia Eminönü cafe, next to the Eminönü Ferry terminal·. It is centrally located next to the old historic quarter of Istanbul. It's easily reachable by tram, taxi, or walking. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Istanbul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Bosphorus Bites Istanbul Food Tour with 14+ Tastings?
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Across 15 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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