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Istanbul – A Culinary Experience
Arcadia Weekly Oct 29, 2015
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Istanbul Kebob – Pieces of chicken in a creamy sauce with peppers, onions, mint, and dill on rice and potatoes.
Story and Photos by Jennifer Schlueter
Istanbul – the city on two continents, where religious tradition and ancient history clash with a modern way of life like nowhere else; where lots of Turkish men (in a 65:35 ratio to women, as I observed), women and girls with burkas, but also hand-holding Muslim couples dressed like Westerners mingle with tourists from literally every country in the world; where you can see over 3,000 mosques, and listen to their daily prayer calls; where you will eat amazing food, and meet very friendly but also very feisty individuals.
Two weeks ago, I traveled to this beautiful city and explored the culture and the food. Here are a few of my impressions. For more, please visit travelorette.wordpress.com.
The Blue Mosque.
Quick Tips for Travelers:
1. You are able to communicate almost everywhere in English or even German.
2. Wifi is literally available in every cafe or restaurant.
3. The Metro is safe and most efficient, especially during traffic hours.
4. Unfortunately, you might get ripped off.
5. The city is very walkable.
6. You can get amazing fake-brand products in Turkey.
7. The country is also known for excellent leather products.
8. Haggle every price you’re offered at the Grand Bazaar.
9. 3, or even 5 days, are too short to see everything!
10. Cab rides are cheap compared to Western Europe or the US. We paid around $10 for a 45 minute ride (in traffic).
11. Tourist attraction prices are relatively cheap (plus/minus $10).
12. Smile big at people when you talk to them.
13. You pay with Turkish Lira = TL. Get your money from an ATM.
14. My must-sees: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace.
15. What I should have done: A food tour as advertised on www.culinarybackstreets.com.
Dried fruit, tea, Turkish Delight, and more sold at the Grand Bazaar.
Baked goods including sesame rings, and pide (long bread topped with different ingredients, like a pizza).
No caption needed 😉
A gate at Dolmabahçe Palace.
A Greek salad and the typical Turkish puff bread topped with sesame seeds, which is served with every big meal.
Another variety of street food is also served on small street cards: corn and chestnuts.
Turkish lunch buffet.
Pide with cheese topped with minced meat and sausages. Many varieties of Pide exist.
The skyline of Istanbul from the Galata Tower.
