Apr 02
Monday
Since You Asked: Istanbul on a Student Budget?
Dear Istanbul Eats:
In September I will be going to Europe for the first time and have decided to throw in a visit to Istanbul at the end of the trip. I’m a student and so my budget for travelling is limited, but, as I love food, I’m not exactly crazy about partaking of the classic backpacker “soup of the day” thing (one bowl of soup for the whole day). I was hoping you guys at Istanbul Eats would know of a few places that strike the happy middle ground of being delicious cheap eats, but in places where the local flair can be soaked up at the same time. Thanks!
Young & Hungry, Boston, MA
Dear Y&H,
Although our own student days are, sadly, long behind us, we still approach every day as if we still had a pack firmly attached to our back. Now, as then, our daily culinary mission remains the same: How to maximize our eating pleasure while minimizing what we spend. So, in that sense, you will find that most of the spots reviewed on Istanbul Eats are backpacker friendly, with memorable food served along with friendly prices.
That said, a few more specific tips to keep you from having to get more cash wired from home. Continue…
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Quick Look
Recent Posts
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Fazil Bey Kahvesi: Fad Proof
4 responses - Posted 05.18.12
Two young men stood about 15 feet apart on a sunny narrow street in the Kadikoy market, chafing in their brown lab coats. The one tending to a handful of white marble tables barked “buyrun!” (roughly, “come and get it!”) at passersby, the other quietly wiped down seven or eight black marble tables. The black tables – the ones in front ... continue -
Döner on the Side of Caution
1 response - Posted 05.17.12
We've previously sung the praises of Kasap Osman, a standby doner spot in the increasingly touristed Sirkeci neighborhood, but we've been getting unsettling reports from reliable sources that things might be slipping over there. We'll go to Osman's to check things out ourselves, but for now we suggest diners approach the spot with lowered expectations. Better yet, check out this ... continue -
Five Favorite Old-School Meyhanes
no responses - Posted 05.11.12
A recent article in one of Turkey’s English-language newspapers, describing plans by Mey İçki, Turkey’s largest producer of raki, to introduce the anise-flavored liquor to Europe, left us both steamed and amused. As part of its efforts to promote the consumption of raki, it appears the company – along with an outfit called the Tourism Research Association (TURAD) – has ... continue -
And the Winner Is….
3 responses - Posted 05.03.12
We are very proud to announce that we have been voted "Best Culinary Travel Blog" in Saveur Magazine's third annual Best Food Blog Awards competition. The competition was stiff and we were honored just to be included among that group of six finalists. A victory by any one of us would have been a victory for good taste. Thank you ... continue -
Vahap Usta: The Man Who Would Be (Kokoreç) King, Pt. I
1 response - Posted 05.01.12
Vahap Usta pulled a pair of reading glasses from the inside pocket of a snug dinner jacket and sifted through a stack of newspaper clippings. Here was a full spread from a major daily paper proclaiming him the “King of Kokoreç” and another with him in his signature tuxedo and bowtie in front of his stand in the central Sirkeci ... continue -
Island — and Table — Hopping in Istanbul
1 response - Posted 04.25.12
Istanbul's Princes' Islands, a lovely archipelago just off the city's Asian shore, offer what we believe to be the best travel bargain anywhere in the world. Whenever we're in need of a vacation but can't afford the airfare, a ferry awaits to take us to the islands. For the price of just a few liras, we're transported to a small ... continue -
Beyoglu Burger Wars: Counter Offensive
8 responses - Posted 04.23.12
Six months ago we were very concerned to see one of our favorite burger joints, Mano Burger, closed down. The workers gutting the place told us there was financial trouble. Someone else said they’d opened up shop on the Asian side, in Bostanci. For six months, Mano seemed to go incognito. We were then equally puzzled a couple of weeks ago ... continue
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Fazil Bey Kahvesi: Fad Proof
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All entries filed under Advice
If You Insist: Pandeli?
3 responses - Posted 01.11.12
Dear Istanbul Eats, I've heard and read so much about the historic Pandeli restaurant in Eminonu's Spice Bazaar, including that it's nothing more than an overpriced tourist trap. Have you been there recently? Is it worth going to? Concerned in Cincinnati Dear Concerned, Thanks for the great question. Pandeli is indeed a venerable spot ...continue
3 responses - Posted 01.11.12
Dear Istanbul Eats, I've heard and read so much about the historic Pandeli restaurant in Eminonu's Spice Bazaar, including that it's nothing more than an overpriced tourist trap. Have you been there recently? Is it worth going to? Concerned in Cincinnati Dear Concerned, Thanks for the great question. Pandeli is indeed a venerable spot ...continue
If You Insist: Hamdi?
7 responses - Posted 08.22.11
Dear Istanbul Eats, I have heard so much about the famous Hamdi kebab restaurant in Eminonu, but can’t find anything about it on your website. Is there a reason for that? Curious in Chicago Dear Curious, Thanks for the great question. We’ve ourselves been curious about Hamdi, which we haven’t been to in ages, ...continue
7 responses - Posted 08.22.11
Dear Istanbul Eats, I have heard so much about the famous Hamdi kebab restaurant in Eminonu, but can’t find anything about it on your website. Is there a reason for that? Curious in Chicago Dear Curious, Thanks for the great question. We’ve ourselves been curious about Hamdi, which we haven’t been to in ages, ...continue
Ramadan’s Iftar: The Break Fast of Champions
1 response - Posted 07.29.11
Think of Ramadan as a kind of month-long biathalon that consists of an all-day race to beat back the hunger and thirst of fasting, followed by an all-night marathon of eating and drinking in order to fortify the body for the next day’s fast. In recent years in Turkey, iftar, ...continue
1 response - Posted 07.29.11
Think of Ramadan as a kind of month-long biathalon that consists of an all-day race to beat back the hunger and thirst of fasting, followed by an all-night marathon of eating and drinking in order to fortify the body for the next day’s fast. In recent years in Turkey, iftar, ...continue
Since You Asked: Eating During Ramadan?
no responses - Posted 07.08.11
(Editor's Note: With Ramadan set to start at the end of the month, we decided to rerun this timely advice column from last year.) Dear Istanbul Eats, I booked my trip to Istanbul months ago, looking forward to trying out many of your recommendations, only to realize just before leaving that I ...continue
no responses - Posted 07.08.11
(Editor's Note: With Ramadan set to start at the end of the month, we decided to rerun this timely advice column from last year.) Dear Istanbul Eats, I booked my trip to Istanbul months ago, looking forward to trying out many of your recommendations, only to realize just before leaving that I ...continue
Since You Asked: Istanbul with Kids?
3 responses - Posted 05.27.11
Dear Istanbul Eats, We are planning an upcoming visit to Istanbul with two little ones in tow. My husband and I love to be adventurous with food and want to explore the city’s culinary scene, but are also a bit concerned about finding “child friendly” places to eat. Can you help? Foodie ...continue
3 responses - Posted 05.27.11
Dear Istanbul Eats, We are planning an upcoming visit to Istanbul with two little ones in tow. My husband and I love to be adventurous with food and want to explore the city’s culinary scene, but are also a bit concerned about finding “child friendly” places to eat. Can you help? Foodie ...continue
Since You Asked: Where to Pop the Question in Istanbul?
no responses - Posted 05.01.11
Dear Istanbul Eats, Forget about Prince William and Kate – what about my own wedding? Can you please help my clueless boyfriend (along with millions of Turkish men) to find a nice and romantic place to propose! I am not necessarily asking for an expensive high-end restaurant, but a place with ...continue
no responses - Posted 05.01.11
Dear Istanbul Eats, Forget about Prince William and Kate – what about my own wedding? Can you please help my clueless boyfriend (along with millions of Turkish men) to find a nice and romantic place to propose! I am not necessarily asking for an expensive high-end restaurant, but a place with ...continue
Since You Asked: Springtime Specialties?
no responses - Posted 04.08.11
Dear Istanbul Eats, I've heard that springtime finds some of Istanbul's restaurants with unique seasonal items on their menu. I know the weather hasn't quite turned yet, but when spring does come, I don't want to miss out on any of those dishes. Do you have some suggestions on what to ...continue
no responses - Posted 04.08.11
Dear Istanbul Eats, I've heard that springtime finds some of Istanbul's restaurants with unique seasonal items on their menu. I know the weather hasn't quite turned yet, but when spring does come, I don't want to miss out on any of those dishes. Do you have some suggestions on what to ...continue
Since You Asked: Jewish Istanbul?
no responses - Posted 03.11.11
Dear Istanbul Eats, For an upcoming trip, I’ve been searching for Jewish restaurants in Istanbul, but without any luck. I thought I would turn to a higher authority and ask what you can suggest? Thank you, N. Osher, Bethesda, Maryland While Istanbul has a sizable Jewish community (perhaps some 20,000) with a long ...continue
no responses - Posted 03.11.11
Dear Istanbul Eats, For an upcoming trip, I’ve been searching for Jewish restaurants in Istanbul, but without any luck. I thought I would turn to a higher authority and ask what you can suggest? Thank you, N. Osher, Bethesda, Maryland While Istanbul has a sizable Jewish community (perhaps some 20,000) with a long ...continue
Since You Asked: High-End Istanbul?
1 response - Posted 02.18.11
Dear Istanbul Eats, Kofte, kebab. Kofte, kebab. Kofte, kebab. I understand the appeal of a good-value lunch or dinner, but do you guys ever go out for a splurge? Any advice for those of us who like to live high on the lamb? Big Spender in Brussels Dear Spender, Guilty as charged. We do ...continue
1 response - Posted 02.18.11
Dear Istanbul Eats, Kofte, kebab. Kofte, kebab. Kofte, kebab. I understand the appeal of a good-value lunch or dinner, but do you guys ever go out for a splurge? Any advice for those of us who like to live high on the lamb? Big Spender in Brussels Dear Spender, Guilty as charged. We do ...continue
Since You Asked: Cruising to Dinner?
4 responses - Posted 01.28.11
(Editor’s Note: This post is part of our occasional “Since You Asked…” advice column. We welcome our readers’ questions, so feel free to send any you might have to istanbuleats@gmail.com) Dear Istanbul Eats: The Asian side’s Korfez was always my very special night out when friends came to town, especially since ...continue
4 responses - Posted 01.28.11
(Editor’s Note: This post is part of our occasional “Since You Asked…” advice column. We welcome our readers’ questions, so feel free to send any you might have to istanbuleats@gmail.com) Dear Istanbul Eats: The Asian side’s Korfez was always my very special night out when friends came to town, especially since ...continue
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